More than half of the UK’s food will come from overseas within a generation, reports The Guardian. According to farming leaders, a rising population and stalling farm productivity combine to erode what remains of the UK’s self-sufficiency. Farming production is worth about £26 billion a year, while the broader food industry accounts for about £103 billion to the UK economy, more than the car and aerospace industries combined.

However, it is not just a question of quantity but also quality. Eating well and in a healthy way is the next step for a population that counts one of the highest percentage of obesity in Europe.

Quality food has been the main topic of the three-day show Welcome Italia, the event organised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK which took place on 26-28^th September in London and aimed to discover and explore the best of Italian products. Quality, passion and sustainability have been the key words in a number of meetings with Italian chefs and producers.

The Chef Giancarlo Caldesi esplains how to taste olive oil while he is cooking Italian pulses at Welcome Italia.

If we take a look at data provided by Italian statistical agency ISTAT and analysed by Nomisma, nearly all of “Made in Italy” products have seen their exports growth in 2015. Pasta exports reached €2.26 billion, a 4.2% growth over the previous year. Wine exports grew by 1.4%, reaching €5.11 billion, marking a positive result compared with the weak performance that was registered halfway through the year. Olive oil products enjoyed a tiny growth (0.2%), at €1.1 billion. About 70% of Italy’s food exports reach European countries and particularly the UK is a strong market, accounting for €3 billion (+7%).