Poultry meat and offal market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Italian poultry meat production and market volume grew from 2.5 million tonnes in 2018 to nearly 2.7 million tonnes by 2020. This expansion was facilitated by a voluntary country-of-origin labeling system that enhanced consumer trust and a highly integrated supply chain ensuring quality and efficiency. Regulatory clarifications on frozen product labeling in 2019 and reinforced food safety standards during the pandemic in 2020 further supported market stability.

A shift in consumer concern toward frozen meat quality and rising competition from plant-based proteins contributed to a slight market contraction in 2021. The following year saw a more pronounced decline in production and consumption, coinciding with the 'salva spesa' decree which mandated origin labeling for poultry meat in the foodservice sector, potentially altering procurement logistics. The market rebounded in 2023, aided by industry investments exceeding €50 million in green projects and digital innovation aimed at ecological transition.

In 2024, updated food labeling guidelines provided clearer rules for declaring ingredients and mandatory information. The sector continued to invest in sustainability and traceability, while retail trends indicated growing demand for frozen poultry with natural labels, supported by cold-chain expansion and the growth of online sales.

Production poultry meat and offal in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy ranked 24th globally in poultry meat and offal production between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

Italy's poultry meat and offal production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2 764 K t, marking a slight rise of 1.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, production grew by 4.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.6%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 553 K t, which saw the largest decline of 3.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 6.4%.

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

Exports poultry meat and offal from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy's cross-border shipments of poultry meat and offal amounted to 162.8 K t, a decline of 2.7% from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 158.1 K t, which saw the largest decline of 4.4%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 167.4 K t, marking the largest increase of 5.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of poultry meat and offal were geographically dispersed. Germany accounted for 26.2% of exports, Benin for 9.1%, and Greece for 7.7%, together forming 42.9% of total flows. The remaining 57.1% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

After two years of growth, Italy's foreign poultry meat and offal supplies declined. In 2020, exports totaled 364.6 M $ US, a moderate decrease of 8.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports fell by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 396.9 M $ US, which saw the largest increase of 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Greece, and Austria remained the main markets for Italy's poultry meat and offal exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 39.8% of exports, Greece for 7.8%, and Austria for 6.6%, jointly representing 54.1% 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 poultry meat and offal to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy's imported volumes of poultry meat and offal reached 68.2 K t, a 2.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 66.6 K t, which saw the largest decline of 3.1%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 68.7 K t.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands were the main sources in Italy's imports of poultry meat and offal by volume. Germany accounted for 38.0% of imports, Poland for 15.8%, and the Netherlands for 15.6%, together making up 69.4% 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, M $ US

Italy's cross-border shipments of poultry meat and offal declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 143.2 M $ US, down by 14.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 11.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 178.5 M $ US, which saw the largest increase of 10.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland—together accounted for 62.4% of Italy's total imports of poultry meat and offal in value terms.

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

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