In 2010, up to $1.4 Billion (1.1 Billion Euros) worth of counterfeit foods were sold in Italy, according to a think-tank based in the country. Counterfeited items included fake Parmesan cheese and spaghetti.
The total counterfeit goods market in Italy was worth $9 Billion in 2010, causing a loss of $2.2 Billion (1.7 Billion Euros) in tax revenue.
Source: Antonella Ciancio, “”Fake in Italy” branches out into toothpaste, soaps-reports,” Reuters, October 22, 2012.