Lactose and lactose syrup market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Italian lactose and lactose syrup production expanded from $22.3 million in 2019 to $36.4 million in 2022. This growth was initially supported by the rising lactose-free cheese segment, where sales increased by 9.7% in volume and 12.1% in value in 2019, indicating higher dairy processing activity. Later, global demand for lactose in infant nutrition and pharmaceuticals provided further impetus for production increases.

The market size reached $37.0 million in 2020 but eased to $35.2 million in 2022 as exports rose to $33.6 million. During this period, the Italian Ministry of Health regulated lactose-free labeling, requiring 'senza lattosio' for products with less than 0.1 g per 100 g or ml, which helped shape domestic supply. Additionally, Ferrero's launch of Nutella Plant-Based in Italy, made with plant-based ingredients for lactose-intolerant consumers, reinforced innovation in the sector.

Production lactose and lactose syrup in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Italy's output of lactose and lactose syrup was valued at 26 685 thousand US dollars, showing a year-on-year increase of 19.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy ranked 5th globally in terms of lactose and lactose syrup production.

Top producers of lactose and lactose syrup, 2017-2020

World map of production of lactose and lactose syrup, 2017-2020

Lactose and lactose syrup production in Italy increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy produced 42 466 tonnes, marking a solid 17.9% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2019-2020 period, production grew by 40.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 25 760 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 14.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 39.8%.

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

Exports lactose and lactose syrup from Italy

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, lactose and lactose syrup exports from Italy increased. In 2020, exports reached 29 891 tonnes, showing a moderate gain of 9.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 27 194 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's export structure in volume terms remained highly diversified. France accounted for 23.9% of exports, Spain for 12.8%, and the United Arab Emirates for 7.5%, together making up only 44.1% of total flows. The remaining 55.9% consisted of a long tail of smaller 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 lactose and lactose syrup export value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 24 711 thousand US dollars, marking a strong 18.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 16.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 19 707 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's export structure in value terms remained fragmented. France accounted for 19.1% of exports, Spain for 9.6%, and the United Arab Emirates for 9.1%, together representing only 37.8% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports lactose and lactose syrup to Italy

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Italy's imports of lactose and lactose syrup declined. In 2020, imports reached 17 977 tonnes, down by 14.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 14.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 21 069 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 32.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France formed the core group of markets for Italy's imports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 46.0% of imports, Germany for 32.6%, and France for 10.8%, together representing 89.3% of total 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, K $ US

Italy's lactose and lactose syrup import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 35 062 thousand US dollars, up by 6.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 60.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Germany together accounted for 85.1% of Italy's total imports in value terms, with other countries forming a diversified but less significant tail.

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

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