Lemons and limes market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lemons and limes in Italy reached 547 thousand metric tons in 2019, a notable increase from 501 thousand metric tons the previous year. Over the subsequent three years, volumes showed little net change, oscillating within a narrow band between 542 and 549 thousand metric tons, indicating a period of overall market stability.

A clear contraction occurred in 2023, with the market falling to 523 thousand metric tons. This decline was driven by a reduction in domestic consumption, linked to reported quality problems in lemons caused by climate change-induced excessive plant growth. Concurrently, a shift in consumer habits led to lower household usage, reflected in a 15% drop in fresh lemon sales through modern retail compared to 2019.

The market environment was further shaped by evolving regulations, particularly the implementation of clearer, mandatory origin labeling rules for fruits and vegetables. These measures, alongside updates to geographical indication protections, emphasized traceability and quality, influencing commercial strategies within the sector.

Production lemons and limes in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy held the 11th position globally in the production of lemons and limes.

Top producers of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

World map of production of lemons and limes, 2017-2020

Italy's production of lemons and limes grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 473.3 thousand tonnes, marking a 6.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 13.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of lemons and limes produced in Italy reached 913.3 million US dollars, up 31.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 43.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 12.7%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 10.1%.

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

Exports lemons and limes from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's exports of lemons and limes increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 50.2 thousand tonnes, a 4.9% rise from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 47.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the smallest decline of 0.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, France, and Austria were the primary destinations for Italy's lemons and limes exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 34.5% of exports, France for 14.6%, and Austria for 12.4%, together making up 61.4% of total export volumes.

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

In 2020, Italy exported lemons and limes worth 96.8 million US dollars, reflecting a 29.5% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 32.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%. The largest decline was in 2019, with a drop of 14.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Austria remained the key markets for Italy's lemons and limes exports in value terms. Germany represented 34.8% of export value, France 14.7%, and Austria 13.8%, collectively accounting for 63.3% 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 lemons and limes to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy's imports of lemons and limes stood at 119.3 thousand tonnes, showing a sharp decline of 19.9% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8.3%, averaging an annual decline of 2.9%. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 148.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 20.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Spain, Argentina, and South Africa were the leading sources of lemons and limes imports to Italy in volume terms. Spain contributed 48.3% of imports, Argentina 20.9%, and South Africa 11.4%, together comprising 80.6% of total import volumes.

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 imports of lemons and limes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were recorded at 138.1 million US dollars, down 13.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 10.8%, with a compound annual decline rate of 3.7%. The highest import value was in 2018 at 176.6 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 14.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Argentina, and South Africa continued to be the main suppliers of lemons and limes to Italy in value terms. Spain accounted for 45.2% of import value, Argentina for 21.8%, and South Africa for 10.9%, jointly forming 77.8% 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