Shelled almonds market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for shelled almonds in Italy expanded consistently from 58 611 t in 2018 to 77 434 t in 2023. This growth was primarily fueled by rising consumer demand, which increased noticeably from 2019 onward as preferences shifted toward healthy and sustainable foods. The pandemic in 2020 further amplified this trend, and by 2022, almond consumption in Italy had grown 9% compared to 2020, directly driving market expansion.

Domestic production faced mounting challenges, limiting its ability to meet demand. A 27% increase in production costs between 2020 and 2022 squeezed farmer profitability, particularly in key growing regions like Sicily and Apulia, where there was a risk of abandoning over 50 000 hectares of almond orchards. This shortfall was compensated by surging imports, which rose from 47 790 t in 2018 to 66 676 t in 2023. Regulatory developments, including stricter EU labeling rules and food safety standards, also shaped the market, culminating in product recalls due to aflatoxin risks in 2022 and 2023.

Following a period of price stabilization in 2022, the market volume continued its upward trajectory, reaching 77 434 t in 2023. Imports remained elevated at 66 676 t, while exports fell to 10 930 t, reflecting stronger domestic absorption. Preliminary 2024 trade data shows imports rising to 67 673 t and exports to 11 987 t, indicating sustained import reliance.

Production shelled almonds in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Italy was among the world's top producers of shelled almonds from 2017 to 2020, ranking 10th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

In 2019, Italy's production of shelled almonds reached its lowest point at 22 077 tonnes, declining by 2.6% from the previous year. However, production rebounded in 2020 to 22 887 tonnes, marking a 3.7% increase compared to 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After declining for two consecutive years, Italy's shelled almond production value increased in 2020. The value dropped to a minimum of 189.0 million US dollars in 2019, falling by 10.9% from 2018. In 2020, production value rose to 204.2 million US dollars, up 8.0% from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%.

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

Exports shelled almonds from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of shelled almonds increased for the third year in a row in 2020, reaching 15 311 tonnes, a 2.8% year-on-year gain. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 54.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and the United States were the main destinations for Italy's shelled almond exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 29.8% of exports, France for 24.5%, and the United States for 7.8%, together making up 62.0% 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 shelled almond export value increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, totaling 136.6 million US dollars, a 7.1% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 44.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 13.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and the United States led as the top buyers of Italian shelled almonds in value terms. Germany represented 27.2% of export value, France 27.1%, and the United States 8.6%, with their combined share reaching 62.9% of total exports.

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

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

Imports shelled almonds to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of shelled almonds increased for the third straight year in 2020, amounting to 59 221 tonnes, up 9.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 39.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Spain dominated Italy's shelled almond imports in volume terms, together accounting for 88.4% of total imports, while the remaining flows were distributed thinly across other markets.

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

After increasing for two years, Italy's shelled almond import value declined in 2020. The value peaked in 2019 at 359.1 million US dollars, following a significant 20.9% increase in 2018. In 2020, import value fell slightly to 355.2 million US dollars, down 1.1% from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 43%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Spain were the primary sources for Italy's shelled almond imports in value terms, together capturing 87.8% of total imports, with the rest spread thinly across 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