Summary

The global beef market, valued at around $412.5 billion in 2023, has been projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.80% from 2024 to 2029, potentially reaching $546.5 billion. Despite facing challenges such as inflation within the European markets that have affected demand and production declines, as observed in Italy's 3.6% production decrease in early 2023, the sector continues to evolve with emerging trends like a growing demand for synthetic meat and organic products. On the local Italian market, the beef industry saw a decline in production by 3.3% from 2020 to 2022, yet the value of producer prices rose by 23.2% leading to a significant increase in turnover to 6.5 million euros in 2022. Although traditional consumption patterns persist, with high expenditure on beef and the highest consumption noted in the Islands region, factors like nutritional benefits and environmental sustainability are influencing demand. The market structure shows stability with a slight 1.58% increase in the number of employees from 2018 to 2021 and a matured balance between supply and demand, characterized by a predominance of small to medium-sized enterprises. Distribution through large-scale retail trade dominates, accounting for 58% of Italian purchases, while other channels like traditional butcher shops and restaurants also contribute significantly. Emerging trends in consumer behavior, like interest in synthetic meat driven by environmental and health considerations, signal potential shifts in demand dynamics.

Italian Beef Market: Embracing Tradition and Exploring Innovation

In Italy, a country deeply rooted in culinary traditions, the beef market remains a significant economic and cultural component. Though challenged by global trends and local dynamics, the market's intricacies reflect the ever-evolving tastes and concerns of Italian consumers. From 2018 to 2021, Italy observed a moderate increase in beef demand, indicating a steady appreciation for this product among Italians. The country's local beef market witnessed a turnover hike by over 20 percent, reaching about 6.5 million euros in 2022, despite a 3.3 percent decline in beef production. Italian households' expenditure on beef showcased a growth of roughly 2 percent from 2018 to 2021, with the Islands and Southern regions recording the highest consumption rates. Interestingly, the beef consumption trend in the country gravitates toward younger demographics, particularly the 18-19 age bracket, suggesting a generational affinity for beef as a dietary staple. Nutritionally, beef remains a valued source of high biological proteins and essential minerals such as iron, contributing to its enduring presence on Italian tables. Despite the apparent enthusiasm for traditional meat, the country is not insulated from global phenomena such as the burgeoning interest in synthetic or cultivated meats.

Although awareness and consumption readiness for synthetic alternatives are presently nominal, this niche may exhibit growth as discussions around environmental sustainability and animal welfare gain traction. On the import and export front, Italy demonstrates a heavy reliance on imports, with the coverage rate lingering around 20 percent. The period from 2018 to 2022 saw a budding increase in both imports (ranging between roughly 7 percent) and exports (approximately 12 percent) of beef. Top import sources include European neighbors such as Poland, France, and Spain, while notable export destinations include the Netherlands, Germany, and Greece. Despite the affluent demand, the Italian beef market contends with its share of challenges. Market prices occasionally fall below production costs, and issues such as farm sustainability, health concerns, and the rise in vegetarian diets echo the difficulties faced by producers. The projection of a 12 percent decline in beef consumption and a 25 percent decrease in retail sector sales indicate potential transformations in Italian dietary patterns. Distribution of beef in Italy employs a multi-channel strategy, with large-scale retail trade (GDO) leading at about 58 percent, followed by traditional butcher shops, and restaurant and catering chains. The online sale of meat products is emerging, reshaping the dynamic between traditional sales points and digital platforms. In.

Prominent Players in Italy's Beef Industry Landscape

Italy's beef industry is characterized by a diverse range of companies, each with its own unique history and specialization within the sector. Here, we highlight some of the key players who contribute significantly to the vibrancy and robustness of the Italian beef market.

  • Scarlino Meats (F.lli Scarlino Srl) is rooted in the historic land of Taurisano, where it started its journey by focusing on the poultry business. Over the years, it has broadened its reach to include various types of meat, upholding a tradition of quality and excellence in meat processing and marketing.
  • A.I.A. - Agricola Italiana Alimentare stands tall as a giant in the agribusiness sector. Known for its commitment to quality and safety, AIA Food has woven itself into the fabric of Italian culinary culture and remains at the forefront of the industry through constant innovation, particularly noted within the poultry niche.
  • GESCO - Amadori represents entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. This company started in the livestock farming industry back in Romagna during the 1930s. Today, Amadori is not just a staple in the Italian agrifood scene but a symbol of growth rooted in passion and tradition, true to its Romagnolo origins.
  • Bencarni S.p.A. emerged from the synergy of three firms in the beef sector, established in 1989. Headquartered in Nogarole Rocca, Bencarni is renowned for its proficiency in wholesale trading of a wide assortment of meat products, from fresh to deep-frozen.
  • Lanza S.r.l. presents a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. Starting as a humble butcher shop in 1935, the company has since expanded under the guidance of successive family generations into a well-established name in beef slaughtering and processing.
  • Inalca SpA asserts itself as a leading figure in the European beef industry. With a focus on meat processing and food distribution, Inalca's prowess is acknowledged not just in Italy but across Europe, making it a heavyweight player in the market. In addition to these domestic champions, the Italian beef industry landscape also includes
  • Cooperativa Zootecnica Scaligera, a cooperative venture rooted in Verona, dedicated to producing high-caliber beef since 1987. Another noteworthy company is
  • Barcon Agricultural Society, part of the Colomberotto group.
Get all the information you need
to understand this market

