Food Industry & Agrifoodtech
Italy is a renowned world leader in the Agri-Food Industry, distinguished by its long-standing food-based culture and traditional vocation for food safety and quality.
Furthermore, traditional leadership and in-depth expertise have led to the development of a far-reaching network of large companies and SMEs, innovative startups, industrial clusters, technology centres, science parks, universities and innovation hubs that play an active role in the ever-growing Italian AgriFoodTech ecosystem.
Leading producer of 40+ high-quality agricultural products
Production is characterised by a wide variety of crops that suit every taste and nutritional requirement.
Italy is one of the EU's leading producer of 40+ agricultural products and, as one of the maximum exponents of the Mediterranean diet, it is one of the largest producers of high-quality fruits and vegetables worldwide.
Source: Edison Foundation (2022).
Top position in the EU by number of PDO & PGI agrifood products
Italy holds the top position in the European Union when it comes to the number of PDO (Protected Designation of Orgin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) agrifood products.
In 2023, Italy proudly claimed the largest number of agrifood products and wines with PDO and PGI recognition by the EU, totaling an impressive 854 certified products.
Source: Ismea-qualivita (2023).
One of the most significant market for organic products in the EU
With a market value of 3.66 billion euros, 18.7% of Italy's agricultural area is dedicated to organic crops, more than other notable EU countries such as Spain (11%), Germany (11.2%), and France (10.7%); Italy also has the highest number of organic operators (92,799), particularly producers and processors, in the EU.
Sources: Sinab (2023); FiBL & IFOAM (2023); Eurostat (2022).
Leader in EU Food & Beverage Manufacturing and Fruit & Vegetable Processing
Italy ranks 2nd in the EU with one of the most extensive industrial bases of enterprises specialised in food and beverage manufacturing, and in particular, leads the European fruit and vegetable processing and preserving industry, boasting the highest turnover and consolidated manufacturing expertise with over 1,600 specialised enterprises.
Source: Eurostat (2022).
Italy is one of the most competitive consumer markets within the EU
Italy boasts one of the highest household expenditures on Food and Non-alcoholic Beverages among western European economies of similar size, surpassing the EU's average.
Source: Eurostat (2022).
Italy also counts on an ever-growing AgriFoodTech ecosystem
The Italian AgriFoodTech ecosystem is a flourishing market segment thanks to dynamic contributions and advancements of emerging startups and innovative SMEs.
Established Machinery Manufacturing
The Italian AgriFoodTech ecosystem is driven by machinery manufacturing companies producing highly specialized equipment in high global demand. In 2022, industry players specializing in technologies for food &beverage recorded sales of 4,560 million euros, with exports accounting for 66% of sales.
Source: Anima Confindustria - Assofoodtec (2022)Italian Agritech Market
The Italian market of Agritech solutions reached an estimated value of 2.5 billion euros in 2023 (+19% compared to 2022). Approximately half of the value is generated by the sale of connected agricultural machinery (23%) and monitoring and control systems for vehicles and equipment (25%).
Source: Smart AgriFood Observatory of the Politecnico di Milano(2023-2024)Favourable conditions for hi-tech and innovative investors
Italy offers an ideal environment to create, test, and commercialize AgriFoodTech solutions, with a large consumer market demanding transparent and environmentally friendly solutions to ensure food safety, security, and efficiency
Join the competitive Italian AgriFood industry and AgriFoodTech ecosystem
Italy welcomes companies aiming to enter the highly competitive agrifood industry landscape, or interested in becoming a part of the Italian AgriFoodTech ecosystem.
