Pasta and couscous market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian pasta and couscous market value grew from 2.25 billion $ US in 2018 to 2.45 billion $ US in 2019, fueled by the rising global popularity of pasta for its taste and long shelf life, alongside the introduction of innovative plant-based pasta made from legumes like lentils and chickpeas. After a contraction to 2.15 billion $ US in 2020, the market rebounded sharply to 3.24 billion $ US in 2021, driven by the strong expansion of the couscous segment, which saw increased segmentation into whole grain, organic, and legume-based products to meet growing demand.

In 2022, the market value declined to 2.82 billion $ US, although the couscous segment continued its growth trajectory, supported by immigration trends and the product's integration into Italian eating habits. This period also saw a major industry consolidation with Gruppo Bf's acquisition of Bia, Italy's leading couscous producer. The market then surged to 4.59 billion $ US in 2023, as Italy reinforced its position as the world's top pasta producer and exporter, with companies increasing material investments and advertising spending while consumer expenditure on cereal derivatives rose significantly.

Growth continued into 2024, with the market reaching 4.92 billion $ US, supported by the launch of a new pasta and couscous production facility by T-Man Holding. The market was further driven by consumers increasingly viewing pasta and couscous as healthier carbohydrate choices, the sustained popularity of Mediterranean cuisine, and ongoing product innovation and segmentation, particularly in gluten-free and legume-based couscous varieties.

Production pasta and couscous in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's pasta and couscous production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 5 626 million US dollars, showing a moderate 4.7% increase from the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 5 063 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 3.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 6.1%. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 7%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Pasta and couscous production in Italy has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 3 789 thousand tonnes were produced, representing a 7.4% uptick compared to the previous year. Production hit its minimum in 2018 at 3 319 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 15.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production decreased by 3.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.2%.

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

Exports pasta and couscous from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Pasta and couscous exports from Italy have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 591 thousand tonnes, marking a robust 13.4% advance compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 24.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France were the largest buyers of pasta and couscous from Italy, though they were not dominant. Germany accounted for 17.6% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 13.4%, and France for 12.6%. Together, these three countries made up 43.7% of total exports in kind, with the remainder spread across a broad range of smaller partners.

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

Pasta and couscous exports from Italy have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Italy exported 3 588 million US dollars worth of pasta and couscous, which is 18.7% stronger year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 35%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and the United States were the largest buyers of pasta and couscous from Italy in value terms, though they were not dominant. Germany accounted for 15.4% of exports in value, France for 13.8%, and the United States for 13.3%. Together, these three countries comprised 42.5% of total exports in value, with the rest coming from a diverse array of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports pasta and couscous to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's pasta and couscous imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports came to 59 thousand tonnes, equivalent to a substantial 13.1% improvement compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 44%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Greece, and China were the main suppliers of pasta and couscous to Italy. France accounted for 27.5% of imports in kind, Greece for 27.1%, and China for 9.3%. Together, these three countries comprised 64.0% 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

Pasta and couscous imports into Italy have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 108 million US dollars, up by 9.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 61.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for pasta and couscous imports into Italy in value terms were France, Greece, and Belgium. France accounted for 31.5% of imports in value, Greece for 12.5%, and Belgium for 11.4%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 55.4% of total import flows.

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

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