Uncooked pasta market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the European uncooked pasta market volume expanded steadily, supported by robust export demand which absorbed around 60% of Italian production and continuous product innovation. The mature Italian market saw domestic consumption stabilize, but growth was sustained through overseas sales and the introduction of new varieties like whole grain and alternative cereal pasta. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 altered consumption patterns, boosting the frozen pasta segment for out-of-home recovery while causing slight declines in dry and fresh pasta sales, yet overall market volume continued to rise.

The market experienced significant fluctuations between 2021 and 2023. A sharp increase in volume in 2021 was followed by a contraction in 2022, coinciding with a surge in export shipments that reduced domestic availability. During this period, specific segments such as fresh pasta, filled pasta, and gluten-free products recorded double-digit growth in Italy, driven by innovation and shifting consumer preferences toward vegan and health-oriented options. By 2023, the market recovered strongly, aided by stable export values and increased value sales of dry pasta in retail, though volumes remained flat as average prices rose.

In 2024, the industry's focus remained on exports, with about 60% of Italian output destined for foreign markets. Innovation continued with new product formats like single-portion fresh pasta and filled varieties, while retailers in markets such as Spain launched fresh filled pasta lines to meet growing demand for convenience. The market also navigated global cost pressures from energy, raw materials, and logistics, alongside potential trade tensions affecting export strategies.

Production uncooked pasta in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of uncooked pasta, 2017-2020

World map of production of uncooked pasta, 2017-2020

Europe's uncooked pasta production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Europe produced 6 677 K t of uncooked pasta, marking a 9.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 626 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 4.6% during this timeframe.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Europe's uncooked pasta production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output of uncooked pasta in Europe was valued at 9 139 M $ US, reflecting a strong gain of 13.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 19.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 7 585 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 0.7% during this period.

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

Exports uncooked pasta from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Foreign uncooked pasta supplies from Europe have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Europe exported 2 584 K t of uncooked pasta, constituting a substantial increase of 16.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 24.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%.

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

The analysis of exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. The United States accounted for 8.0% of exports in kind, Japan for 3.1%, and Switzerland for 1.7%, together making up only 12.8% of total flows. The remaining 87.2% was distributed among other partners.

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

World map of product's exports from Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Exported uncooked pasta volumes from Europe have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3 536 M $ US, amounting to a substantial uptick of 20.4% compared with 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 31.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.5%.

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

The analysis of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. The United States accounted for 10.6% of exports in value terms, Japan for 3.0%, and Switzerland for 2.5%, together representing only 16.1% of total flows. The remaining 83.9% was attributed to other partners.

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

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

Imports uncooked pasta to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the volume of uncooked pasta imports into Europe came to 741 K t, reflecting a moderate drop of 6.1% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 9.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.4%. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018 at 670 K t, which saw the largest decline of 18.4%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 17.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and Kazakhstan consistently held leading positions in the country structure of imports in kind. Turkey accounted for 2.0% of imports in kind, China for 1.1%, and Kazakhstan for 0.5%, jointly making up 3.6% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Europe's volume of uncooked pasta imports has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 2 439 M $ US, representing a substantial advance of 15.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 27.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Turkey, and Thailand formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms. China accounted for 1.5% of imports in value terms, Turkey for 1.0%, and Thailand for 0.7%, with a combined share of 3.3% of total flows.

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

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