Refined coconut oil and fractions market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian refined coconut oil market has long relied on imports, particularly from the Philippines, which shaped supply and pricing. During 2018-2021, consumer preferences steadily shifted towards organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed oils, spurring demand for higher-quality segments. The global pandemic in 2020 further heightened interest in natural health products, contributing to a recovery in import volumes after a dip in 2020-2021. This trend was reinforced by the entry of premium organic offerings from players like Dr. Goerg.

Between 2022 and 2024, market volume in physical terms rose to 72 407 t in 2023 before easing to 66 796 t in 2024. The increase in 2023 aligned with sustained consumer demand for natural and organic coconut oil, supported by strong import flows. Domestic production, however, declined from 51 926 t in 2022 to 36 661 t in 2024, making imports even more critical. In value terms, the market shrank from US$ 153.5 million in 2022 to US$ 114.1 million in 2024, reflecting possible price adjustments or a shift toward more affordable product types.

Throughout the period, the market structure evolved with fewer local producers and greater dependence on Asian imports. The enduring consumer preference for organic, unrefined coconut oil remained a key driver, shaping both import composition and product availability, even as total market volume experienced some volatility.

Production refined coconut oil and fractions in Italy

According to Faostat, there is no production of refined coconut oil and fractions in Italy.

Exports refined coconut oil and fractions from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of refined coconut oil and fractions have grown for the third year in a row. In 2019, exports stood at 12 245 tonnes, and by 2020, they increased by 21.6% to reach this level. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 65.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 18.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Greece, and Slovenia were the top destinations for Italy's refined coconut oil and fractions exports by volume. Austria accounted for 28.6% of exports, Greece for 22.9%, and Slovenia for 17.8%. Together, these three countries made up 69.3% of Italy's total export flows in this category.

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

In 2020, the value of Italy's refined coconut oil and fractions exports reached 15 878 thousand US dollars, marking a solid increase of 15.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 698 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 17 990 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline was seen in 2019, with a drop of 23.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria, Greece, and Slovenia formed the core markets for Italy's refined coconut oil and fractions exports by value. Austria held a 25.2% share, Greece 22.3%, and Slovenia 16.9%. Collectively, these countries represented 64.4% of Italy's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports refined coconut oil and fractions to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of refined coconut oil and fractions have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 28 093 tonnes, a decrease of 24.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 13.5%, with an average annual reduction of 4.7%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 30 736 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 15.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's imports of refined coconut oil and fractions by volume were heavily concentrated on the Netherlands, which accounted for 77.7% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among other trading partners.

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

Italy's imports of refined coconut oil and fractions have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the import value was 28 093 thousand US dollars, down 20.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 47.8%, corresponding to an average annual decrease of 19.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, the Netherlands dominated Italy's imports of refined coconut oil and fractions by value, capturing 73.9% of total flows. The rest was spread across a variety of other markets.

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

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