Coronavirus (COVID-19) issues affecting food industry Italy 2020

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 78 percent of Italian companies in the food industry faced a significant order decrease. According to a survey, the outsourcing of external services was difficult. For instance, 25 percent of companies were not able to find this type of providers, and especially transport. Moreover, the cancellation of trade fairs was an issue for 19 percent of the asked entrepreneurs. These events are important occasions to sign new contracts and meet partners. Furthermore, similar issues were faced by companies operating in the agriculture sector.

Changing plans amid uncertainties

Apart from trade fairs, many other events were canceled or postponed in Italy. Most organizers thought to host events starting only from October 2020. However, a lot of concern surrounded the rescheduling of events, especially the fear of a new COVID-19 wave in the fall.

Major events affected

In 2020, Italy should have hosted almost two hundred international exhibitions across 11 different regions. These events would have brought visitors and visibility to the cities hosting them and to the country. International exhibitions happening in Italy would have centered mostly on textile and fashion.