Roasted chicory, coffee substitutes and extracts market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for roasted chicory and coffee substitutes in Italy started the period at 8 100 t in 2018, rose to 9 674 t in 2019, then eased to 9 150 t in 2020. In value terms, the market fell to $68.5 million in 2019 from $85.1 million the previous year, before recovering to $87.4 million in 2020, indicating changes in pricing or product composition.

Growth returned in 2021 as volume increased to 9 839 t. This upturn was linked to the expansion of the Nespresso-compatible capsule segment, where the replacement of plastic with aluminum capsules and sustainability initiatives by Italian roasters encouraged new entrants and strengthened many players in the pod and capsule market, which also includes chicory-based products. The market volume then dropped to 8 470 t in 2022.

A sharp contraction followed in 2023, with volume plunging to 5 862 t. This decline occurred alongside Italy's increased coffee production, which reached over 550 000 t and accounted for 25% of the EU's roasted coffee output, likely drawing consumption away from substitutes. Recovery began in 2024, with volume reaching 6 731 t, supported by further growth in the capsule and pod segment, product innovations such as ready-to-drink beverages and multi-compatible capsules containing chicory, and rising consumer preference for healthier, caffeine-free, and organic alternatives.

Production roasted chicory, coffee substitutes and extracts in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Italy's output of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts reached a value of 78 033 thousand US dollars, representing a significant increase of 29.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 54.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 15.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 20.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 50.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Italy produced 5 921 tonnes of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts, showing a notable decline of 13.8% year-over-year. The minimum production volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 982 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 6 872 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 16.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 37.9%.

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

Exports roasted chicory, coffee substitutes and extracts from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's export volume of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 318 tonnes, marking a modest decline of 5.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 8.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.6%. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 397 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 15.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 34.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Romania, and Poland were the top destinations for Italy's exports in kind, accounting for 38.3%, 9.7%, and 9.1% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries comprised 57.1% of total export 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

Italy's cross-border shipments of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 2 052 thousand US dollars, corresponding to an advance of 3.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 26.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports in value terms of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts were not heavily concentrated. Spain accounted for 20.0% of exports, the United Kingdom for 18.9%, and Germany for 10.6%. Together, these three countries captured 49.5% of total export 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 roasted chicory, coffee substitutes and extracts to Italy

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Italy's imports of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts amounted to 3 547 tonnes, marking a strong increase of 13.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 21.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 10.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 20.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Germany, and Portugal were the main sources for Italy's imports in kind, accounting for 36.8%, 31.4%, and 23.1% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries absorbed 91.3% of total import 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

In 2020, Italy's imports of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts from abroad amounted to 11 390 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a strong rise of 12.4% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 23.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 8.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 19.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Portugal remained the key directions for Italy's imports in value terms, accounting for 36.6%, 23.9%, and 23.0% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries took 83.6% 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