17 November 2025
Media & PressTariffs, New Markets and Diversification: An Interview with Natasha Linhart in Corriere della Sera
In a global market defined by tariffs, instability, and sudden shifts in trade policies, grasping international dynamics is essential for food industry professionals.
In her recent interview with Corriere della Sera, our CEO Natasha Linhart offers a clear assessment of this scenario, drawing on over thirty years of experience leading Atlante in international food trade.
“Our industry is navigating a complex, fast-moving phase. Diversification, new Asian markets, the impact of tariffs, and opportunities in responsive countries like Switzerland, the UK, Japan, and Korea require constant vigilance, risk analysis, and rapid decision-making. We operate in a market swinging between instability and new possibilities.”
The interview explores how Atlante is managing this transition: shifting trade flows towards Asia, mitigating uncertainties from the US market, and leveraging the strategic role of flexible partners in Europe and the East.
A concrete look at building value in a rapidly evolving sector, where complexity and the need to diversify shape our daily strategy.
"This is how we are opening new markets"
Linhart, CEO of Atlante: "Less US, more China and Korea. Diversification is crucial."
By Rita Querzé – Corriere della Sera – 15/11/25
If anyone truly has their finger on the pulse of the food sector’s tariff-driven shifts, it is Natasha Linhart. Thirty years ago, she founded the Atlante Group in Bologna. Today, she remains its CEO and majority shareholder. Atlante exports Italian food products while importing foreign specialities into Italy from around thirty countries: from Europe to Asia, extending to Brazil, Canada, and Mexico.
Atlante is, for instance, the largest importer of Greek yoghurt into Italy — supplying retail chains with products already packaged under their private labels. The same applies to Swiss chocolate, to name another key category.
What are the main export markets for Italian products? “In the UK, we supply pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pesto, breadsticks, and filled pasta — essentially all the staples of Italian cuisine,” explains Linhart, born to an English mother and Czechoslovakian father. “Swiss consumers also appreciate premium items, from specific balsamic varieties to chocolate and pistachio specialities. Beyond the UK and Switzerland, we export Italian excellence to Japan, Korea, Canada, South Africa, and China.”
And the United States? “At the moment, we have suspended business with the US. The landscape is too complex and uncertain in the Trump era,” says Linhart. “And not just regarding demand. We often face issues where shipments are sold but payments received are lower than the invoiced amount, leading to increased disputes.”
How are you reacting to the loss of the US market? “By diversifying. Exporting to China, for example, poses no issues for us. Generally, the East is a crucial destination, including Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. We monitor global events to anticipate critical issues. Currently, however, we are navigating day-by-day: I even advise our clients against long-term planning — we don’t know what next week will bring. Yet, we are not stepping back from growth. We are targeting a turnover of 330 million euros by 2026.”
Unexpectedly, the US and Switzerland appear to have reached an agreement lowering tariffs. “Until yesterday, the situation was alarming for Swiss food producers. Without access to the US market, they were flooding Europe with low-cost products, starting with Emmental,” Linhart recounts. “Now, with this agreement, things may stabilize. Assuming ‘stability’ still exists.”