Dried grapes market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian dried grapes market showed notable volume fluctuations between 2018 and 2024, with the highest consumption reaching 23 395 t in 2021. A sharp contraction of 22% occurred in 2022, dropping to 18 337 t. This decline was primarily driven by a broad reduction in European demand due to the economic crisis, high inflation, the war in Ukraine, and soaring energy costs, which collectively suppressed consumer spending on food items including dried grapes.

Market volume recovered to 19 918 t in 2023 and further to 22 409 t in 2024. Throughout the period, structural changes in the grape sector influenced the market; Italian producers increasingly shifted to seedless varieties, which lowered per-hectare yields but enhanced product quality. Concurrently, competitive pressure from Greece and Spain remained intense, and rising production costs prompted increased imports from extra-European countries such as Peru, Brazil, South Africa, and Chile. These factors, alongside a growing consumer interest in seedless and higher-quality products, supported a significant rise in market value, which jumped 59% to $69 million in 2024 despite more modest volume growth.

Production dried grapes in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Italy's dried grape production value rebounded after two consecutive years of decline. In 2020, output reached 9 853 thousand US dollars, representing a significant 56.0% year-over-year increase. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually decreased by 28.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 10.6%. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 6 317 thousand US dollars, when production experienced its steepest drop of 48.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy ranked 19th globally in terms of dried grape production volume.

Top producers of dried grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried grapes, 2017-2020

Italy's dried grape production in physical terms showed recovery after a two-year downward trend. In 2020, the country produced 1 960 tonnes, marking an 11.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the full 2017-2020 period, however, production declined by 36%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.8%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 1 763 tonnes, which saw the most substantial decrease of 33.0%.

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

Exports dried grapes from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's dried grape exports in physical terms showed considerable volatility during this period. The lowest point occurred in 2019 at 681 tonnes, while exports peaked in 2020 at 1 473 tonnes, creating a 2.2-fold difference between these years. The 2020 figure represented a dramatic 116.5% increase from 2019. The most significant decline was recorded in 2018, when exports fell by 43.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's dried grape exports in physical terms were relatively diversified across destinations. The Netherlands accounted for 21.6% of exports, Austria for 12.8%, and Spain for 11.1%. Together, these three countries represented 45.4% of total export flows, indicating no heavy concentration on a few key markets.

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

Italy's dried grape export values displayed an unstable pattern throughout the period. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 1 509 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2017, creating a 2.5-fold gap between these years. In 2020, exports rebounded to 2 897 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 92.0% increase compared to 2019. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2018, when export values fell by 43.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's dried grape exports in value terms were led by three key destinations: the Netherlands accounted for 18.2% of export value, the United Kingdom for 17.6%, and Belgium for 17.5%. Together, these three markets represented 53.2% 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 dried grapes to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of dried grapes in physical terms stood at 18 851 tonnes in 2020, showing a notable 13.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, though it was modest at just 0.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey dominated Italy's dried grape imports in physical terms, accounting for 84.4% of total import volume. Other trading partners held relatively small shares during this period.

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 two years of growth, Italy's dried grape import values declined in 2020. Imports totaled 38 296 thousand US dollars that year, representing a substantial 21.5% decrease compared to 2019. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 48 762 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 17.9%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Turkey maintained a dominant position in Italy's dried grape imports by value, consistently accounting for 77.5% of total import value. This indicates a high degree of market concentration, with the remaining share distributed 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