Market dynamics and commercial flows in the Mediterranean area: triangular effects among the EU, the MCPs and Italy in the fruit and vegetable sector

Political agreements and entrepreneurial relationships are two key factors for the development of the agri-food trade between the Mediterranean Countries and Europe. For its geographical position, Italy should be able to intercept the primary products from the Mediterranean Countries and work as a logistic base for processing and distribution. This paper aims to examine if the patterns and trends of the fruit and vegetable exports are different from the Mediterranean Countries to Italy and to Europe, confirming the existence of special relationships. At the same time, the paper examines the export trend from Italy to Europe and from Europe to Italy. The Constant Market Share Analysis has been performed to evaluate the import from the Mediterranean Countries as a whole and from several selected nations (Turkey, Egypt, Israel and Morocco). Conclusions show special relations between Italy and Turkey in the trade of shell fruits, while Egypt is increasing its competitiveness in all sectors choosing Italy as preferential partner.