Provisionally preserved vegetables market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market for provisionally preserved vegetables in Italy underwent a pronounced cycle from 2018 to 2024. A severe contraction occurred in 2020, with market volume dropping to 138 thousand tonnes, a decline largely attributable to the widespread disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains and foodservice channels.

A strong recovery began in 2021, fueled by a sustained consumer shift towards healthy and plant-based diets. This demand was met with significant product innovation, such as the launch of organic (Bio) vegetable lines by major producers and investments in sustainable production techniques under national recovery plans (PNRR), which enhanced supply chain efficiency and output.

The market expansion accelerated through 2024, reaching 365 thousand tonnes. This final growth phase was supported by the booming plant-based food segment, where sales of alternatives like vegetable cheeses grew rapidly, and by the increasing market penetration of private-label products, which improved price accessibility and stimulated overall consumption.

Production provisionally preserved vegetables in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of provisionally preserved vegetables declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 80.5 million US dollars, marking a sharp decrease of 48.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 43.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 213.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 50.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's production of provisionally preserved vegetables declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 93.9 thousand tonnes were produced, indicating a steep loss of 44.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 20.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The peak was in 2018 at 196.3 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 66.4%.

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

Exports provisionally preserved vegetables from Italy

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Italy's exports of provisionally preserved vegetables declined. In 2020, exports stood at 13 527 tonnes, showing a decrease of 14.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 7.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.5%. The highest level was recorded in 2019 at 15 816 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 5.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria—together accounted for 63.2% of Italy's total exports of provisionally preserved vegetables in volume terms.

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

Italy's exports of provisionally preserved vegetables increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 19.5 million US dollars, showing a modest rise of 2.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 15.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.8%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United Kingdom (20.2% of exports in value terms), Germany (18.1%), and the United States (11.7%) were important buyers of provisionally preserved vegetables from Italy. However, their combined share reached only 50.0% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining 50.0% distributed among many other 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 provisionally preserved vegetables to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy imported 58 000 tonnes of provisionally preserved vegetables in 2020, down by 11.5% compared to 2019. The lowest level was recorded in 2018 at 56 466 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 at 65 078 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 15.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Egypt (33.8% of imports in volume terms), China (14.0%), and Spain (12.4%) remained the main sources for Italy's imports of provisionally preserved vegetables, jointly accounting for 60.2% 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

In 2020, Italy's imports of provisionally preserved vegetables stood at 105.2 million US dollars, down by 6.7% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 97.7 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 112.8 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 15.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Egypt (26.4% of imports in value terms), China (24.3%), and Morocco (10.6%) remained the key partners for Italy's imports of provisionally preserved vegetables, together accounting for 61.4% of total flows.

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

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