Margarine market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Italian margarine market saw initial stability followed by a contraction and recovery. The introduction of specific veterinary controls and mandatory certifications for margarine imports from June 2017 likely contributed to a gradual tightening of import volumes, which fell from 23.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 15.6 thousand tons in 2020. Concurrently, Unilever's 2017 announcement to sell its margarine division and cut production signaled a major restructuring among key players, potentially affecting domestic supply. Market volume declined to 111.3 thousand tons in 2019 and further to 90.6 thousand tons in 2020, before rebounding to 106.0 thousand tons in 2021.

The market expanded sharply in 2022, with volume reaching 133.8 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by evolving consumer preferences, as a widening price gap with butter and increased focus on sustainability made margarine more attractive. The emergence of new product segments, such as palm-oil-free margarine with innovative plant-based ingredients, responded to demand for natural and sustainable options, stimulating production which rose to 149.6 thousand tons. Additionally, the trend towards 'clean-label' products led to margarines free from preservatives, colorants, and hydrogenated fats, further aligning with regulatory definitions and consumer expectations.

After the 2022 peak, market volume dipped to 120.2 thousand tons in 2023 but partially recovered to 131.7 thousand tons in 2024. Production followed a similar pattern, decreasing to 117.7 thousand tons in 2023 before rising to 138.6 thousand tons in 2024, indicating ongoing adjustments in supply and demand dynamics.

Production margarine in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's margarine production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 152.0 million US dollars, down 11.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 183.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Italy produced 109.6 thousand tonnes of margarine, marking a significant contraction of 15.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 0.8%.

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

Exports margarine from Italy

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, margarine exports from Italy declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 34 505 tonnes, showing a strong decrease of 11.4% compared to 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 38 925 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 10.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Spain accounted for 15.3% of exports, Hungary for 6.8%, and Czechia for 6.2%, together making up just 28.3% of total 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, K $ US

Following a two-year uptick, margarine deliveries from Italy declined. In 2020, exports totalled 39 233 thousand US dollars, down 7.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 42 518 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of margarine from Italy were widely dispersed across partner countries. Spain represented 14.0% of exports, Hungary 6.5%, and Czechia 5.9%, together accounting for only 26.4% 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 margarine to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Margarine imports to Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume was 15 570 tonnes, reflecting a dramatic contraction of 26.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 29.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 23 691 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 6.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Austria, Belgium, and France were the main sources for margarine imports to Italy. Austria accounted for 29.9% of imports in kind, Belgium for 26.8%, and France for 19.8%, jointly representing 76.5% 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

Margarine imports to Italy declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 23 683 thousand US dollars, down 23.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 33.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 37 888 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 6.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, France, and Belgium were the primary suppliers of margarine to Italy in value terms. Austria accounted for 33.3% of imports, France for 25.8%, and Belgium for 20.4%, together making up 79.5% of total imports.

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

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