Sausages and similar meat products market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sausages and similar meat products in Italy grew from 315 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 346 thousand tonnes in 2019, before contracting to 292 thousand tonnes in 2020. In November 2020, a key regulatory change took effect with the introduction of mandatory origin labeling for pork used in meat preparations, enhancing transparency for Italian consumers who strongly prioritize ingredients from Italy.

The origin labeling scheme continued experimentally through 2021, as consumer interest in traceability and Italian provenance persisted. This alignment with consumer values, coupled with a growing focus on responsible consumption, sustainable practices, and animal welfare, supported a strong market rebound to 355 thousand tonnes in 2022. The surge reflected a qualitative shift in assortments toward Made in Italy products and controlled supply chains.

From 2023, the market volume declined sharply, falling to 268 thousand tonnes in 2023 and further to 166 thousand tonnes in 2024.

Production sausages and similar meat products in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of sausages and similar meat products saw a two-year advance before declining. In 2019, output reached its peak at 2 126 million US dollars. By 2020, production had fallen slightly to 2 085 million US dollars, marking a 1.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 19.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018, at 20.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of growth, Italy's production of sausages and similar meat products in physical terms declined. In 2019, output peaked at 404.8 thousand tonnes. In 2020, production dropped to 354.6 thousand tonnes, a substantial 12.4% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 20.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. The most significant rise was recorded in 2018, at 25.6%.

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

Exports sausages and similar meat products from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of sausages and similar meat products increased for the third consecutive year. In 2019, exports stood at a level that was slightly lower than in 2020, when they reached 77 063 tonnes, reflecting a modest 1.1% uptick from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 9.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy traded sausages and similar meat products with numerous countries. The top three destinations—Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—collectively accounted for only 40.5% of total exports in physical terms during this period.

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 sausages and similar meat products in value terms rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 642.6 million US dollars, a strong increase of 14.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 27.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's exports of sausages and similar meat products in value terms were widely distributed across partner countries. Germany, the United Kingdom, and France were the largest markets, but together they represented only 48.1% of total export value, with Germany accounting for 25.4%, the United Kingdom for 11.5%, and France for 11.1%.

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

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

Imports sausages and similar meat products to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of sausages and similar meat products in physical terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2019, imports were higher, but by 2020 they had fallen to 14 143 tonnes, an 18.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 22.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Romania were the key suppliers for Italy's imports of sausages and similar meat products in physical terms. Germany accounted for 25.5% of imports, Poland for 20.8%, and Romania for 18.6%, together making up 65.0% of total import volume.

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 imports of sausages and similar meat products in value terms showed mixed trends. In 2018, imports hit a low of 61.4 million US dollars. They then surged by 28.1% in 2019 to reach a peak of 78.7 million US dollars. In 2020, imports slightly declined to 77.8 million US dollars, a 1.1% drop from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 26.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Germany, Romania, and Austria remained the main suppliers of sausages and similar meat products to Italy in value terms. Germany contributed 29.7% of import value, Romania 19.5%, and Austria 15.5%, collectively forming 64.6% of total imports.

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

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