The foie gras market - Italy

The global foie gras market, valued at $1168.7 million in 2020, is expected to reach $1347.9 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 1.8%. Despite controversies, bans and ethical concerns over its production method—force-feeding ducks and geese—the market remains active with France dominating production at 68%, followed by Hungary at 20.1%. The EU is a major producer, accounting for 90% of world production, generating more than 50,000 direct jobs. The demand for foie gras is mainly concentrated in France, Europe, the US, and China. COVID-19 impacted consumption and imports, particularly in Italy where imports fell in 2020 but saw a rebound in 2021. Italian import values of duck fatty livers from France for the year 2021 increased by 71% compared to 2020. Consumer trends indicate a growing preference for sustainable and ethical food choices, which may challenge future demand for foie gras. Companies are exploring synthetic production methods and bacteria-induced liver enlargement to address ethical concerns. Prices for foie gras products vary considerably, with whole semi-cooked goose foie gras retailing for 111 euros for 450 grams and whole cooked duck foie gras for 120 euros for 400 grams..Title: The Italian Market for Foie Gras: Trends, Regulations, and Consumer Attitudes Within the Italian market, foie gras stands as a contentious delicacy due to ethical concerns regarding its production process. Despite the ban on domestic production since 2007, Italy continues to import foie gras primarily from France and Hungary, reflecting a persistent, if niche, demand for this luxury product. The Italian market for foie gras has seen fluctuating import values, with imports of duck foie gras from France increasing by approximately 70% from 2020 to 2021, although still below pre-pandemic levels. Similarly, imports of goose foie gras from France saw a significant increase of around 130% in the same period, surpassing levels recorded during the pre-pandemic era. Foie gras traditionally graces Italian tables during festive periods, being a preferred delicacy during the Christmas season amongst certain socioeconomic groups. However, the overall consumer base for foie gras in Italy is not as widespread as in countries with a deeper culinary tradition of foie gras consumption, such as France. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shift in consumer behavior have significantly influenced the foie gras market. Growing awareness and concern for environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and personal health are reshaping demand patterns in the food industry. A survey exploring Italian consumer attitudes during the pandemic indicated an inclination towards certified sustainable food products, with around 30% of respondents asserting frequent consumption and nearly 20% planning to increase their sustainable food intake. Despite these trends, the availability of foie gras in high-end restaurants and online luxury product stores persists, albeit at a high cost, typically between 80 and 100 euros per kilogram. The foie gras industry, therefore, still finds itself positioned within the luxury segment of the market, affordable predominantly to consumers with sufficient disposable income. Given the increasing pressures of animal rights activism, changing consumer preferences, and global shifts towards more ethical and sustainable production methods, the future demand for traditional foie gras appears uncertain. Innovations such as lab-grown synthetic foie gras and alternatives based on liver enlargement through bacterial administration aim to reconcile demand for the product with contemporary values. However, with the high costs associated with these new production techniques, foie gras—whether traditional or ethically produced—remains likely to be consumed by a limited demographic able to shoulder the premium pricing. In conclusion, foie gras in Italy is a product undergoing notable pressures: regulatory constraints, ethical debates, evolving consumer demands, and innovative production.### The Pioneers and Innovators of the Foie Gras Industry The foie gras market landscape is rich with both tradition and innovation as various players seek to preserve the culinary legacy while aligning with modern ethical standards. Below are some of the standout companies that have made a significant impact on the foie gras industry. #### Traditional Producers Preserving Culinary Heritage - **Les Delices Saint Orens** stands as a guardian of tradition with its whole goose foie gras semi-cooked offering. Emphasizing the intricate and refined tastes that only time-honored methods can produce, this establishment champions the legacy of foie gras in gastronomy. - **LaFitte** is another stalwart of tradition, supplying the market with both whole goose and duck foie gras products. Their commitment to quality has made them synonymous with top-tier foie gras beloved by connoisseurs. - **Georges Bruck** has built a reputation for crafting exceptional foie gras, with products like the whole goose foie gras cooked, which speak to the sophisticated palate of the foie gras enthusiast. - **Le Canard Gourmand** is a purveyor of exquisite whole duck foie gras semi-cooked, delivering a balance of innovation and tradition with their offerings. #### Pioneers in Ethical Alternatives and Sustainable Practices - **Gourmey** represents the cutting edge of sustainable foie gras production. As the vanguard of the synthetic foie gras market, they're developing humane alternatives through cultured stem cells – a revolutionary step that caters to the ethical sensibilities of the modern consumer and the planet. #### Niche Producers Ensuring Variety and Choice - **Clos Saint Sozy** offers a range of foie gras products, including paté de foie gras from duck and goose. They ensure that lovers of this fine food can enjoy a variety of options while being mindful of the changing industry dynamics. - **Castaing** brings luxury to the table with its select range of foie gras products, including the Mousee de Foie gras d'oca. Their offerings reflect a commitment to maintaining the luxurious legacy of foie gras while exploring new textures and tastes. - **Petrossian**, widely recognized for their exceptional caviar, also extends their gourmet expertise to foie gras, providing high-quality whole duck foie gras semi-cooked. They represent an intersection of luxury food markets that appeals to a niche clientele. - **Rougié** is

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• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 12/07/2023

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Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Breakdown of foie gras production
• Size of the foie gras market
• Value of imports of meat and edible offal; of geese, fatty livers, fresh or chilled
• Value of imports of meat and edible offal; duck, fatty livers (foie gras), fresh or chilled
• Covid-19 impact on imports of meat and edible offal; duck, fatty livers, fresh or chilled
• Covid-19 impact on imports of meat and edible offal; geese, fatty livers, fresh or chilled
• Average monthly household expenditure (in €) on offal
• Changes in the number of businesses engaged in the retail trade of meat and meat products
• Breakdown of market share for the main foie gras players

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