Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Italian semi-milled rice market experienced significant growth, with production value increasing from 753 million $ to 1.23 billion $. This expansion was driven by the implementation of new labeling regulations under Legislative Decree 131/2017, which mandated clear disclosure of processing type and varietal names, enhancing transparency and protecting traditional varieties. The strengthening of the National Rice Authority (ENR) further ensured quality control. In 2019, the compulsory indication of production territory reinforced consumer trust in origin. The COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 boosted demand for staple foods like rice, despite logistical disruptions, supporting continued production growth.

Production recovery peaked in 2022 at 1.34 billion $, following the previous drought, with a historical maximum in physical output. However, extreme drought conditions in 2023 reduced harvests by 20%, causing production value to drop to 1.21 billion $ and market size to contract sharply. Concurrently, the EU's revision of import quotas favored cheaper rice, increasing competitive pressure. In 2024, adverse weather again limited physical volumes, but a sharp price surge for premium varieties like Carnaroli and Arborio, rising by 32% and 77% respectively, lifted production value to 1.38 billion $. The entry of new players such as the startup Quanto, launching niche products like Nero Ebano rice, diversified the premium segment.

Throughout the period, innovation and sustainability trends shaped the market. The adoption of carbon credits for drip irrigation in 2021 and CRISPR gene-editing trials aimed at improving climate resilience reflected efforts to reduce environmental impact. Consumer shift towards healthier options was evident in the 7.2% sales increase of brown rice in 2022, while organic rice offerings expanded to about 5% of total production by 2024, supported by EU agricultural policies.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 230 million US dollars, marking a significant 29.3% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 24.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 753 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 23.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy ranked 24th globally in terms of production volume for semi-milled or wholly milled rice.

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

Italy's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 167 thousand tonnes, up 24.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 19.2%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest output was in 2018 at 908 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 7.3%.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice have increased after a two-year decline. In 2020, exports reached 631.2 thousand tonnes, an 11.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 2.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest level was recorded in 2019 at 565.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the main markets for Italy's exports in kind. France accounted for 19.9% of exports, Germany for 18.7%, and the United Kingdom for 11.4%. Together, these three countries represented 50.0% 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, M $ US

Italy's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 618.5 million US dollars, a significant 16.2% year-on-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 21.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom stood out as the primary markets for Italy's exports in value terms. France represented 22.2% of exports, Germany 19.5%, and the United Kingdom 10.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 51.6% 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 semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice reached 82.6 thousand tonnes, a 28.6% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 20.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.5%. The lowest level was in 2019 at 64.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 11.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand, Pakistan, and India were consistently the main sources for Italy's imports in kind. Thailand accounted for 20.6% of imports, Pakistan for 19.4%, and India for 13.8%. Together, these three countries made up 53.7% 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, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice amounted to 83.8 million US dollars, showing a sharp 26.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 30.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 15.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Pakistan, Thailand, and India remained the principal suppliers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Italy in value terms. Pakistan accounted for 20.2% of imports, Thailand for 19.5%, and India for 16.2%. Together, these three countries represented 55.9% of total imports 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