Italy’s agricultural machinery market is rebounding, with the southern region of Puglia emerging as a key driver of growth. In 2025, tractor sales in the region rose by approximately 21.6%, signalling a strong recovery compared to the previous year and outperforming the national average.
According to data compiled by FederUnacoma using figures from the Ministry of Transport, around 1,820 new tractors were registered in Puglia in 2025, up from roughly 1,500 units in 2024. Demand has been particularly strong for vineyard and orchard tractors, which accounted for more than half of total machinery sales in the region.
Speaking at a press conference during the Enoliexpo exhibition in Bari, FederUnacoma General Manager Simona Rapastella highlighted that this trend reflects the region’s increasing focus on high-value crops. Puglia leads Italy in olive cultivation, with approximately 346,000 hectares, and ranks among the top regions for vineyards, horticulture, and citrus production. It is also a major producer of durum wheat, with over 340,000 hectares under cultivation and annual output exceeding 680,000 tonnes.
This agricultural profile is driving demand for specialised machinery tailored to high-value crops as well as equipment suited to arable farming. In this context, EIMA International 2026 is expected to play a crucial role for operators in the region. The global exhibition, organised by FederUnacoma, will take place at the Bologna Exhibition Centre from 10 to 14 November and will showcase more than 60,000 machinery models across 14 product categories.
The 47th edition of EIMA is already shaping up to be a major international event. Exhibition space filled rapidly following the opening of registrations, prompting organisers to accelerate planning. Attendance is expected to match or exceed the 1,750 exhibitors and 350,000 visitors recorded in 2024. Visitors will include international buyers, agricultural professionals, researchers, and industry stakeholders from across the globe.
EIMA 2026 will also introduce new themed areas, including EIMA Campus, focused on research and training, and EIMA Extend, dedicated to institutional engagement. These will complement established showcases such as EIMA Components, EIMA Digital, EIMA Energy, EIMA Idrotech, and EIMA Green.
Innovation will remain a central theme, with around 150 conferences and seminars planned, covering technical advancements, policy discussions, and global agricultural trends. International participation will be significant, with delegations from approximately 90 countries expected to attend, facilitating business partnerships and market expansion opportunities.
As global agriculture faces shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving trade conditions, events like EIMA International continue to play a vital role in fostering collaboration and advancing mechanisation. For regions like Puglia, this renewed momentum in machinery demand reflects both economic recovery and a strategic shift towards higher-value agricultural production.