Spinach market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh spinach in Italy declined from 82.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 61.0 thousand tons in 2022, before recovering to 69.1 thousand tons in 2023. This reduction in domestic availability occurred alongside relatively stable production, which fluctuated between 96.9 and 103.5 thousand tons, as rising exports absorbed a growing share of output.

The period was marked by continuous updates to European and national marketing regulations. These included the application of EU Regulation (EC) No 1308/2013 on origin labeling and quality standards, followed by the entry into force of new EU fruit and vegetable marketing rules in 2019. Further regulatory milestones were the EU organic production regulation (EU 2018/848) taking effect in 2022 and the comprehensive EU Regulation 2429/2023 on labeling and supply chain compliance, which applied from 2023.

Other influencing factors were the noted increase in consumer awareness towards fresh and quality produce in 2020, the designation of 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables to promote consumption benefits, and the observed impact of climate change on horticultural production. By the end of the period, global investments in cold chain logistics were aimed at improving the preservation and distribution of fresh products like spinach.

Production spinach in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy ranked as the world's 9th largest producer of spinach.

Top producers of spinach, 2017-2020

World map of production of spinach, 2017-2020

In 2020, Italy produced 99.9 K t of spinach, showing no significant change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.6%, which translates to an average annual increase of 2.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 102.5 K t. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 11.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spinach production in Italy declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 278.0 M $ US, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 3.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 299.3 M $ US. The most significant decline happened in 2019, falling by 7.0%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, up by 11.8%.

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

Exports spinach from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Spinach exports from Italy increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 28 298 t, marking a 22.4% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 47%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands were the main buyers of spinach from Italy, accounting for 31.1%, 17.5%, and 9.9% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 58.5% of total exports in kind.

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

Spinach exports from Italy increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 78 767 K $ US, showing a solid improvement of 21.9% from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports rose by 40.6%, with an annualized rate of 12.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands accounted for the largest share of exports in value terms, with 32.0%, 16.1%, and 10.7%, respectively. Combined, they made up 58.8% 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 spinach to Italy

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, spinach imports into Italy declined. In 2020, imports reached 696 t, indicating a dramatic year-over-year decrease of 54.8%. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 45.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 18.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 539 t, which also saw the largest increase of 16.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, France, Spain, and Germany formed the core group of markets for spinach imports into Italy, representing 39.0%, 23.5%, and 11.4% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they accounted for 73.8% 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

Italy's spinach imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 974 K $ US, reflecting a sharp year-over-year fall of 54.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 52.5%, with an annualized rate of 22.0%. The peak value was in 2018 at 2 209 K $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 7.7%.

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

Over the period 2017-2020, France, Spain, and Germany made the biggest contribution to imports in value terms, with shares of 42.4%, 19.9%, and 9.2%, respectively. Jointly, they accounted for 71.5% 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