Aubergines market in Italy, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian aubergine market grew consistently from 2018 to 2023, with volume expanding from 313.7 thousand tons to 345.8 thousand tons. Production increased each year, a trend that was supported in 2020 by a global rise in fresh aubergine exports of 6.81%, integrating Italian producers into a more competitive international trade environment.

A significant shift in European consumer preferences toward fresh and organic produce, emphasizing traceability and sustainability, bolstered demand for aubergines in Italy in 2022. That same year, rising costs for fertilizers, packaging, energy, and logistics contributed to higher prices, driving the market value up to 582.7 million US dollars despite a nearly stable volume.

Market volume saw a notable jump in 2023 to 345.8 thousand tons, largely driven by a surge in imports to 33.5 thousand tons. This import growth provided additional supply to meet domestic consumption, supporting the overall market expansion during the period.

Production aubergines in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Italy ranked as the 10th largest producer of aubergines from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of aubergines, 2017-2020

World map of production of aubergines, 2017-2020

Italy's aubergine production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 304.7 thousand tonnes, marking a slight rise of 1.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.4%, which translates to an average annual increase of 2.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's aubergine production value rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 513.8 million US dollars, up by 15.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 16.9%, averaging a 5.3% annual growth rate. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 437.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 0.6% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports aubergines from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Italy's aubergine export volume increased. In 2020, exports totalled 5,656 tonnes, reflecting a modest advance of 5.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 8.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 2.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 5,385 tonnes, with the largest drop of 9.8% also occurring in that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and France led Italy's aubergine export structure in volume terms, with shares of 18.8%, 17.6%, and 15.5% respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 51.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, Italy's aubergine export value increased. In 2020, exports reached 9,537 thousand US dollars, up by 19.3% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7,997 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 8.6% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and France remained the top destinations for Italy's aubergine exports in value terms, with shares of 19.9%, 18.8%, and 16.0% respectively. Combined, these three markets represented 54.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports aubergines to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's aubergine import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 25,071 tonnes, which is 11.9% higher than in the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 27.2%, averaging an 8.4% annual increase.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was the main source for Italy's aubergine imports in volume terms, accounting for 85.7% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among numerous other destinations.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, Italy's aubergine import value increased. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 26,184 thousand US dollars, up by 13.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 7.5%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 23,077 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 3.6% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Spain consistently accounted for 85.2% of Italy's total aubergine imports in value terms, indicating a high concentration on this market. The remainder was shared among other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020