Wide open doors to Italian kiwifruit in China. "After ten years of intense diplomatic and technical work from the Italian ministry of Agriculture, we obtained a great result for quality produces in our Country. By opening the Chinese market to Italian kiwifruit, a range of new significant possibilities of development for the Italian fruit and vegetable sector is thus displayed". With these words the Italian minister of Agriculture Luca Zaia commented the kiwifruit's admission to China. It is the first fruit product to be allowed by Beijing's authorities.

With around 500,000 tons per year, Italy is the world leading producer of kiwifruit, and it is the first biggest exporter in the northern hemisphere. More than 80% of the national yield is destined to export in more than 80 Countries, both European and non-European (USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia). Minister Zaia further commented: "The result we obtained today - also thanks to the cooperation with the phytosanitary services and the production world - is a significant sign of opening and success for the whole Italian agrofood sector".