Detailed content

Inforamtion

  • Number of pages : 30 pages
  • Format : Digital and PDF versions
  • Last update : 27/11/2023
Update Details

Summary and extracts

1 Synthèse du marché

1.1 Introduction

In the current global context, the beef market represents a sector of fundamental importance both economically and culturally. Globally, the market reached an approximate value of $412.5 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.80% between 2024 and 2029, reaching a value of nearly $546.5 billion. There are many world regions that consider this product a pillar of their culture.

This market is characterized is characterized by a wide range of products, varying according to the type of breed of cattle raised, breeding techniques, and meat processing methods.

Essential in the performance of this market are its dynamics, such as consumer preferences and socio-economic factors. Specifically, it is essential to consider emerging trends, such as the increase in demand for synthetic meat or the expansion of supply with organic products.

1.2 The global market: beef

The global beef market reached an approximate value of $***.* billion in **** and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of *.**% between **** and ****, reaching a value of nearly $***.* billion.

Global beef market World, ****-****, US$ billion Expertm Market Research

Global beef demand is strongly influenced by rapid economic development and changes in ...

1.3 The local beef market

The local beef market is a key sector in the agribusiness of many regions and is an important pillar both economically and culturally. This market is characterized by a wide range of products, which vary according to the breeds of cattle raised, farming techniques and meat processing methods. From the point ...

1.4 Analysis of Imports and Exports

Italy is highly dependent on the value of imports of the product, as seen in the value of the coverage rate, which is around ** percent. From **** to ****, Italy's beef dog trade increased in both imports (***); in the specific case of imports, there is a decline in ****, which is **.* percent from the ...

1.5 Impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine

The outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in February **** led to, among other things, a general increase in the consumer price index. The beef production sector is not exempt from this increase. Through analysis of the consumer price index for beef, an increase of**.* percent between January **** and August **** can be ...

2 Analyse de la demande

2.1 Demand characteristics

The demand for beef in Italy tends to be very high; consumers are oriented toward the choice of this product both because of issues related to the culinary recipes of the place of origin and because of popular beliefs and habits. Specifically, below is the monthly household expenditure (***) on beef. As ...

2.2 Factors influencing demand

Meat consumption varies greatly by consumer age group, although it remains a widely favored product in Italy. The age group that consumes the largest amount of beef is those belonging to the **-** age group(***). In contrast, those who consume the least are those belonging to the **-** age group.

Beef ...

2.3 Geographical distribution of demand

To visualize the geographical distribution of demand, a map was created regarding beef consumption at least a few times a week, per *** people with the same characteristics. The highest consumption is in the Islands (***); the North has lower values, **.* for the Northwest and **.* for the Northeast. The higher meat consumption in ...

2.4 New demand trends: synthetic meat

The survey conducted in **** by the Ixè Institute provides insight into Italians' perceptions of synthetic meat, starting with their knowledge of the terminology used to identify the product. As can be seen from the graph below, there are still few Italians who know or have tried synthetic meat. In fact, the ...

3 Structure du marché

3.1 Market structure and dynamics

The graph below allows us to reflect on the stability of the market taken under analysis, sugesting a balance between supply and demand. This means that the sector is mature and existing companies are able to meet demand without the need for new entrants. From **** to **** , there was growth, albeit slight, ...

3.2 Value Chain

Primary production: Breeding: breeders select and raise livestock, taking care of the genetics, nutrition and health of the animals. Nutrition: livestock nutrition is crucial to meat quality. It usually includes forages, grains and supplements. Livestock health management: includes prevention and treatment of diseases as well as animal welfare management. Processing and ...

3.3 Distribution channels

Beef distribution in Italy is organized through several main channels:

Large-scale retail trade (***): this channel accounts for a significant portion of the market. About **% of Italians purchase beef products from hypermarkets and supermarkets. In addition, another *% of purchases are made at discount stores. TraditionalButcher Shops: traditional butcher shops still play an ...

