Dominican Republic Forges Alliance to Boost Mango, Avocado Exports to Italy

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic has forged a strategic alliance with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Macfrut, an Italian fruit and vegetable exhibition, to establish a permanent commercial channel for its mango and avocado exports to Italy and the broader European market. The agreement, signed recently, aims to transform the nation's agro-industry into a key driver of foreign exchange and technological advancement.

Industry, Commerce and MSMEs Minister Yayo Sanz Lovatón, FAO's Public-Private Partnerships Coordinator Patricia Jiménez Beato, and Macfrut Vice President Enrico Turroni formalized the pact.

Sanz Lovatón emphasized that the agreement positions the Dominican Republic to globally promote its agro-industry. He stated it aligns with a core government economic pillar: making agriculture a significant generator of employment and foreign currency. The strategy focuses on strengthening the value chain through technical inputs, increased foreign investment, and facilitated productive credit.

Jiménez highlighted that the partnership aims to enhance the agro-industry's connection to gastronomy. She added that Macfrut's involvement will accelerate opportunities for international innovation, foster rural well-being, and increase the Dominican Republic's competitiveness.

Turroni described Macfrut as a "friend of the Dominican Republic," offering a platform for products not only to Italians but to the entire European market and other countries. He expressed pleasure in hosting the Dominican Republic at the fair and invited many Dominicans to attend the April event.

The signing ceremony included Italian Vice Ambassador Rodolfo Colaci, Dominican Ambassador to Italy Rafael Lantigua, and Dominican Ambassador to FAO in Rome Ada Hernández, underscoring the initiative's diplomatic and multilateral nature.

A key component of the agreement is the creation of a "Dominican Pavilion" at Macfrut. This pavilion will serve as both a commercial showcase and a hub for intelligence and technology transfer within the national agro-industry.

The platform will be further bolstered by academic partnerships with institutions like the University of Bologna, ensuring market access is coupled with the modernization and innovation necessary for global competition.

For Macfrut's 43rd edition in April 2026, mango and avocado will be central to the Dominican presence. This strategy capitalizes on the historic achievement of the first avocado denomination of origin in the Americas, secured under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs' (MICM) management. This quality and origin distinction will anchor a high-profile business and technical events agenda, aiming to consolidate an exportable offering with territorial identity, increased added value, and direct connections to global value chains.