Frozen beef market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Italy's frozen beef market value increased from 206.3 million US dollars to 255.8 million US dollars. This expansion was supported by growing consumer interest in quality and certified products, which sustained demand. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain and logistics disruptions, raising compliance costs, but the market adapted as demand for premium beef remained resilient.

Between 2021 and 2023, market size fluctuated, falling to 201.4 million US dollars in 2022 before a modest recovery. High feed prices and elevated production costs pressured farmers, leading to the slaughter of lighter animals and constraining output. Concurrently, inflation and rising consumer prices dampened beef consumption as buyers became more cautious. European regulations on animal welfare and sustainability continued to shape market conditions.

In 2024, the market surged to 308.6 million US dollars. This jump was linked to rising imports from Mercosur countries, facilitated by anticipated quotas under the EU-Mercosur negotiations, alongside a significant increase in domestic production. Despite persistent high costs for energy and agricultural inputs, the market expanded, reflecting Italy's structural reliance on beef imports and growing producer focus on sustainable practices.

Production frozen beef in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's frozen beef production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 125.4 million US dollars, marking a solid 14.0% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 45.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 68.1 million US dollars. The sharpest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 21.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019, surging 61.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

The market showed an unstable trend over this period. Production fluctuated significantly, dropping from a high in 2019 to a low in 2018, with a 1.8-fold variation. In 2020, Italy produced 27 263 tonnes of frozen beef, a slight decrease of 1.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 15 065 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 27 585 tonnes. The steepest decline was in 2018, down 18.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019, jumping 83.1%.

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

Exports frozen beef from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of frozen beef have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 34 818 tonnes, a modest 6.0% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 28%, with an average annual decline of 10.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's frozen beef exports were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. France accounted for 14.6% of exports by volume, Denmark for 13.3%, and Germany for 10.7%. Together, these three countries made up just 38.6% 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, M $ US

Italy's frozen beef export value has decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 146.3 million US dollars, a moderate 6.9% reduction compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value declined by 25.9%, with an average annual decrease of 9.5%. The largest drop occurred in 2019, falling 20.4%, while the smallest change was in 2018, with no increase or decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's frozen beef exports reached a diverse set of markets. Denmark accounted for 15.4% of export value, France for 15.1%, and Germany for 11.3%. Combined, these three countries represented only 41.7% of total export value, with many smaller destinations making up the remaining 58.3%.

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

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

Imports frozen beef to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's frozen beef imports have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 45 150 tonnes, a solid 13.5% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import volume dropped by 14%, with an average annual decline of 4.9%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 64 044 tonnes. The sharpest decline was in 2019, down 18.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising 22.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, Germany, and the Netherlands were the main suppliers of frozen beef to Italy. Brazil accounted for 43.7% of imports by volume, Germany for 13.0%, and the Netherlands for 8.9%. Together, these three countries made up 65.6% of total import volume.

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 imported frozen beef worth 268.2 million US dollars in 2020, a limited 3.2% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 2.3%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 268.2 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 335.7 million US dollars. The largest drop occurred in 2019, falling 20.1%, and the biggest rise was in 2018, up 18.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Uruguay were the primary sources of frozen beef imports to Italy by value. Brazil accounted for 49.5% of import value, the Netherlands for 12.0%, and Uruguay for 8.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 69.8% of total import value.

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

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