Italian version

Busto Arsizio, 3 December 2025

We took part in the conference “Il Cibo in Tavola nell’Era dell’Incertezza”, hosted by La Prealpina in Busto Arsizio, contributing to the debate with a forward-looking perspective on the future of food and the agri-food supply chain. Across discussions with entrepreneurs, producers, experts, and policy leaders, one message emerged clearly: innovation and food processing are strategic levers in a time of growing economic and cultural uncertainty.

During the debate, Pietro Paganini  highlighted a perspective too often overlooked: industrial food is not a threat to public health. When grounded in science and innovation, it is a crucial ally for food safety, competitiveness, and waste reduction.

Beyond the “UPFs” myth: why demonisation doesn’t promote health  

Industrial foods are increasingly lumped into the category of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and portrayed as health risks. This narrative is simplistic and not supported by scientific evidence.

Food processing ensures quality, hygiene, shelf life, and accessibility. The real issue is not the degree of processing, but the lack of nutrition education and the rise of unbalanced lifestyles.

A key fact makes this clear: in Italy, 83% of agricultural output is processed by the food industry. Without processing, the entire agricultural system would be economically and structurally unsustainable. Processing is what allows raw materials to be preserved, transported, and delivered to consumers with high safety and quality standards.

The value of processing: a cornerstone of the economy

Italy’s food industry continues to play a central role in the national economy: €197 billion in value generated, equal to 10% od GDP; 385.000 direct employees and more than 1.2 million across the extended supply chain; €63 billion in exports—10% of total Italian exports—and steadily growing.

Agriculture generates €64 billion, but it is processing that multiplies this value, turning raw materials into competitive, innovative, and culturally distinctive products.

Education, innovation, and smart policymaking     

The debate underscored the need to move beyond ideological positions and punitive measures. Demonizing labels—such as Nutriscore—or selective taxation do not strengthen public health.

What truly makes the difference is:

• stronger nutritional education,
• more informed consumer choices,
• smart policies that empower citizens and support innovation across the entire value chain.

When produced responsibly, industrial food is part of the solution: it ensures safety, reduces waste, and makes nutrition accessible at scale.

Agenda

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