Wheat and meslin flour market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Italian wheat and meslin flour market reached 4 344 thousand tons, supported by strong overseas demand which lifted export volumes by 9%. By 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered consumption patterns, collapsing the HoReCa channel while boosting home-baking, which increased market volume to 4 225 thousand tons as manufacturers re-oriented production toward retail-ready packs.

The post-pandemic recovery of food-service began in 2021, yet market volume slightly contracted. Over 2022-2023, a sharp rise in energy and raw-material prices, combined with a 15% drop in domestic soft-wheat production in 2022, raised mill costs and created a supply gap. Continued grain-price volatility due to the war in Ukraine further pressured margins, contributing to a significant market contraction to 3 164 thousand tons by 2023. During this period, demand grew for specialty segments like high-protein, whole-grain, and gluten-free flours, driven by health trends.

In 2024, the market rebounded to 3 978 thousand tons, fueled by increased monthly purchase frequency (36%) and a marked rise in organic flour sales, reflecting a consumer shift toward healthier, sustainably-sourced products. Major players like Barilla and Mulino Bianco maintained dominance, while niche artisanal brands gained visibility amid this trend, and millers invested in recyclable packaging ahead of new EU sustainability regulations.

Production wheat and meslin flour in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Italy's wheat and meslin flour production has increased. In 2020, output was valued at 2 098 million US dollars, representing a 12.7% rise from the previous year. Production decreased by 9.4% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 861 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 18.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year fall, Italy's wheat and meslin flour production volume has increased. In 2020, 4 424 thousand tonnes were produced, which is 5.7% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 18%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.4%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 185 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline taking place in 2018 at 16.2%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Wheat and meslin flour deliveries from Italy have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 221.3 thousand tonnes, up by 1.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 28.6%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for exports in kind was diverse. The United States accounted for 13.4% of exports, France for 13.3%, and Germany for 10.0%, together forming only 36.7% of total flows. A substantial 63.3% was supplied to many other countries.

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 volume of wheat and meslin flour exports has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Italy exported 153.3 million US dollars worth of wheat and meslin flour, marking a moderate improvement of 6.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 43.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.9%.

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

The partner structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. France accounted for 15.7% of exports, the United States for 14.4%, and Germany for 9.9%, together representing only 39.9% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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 to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Volumes reached their maximum in 2017 and dropped to a minimum in 2019, showing a 2.6-fold shift. In 2020, Italy imported 21.7 thousand tonnes of wheat and meslin flour, corresponding to a sharp increase of 149.5% year-over-year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 8.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 46.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Austria continued to lead as suppliers of wheat and meslin flour to Italy. France accounted for 38.9% of imports in kind, Germany for 17.5%, and Austria for 12.8%, jointly taking 69.2% of total imports.

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

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports varied by 1.8 times, from a low in 2019 to a high in 2020. In 2020, Italy's volume of wheat and meslin flour imports totaled 10.0 million US dollars, which is 81.0% higher than the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 5.5 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 43.8%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Hungary made the biggest contribution to imports in value terms. France accounted for 30.7% of imports, Germany for 17.9%, and Hungary for 14.0%, jointly accounting for 62.6% 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