3.4 Main actors

The following is an overview of some of the key players in the sector.

Actors in the sector - Italy (***)

Actors in the sector - Italy (***)

Actors in the sector - Foreign

Industry Actors - Online

4 Analyse de l'offre

4.1 Type of Offering

Type of cut

In terms of supply, it is possible to classify different types of beef according to the cut given to it; specifically, a division can be made into three categories, which define its quality based on its organoleptic characteristics, composition, thickness of muscle mass, and amount of fat.

First-category ...

4.2 Prices

Below is an overview of monthly average prices by product variety in the last available month (***).

[***]

4.3 New supply trends

Organic beef production represents a new supply trend that faces challenges and opportunities. This sector is characterized by the presence of predominantly small family farms and accounts for about * percent of the country's total cattle herd (***). The subsidiary market for organic beef in Italy has an estimated value of about *** million ...

5 Règlementation

5.1 Regulatory framework

The Italian regulatory framework of beef production, is regulated by a series of regulations designed to ensure its quality and safety. These regulations cover all aspects of production, from the rearing to the slaughtering of the animal to the labeling and sale of the product.

As established by EU Regulation ****/****, the ...

6 Positionnement des acteurs

6.1 Segmentation

Italian Companies

Foreign Companies

  • Creekstone Farms
  • Jack’s Creek
  • Greater Omaha Packing
  • Rangers Valley
  • Ozaki Beef
  • Scarlino Carni
  • A.I.A. - Agricola Italiana Alimentare
  • GESCO - Amadori
  • Bencarni
  • Lanza

All our studies are available online in PDF format

Take a look at an example of our research on another market!

Do you have a question about this study?   +44 238 097 0676

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Creekstone Farms
Jack’s Creek
Greater Omaha Packing
Rangers Valley
Ozaki Beef
Scarlino Carni
A.I.A. - Agricola Italiana Alimentare
GESCO - Amadori
Bencarni
Lanza

Choosing this study means :

Access to more than 35 hours of work

Our studies are the result of over 35 hours of research and analysis. Using our studies allows you to devote more time and added value to your projects.

Benefit from 6 years' experience and over 1,500 industry reports already produced

Our expertise enables us to produce comprehensive studies in all sectors, including niche and emerging markets.

Our know-how and methodology enable us to produce reports that offer unique value for money.

Access to several thousand articles and paid-for data

Businesscoot has access to all the paid economic press as well as exclusive databases to carry out its market research (over 30,000 articles and private sources).

To enhance our research, our analysts also use web indicators (semrush, trends, etc.) to identify market trends and company strategies. (Consult our paying sources)

Guaranteed support after your purchase

A team dedicated to after-sales service, to guarantee you a high level of satisfaction. +44 238 097 0676

A digital format designed for our users

Not only do you have access to a PDF, but also to a digital version designed for our customers. This version gives you access to sources, data in Excel format and graphics. The content of the study can therefore be easily retrieved and adapted for your specific needs.

Our offers :

The beef market | Italy

89 €
  • What are the figures on the size and growth of the market?
  • What is driving the growth of the market and its evolution?
  • What is the positioning of companies in the value chain?
  • Data from several dozen databases

5 reports pack (-15%) IT Italy

75.6 € / study
378 € instead of 445 € -15%
  • 5 reports at €75.6 excluding VAT per study to choose from our Italian catalogue for 12 months
  • Save 15% on additional studies purchased
  • Choose to be refunded any unused credit at the end of the 12-month period (duration of the pack)

See the terms and conditions of the pack and the refund of unused credit.

Updates

Our customer references

They have consulted our studies Discover the opinions (+500)

Malcolm Vincent
Linkedin logo

Malcolm Vincent

Astoria Finance

Gregoire de Castelnau
Linkedin logo

Gregoire de Castelnau

Stags Participations

Timothé Huignard
Linkedin logo

Timothé Huignard

PWC

Paul-Alexis Kebabtchieff
Linkedin logo

Paul-Alexis Kebabtchieff

BCG

Aymeric Granet
Linkedin logo

Aymeric Granet

Publicis Consultant

interviews & case studies All interviews and case studies (45)

La pépite Interview

BFM Business

Paul-Alexis Kebabtchieff

Boston Consulting Group

Marie Guibart

Kea Partners

Elaine, Durand

Crédit Agricole, Information & Veille

Philippe Dilasser

Initiative & Finance

Anne Baudry

Metro

Amaury Wernert

Kroll (Duff & Phelps)

Smart Leaders Interview

B-Smart

Do you have a question ?
Our team is at your disposal at   +44 238 097 0676