Beef and buffalo meat market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the Italian beef and buffalo meat market volume increased from 1.24 million tonnes to 1.43 million tonnes. The COVID-19 pandemic then significantly impacted the sector, with market volume declining to 1.40 million tonnes in 2020 and further to 1.32 million tonnes in 2021 due to supply chain disruptions and changed consumption patterns.

After a slight recovery to 1.35 million tonnes in 2022, the market contracted sharply to 1.20 million tonnes in 2023. This was driven by a 5% decline in European beef production, scarcity of mature cattle, and reduced imports of live breeding animals. In 2024, the market recovered to 1.25 million tonnes, supported by a 9.4% rise in domestic production in the first half of the year and an 8.8% increase in live animal imports, alongside growing consumer demand for young beef.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's beef and buffalo meat production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 3 749 million US dollars, up by 4.5% compared to the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 20.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 7.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 604 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 44.8% occurring that year. In contrast, the largest increase of 37.8% was recorded in 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy ranked 12th globally in terms of beef and buffalo meat production volume.

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

Italy's beef and buffalo meat production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 1 164 thousand tonnes were produced, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 20.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 981 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 33.0% occurring that year. The largest increase of 18.2% was recorded in 2019.

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

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Beef and buffalo meat exports from Italy declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 112.8 thousand tonnes, which is 4.3% less than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 13.4%, with an annualized rate of 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and Greece were notable buyers of beef and buffalo meat from Italy, accounting for 17.0%, 15.4%, and 13.4% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share reached only 45.7% of total exports in kind, indicating they were not dominant.

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, M $ US

Exported beef and buffalo meat volumes from Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 504 million US dollars, reflecting a robust drop of 11.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 19.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 642 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 2.7% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, beef and buffalo meat from Italy was supplied to a broad set of markets. Germany, France, and the Netherlands accounted for 20.1%, 13.8%, and 11.5% of exports in value terms, respectively, but together they made up only 45.3% of total exports. Many smaller destinations contributed the remaining 54.7%.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's beef and buffalo meat import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 347.2 thousand tonnes, reflecting a decrease of 9.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 386.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 1.5% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, France, and the Netherlands were the largest contributors to Italy's beef and buffalo meat imports in kind, accounting for 20.1%, 18.1%, and 14.7%, respectively. Together, they made up 52.9% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

Italy's beef and buffalo meat imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 1 994 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate decline of 8.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 295 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 5.7% occurring that year.

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

During 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of beef and buffalo meat to Italy were distributed across a large number of markets. France, the Netherlands, and Poland accounted for 17.5%, 16.4%, and 15.1% of imports in value terms, respectively, but together they represented only 48.9% of total flows.

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

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