Frozen preserved vegetables market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018 and 2019, the Italian frozen preserved vegetables market showed stable volume around 245-247 thousand tons. This period was characterized by a growing consumer culture towards frozen foods, driven by year-round availability, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Investments in freezing technology and cold chain infrastructure enhanced product quality and safety, while EU and Italian regulations on production and labeling provided clear industry standards.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted consumer habits, boosting demand for practical, healthy, and long-shelf-life products, which increased interest in frozen vegetables. However, market volume temporarily fell to 207 thousand tons. Recovery followed in 2021, with volume reaching 250 thousand tons, supported by continued investments in product innovation and a rising demand for plant-based and vegan options.

Market volume expanded significantly to 304 thousand tons in 2022, aided by the strong recovery of the out-of-home channel and sustained consumer preference for healthy, low-waste solutions, despite rising energy costs impacting production economics. In 2023, while volume dipped slightly to 288 thousand tons, market value surged to 489 million US dollars, reflecting trends toward premiumization, the growth of organic segments, and greater consumer focus on sustainability and quality.

Production frozen preserved vegetables in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy ranked as the world's seventh-largest producer of frozen preserved vegetables.

Top producers of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

In 2020, Italy produced 22 000 tonnes of frozen preserved vegetables, marking a sharp increase of 46.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 46.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 13.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 0.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Italy's production of frozen preserved vegetables increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 60 112 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep rise of 56.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 69.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 33 970 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 4.2%.

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

Exports frozen preserved vegetables from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy exported 36.4 thousand tonnes of frozen preserved vegetables, representing a notable increase of 15.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 38.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 0.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 21.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (44.0% of exports in kind), France (17.2%), and Japan (9.8%) remained the primary buyers of frozen preserved vegetables from Italy, collectively accounting for 71.0% of total exports in kind.

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

Frozen preserved vegetable exports from Italy increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume totaled 99.5 million US dollars, up by 22.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 60.2%, with a CAGR of 17.0%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United States (47.5% of exports in value terms), France (18.7%), and Japan (11.1%) were the principal destinations for Italy's frozen preserved vegetable exports, jointly accounting for 77.3% of total 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 frozen preserved vegetables to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy's imports of frozen preserved vegetables totaled 221.6 thousand tonnes, which is 16.0% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 15.5%, with a CAGR of 5.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 263.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 0.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands (30.0% of imports in kind), Belgium (27.2%), and France (21.2%) continued to be the main suppliers of frozen preserved vegetables to Italy, together representing 78.5% of total imports in kind.

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

After two years of growth, Italy's imports of frozen preserved vegetables declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 266.0 million US dollars, a decrease of 17.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 12.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 323.6 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France (30.0% of imports in value terms), the Netherlands (29.7%), and Belgium (19.7%) stood out as the main sources for Italy's frozen preserved vegetable imports, collectively representing 79.5% 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