Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for wheat and meslin flour and cereals showed moderate growth from 2018 to 2020, with volume rising from 8 382 K t to 8 482 K t. This period was marked by the active role of the AMC Altamura association in promoting national durum wheat quality and the expansion of the malted wheat flour segment, stimulated by the growing craft beer industry and microbreweries.

Market volume dipped to 8 230 K t in 2022 but rebounded to 8 555 K t in 2023. The recovery was primarily driven by a significant shift in Italian consumer preferences, with increasing demand for wholemeal and certified organic flours leading to higher purchase frequency. Furthermore, the imposition of duties on wheat imports from Russia and Belarus altered market dynamics, contributing to the 2023 growth.

Looking ahead, industry factors in 2024 point to challenges in domestic wheat supply, with production falling to decade lows. However, the market continues to evolve with rising demand for functional and fortified flours, investments from major players like ADM and Limagrain, and product innovations such as Molino Pasini's launch of a new flour for crispier pizza.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy consistently ranked 9th globally in terms of production volume for wheat, meslin flour, and cereals.

Top producers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

Italy's production of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 8 790 K t, marking a 1.1% year-over-year improvement. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 683 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 1.4%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy's exports of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals reached 342.5 K t, a 4.3% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 15.2%, averaging an annualized rate of 4.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 11.7%, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 1.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's exports of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 18.3% of exports, France for 11.3%, and the United States for 8.7%, with these three countries together representing 38.3% 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 export value for wheat, meslin flour, and cereals increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 224.5 M $ US, reflecting a 6.6% year-over-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 30.5%, averaging an annualized rate of 9.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's export value for wheat, meslin flour, and cereals was not heavily concentrated. Germany contributed 16.7% of the export value, France 13.7%, and the United States 10.2%, with these three countries together capturing 40.6% of total 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 wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Italy's import volume for wheat, meslin flour, and cereals increased in 2020, reaching 34.1 K t, which represents a 37.4% rise from 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 24.8 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 20.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Slovenia formed the core of Italy's imports of wheat, meslin flour, and cereals. France accounted for 23.0% of imports, Germany for 21.6%, and Slovenia for 18.8%, with these three countries together taking 63.3% 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 import value for wheat, meslin flour, and cereals reached 13.8 M $ US, showing a significant 25.4% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 7.2%, averaging an annualized rate of 2.3%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 11.0 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 17.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Germany, and Austria led the structure of Italy's import value for wheat, meslin flour, and cereals. France accounted for 22.1% of import value, Germany for 18.2%, and Austria for 12.7%, with these three countries together representing 52.9% of total flows.

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

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