The coffee market - Italy (2025)

1.2 Global Market

Coffee, which is differentiated into Arabica and Robusta, is the most traded agricultural product in the world.

Arabica coffee, which accounts for about ** percent of production, is mainly grown in Latin America: the world's largest producer is Brazil, which produces ** percent of the total supply. Robusta coffee production, on the other hand, is concentrated in Asia and Africa, with Vietnam the leading producer of robusta and the world's second largest coffee producer after Brazil with ** percent of total production. In third place is Colombia, which has continuous growth in recent years and has reached ** percent of total supply. Finally,Indonesia is following the same path and is now the world's fourth largest coffee producer.

The main differences between the two varieties are as follows. Arabica coffee contains *.*% caffeine, while Robusta coffee contains almost twice as much. In addition, the Arabica coffee plant is a fragile tree that grows slowly at altitudes between *** and *,*** meters, while the Robusta coffee plant, named for its hardiness, is grown on the plains between * and *** meters above sea level.

Coffee remains primarily an export crop: nearly three-quarters of the crop is sold on the international market. Traditionally, the European Union and North America are the regions ...

1.3 Italian Market

The Italian coffee market is expected to grow steadily from €*.** billion in **** to €*.** billion in ****, an overall increase of **.* percent. This increase reflects solid domestic demand, fueled by both the strong tradition of coffee consumption in Italy and the evolution of the industry, which continues to adapt to new consumer preferences, such as the growing interest in specialty and organic coffees. With a compound annual growth rate (***) estimated at *.** percent, the market shows moderate but stable dynamics. This growth is part of a competitive environment, where coffee remains a pillar of Italian culture, supported by an industry that focuses on quality, product innovation and expansion into foreign markets.

Value of the Italian coffee market Italy, ****-****, in € billion MondorIntelligence, BusinessCoot elaboration

The turnover of Italian companies active in coffee processing has evolved significantly, from €*.** billion in **** to €*.** billion in ****, with a total growth of **.* percent. Despite a contraction in ****, likely caused by the impact of the pandemic and reduced consumption, the sector has shown strong resilience, reaching its highest value in **** for the period under consideration. Projections for **** estimate a turnover of *.** billion euros, indicating a further increase from the current level. Turnover of companies active in coffee processing Italy, ****-****, ...

1.4 Imports and Exports

Between **** and ****, Italy experienced significant growth in coffee exports, rising from $**.* million in **** to $**.* million in ****. In contrast, imports showed a slight decline over the same period, dropping from $**.* million in **** to $**.* million in ****. This led to an improvement in the coverage ratio, which measures the ratio of exports to imports, which increased from *.** in **** to *.** in ****. The increase in the coverage ratio reflects an increasing competitiveness of Italian coffee exports, likely driven by quality and expansion in foreign markets. At the same time, the stability of imports could be linked to consolidated domestic demand but without significant increases. This trend points to a strengthening of the sector's trade balance, with Italy increasingly focused on exports of processed or roasted coffee.

Italy, ****-****, in millions of dollars (***) UNComtrade

In ****, Italy's coffee exports are mainly focused toward five main markets. The U.S. and the U.K. are the two main destinations, with very similar shares of **.* percent and **.* percent, respectively. This is followed by Poland with *.* percent, France with *.* percent and Greece at *.* percent. However, nearly half of the exports (***) go to "other partners," indicating strong market diversification.

Distribution of exports among the top * consuming countries (***) Italy, ****, % UNComtrade

2.1 Demand characteristics

Coffee consumption in Italy has varied in recent years, reflecting changes in consumer habits and economic trends. While total consumption has shown some instability, per capita consumption has remained relatively stable, while spending on coffee purchases has increased, signaling the effect of inflation on prices.

Domestic consumption of roasted coffee fell from ***.* million kg in **** to *** million in ****, then rose to ***.* million in **** and stabilized at ***.* million in ****. Overall, there is a * percent decrease between the first and last years considered, with a pronounced decline during the pandemic and a partial recovery thereafter.

National coffee consumption (***) Italy, ****-****, in millions of kg Beverfood

Per capita consumption followed a similar trend, falling from * kg in **** to *.* kg in ****, then rising to *.* kg in **** and settling at *.* kg in ****. The change between the first and the last year is -*.* percent, with a post-pandemic recovery that, however, did not bring levels back to initial values.

Italian per capita consumption of coffee Italy, ****-****, in kg

In contrast, monthly household spending on coffee has increased from €**.** in **** to an estimated €**.** by ****, a ** percent growth. This increase suggests an increase in prices rather than an increase in volumes consumed, in line with the inflationary dynamics ...

2.2 Demand drivers

The customs and habits that bind consumers to this drink are diverse: out of *** coffees, about ** are consumed at home, followed by the bar (***). What is also interesting is what emerged about the personal relationship we have with this beverage, especially when we consume it at the bar.

Favorite places to consume coffee Italy, ****, % Caffebenessere

For most consumers, coffee is a recharge of mental strength and physical energy(***) to share with others.

Why do people consume coffee at coffee shops? Italy, ****, % Caffebenessere The following data are extracted from a study conducted in **** by AstraRicerche on behalf of the Coffee Promotion Consortium through online interviews with a representative sample of *,*** Italians aged **-**. It shows that **.* percent of respondents consume coffee every day, while **.* percent only once a week. Frequency with which Italians drink coffee Italy, ****, % Caffebenessere

2.3 Geographical distribution of demand

Regarding the geographic distribution of coffee consumption,it can be seen that the values are almost similar across the peninsula. The highest spending value is concentrated in theSouth (***) where consumption is around €**.* per month; this is followed by the Center, with a value of €**.** and, finally, Northern Italy, with a spending value of €**.**.

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2.4 Online Interest

The trend of online searches for coffee in Italy between **** and **** shows an interesting dynamic, characterized by seasonal fluctuations and an overall growth in interest in this beverage. The index starts from **.* in January ****, the lowest value of the considered interval, and registers a first increase in the spring months, reaching **.* in May. The highest peak in **** is reached in July with a value of **.*, probably related to increased attention to iced coffee or other summer variants.

Thereafter, interest declines slightly in the fall months, with values ranging between **.* and **.* between October and December ****, a period when demand may have stabilized. Entering ****, the search trend shows a steady upswing starting in February, with a gradual increase culminating in December **** with a peak value of **.*. This spike could be influenced by the Christmas season, which traditionally stimulates the purchase of coffee for the home or as gifts, and interest in new offers, trends, or products related to the industry.

The entire period reflects a continued interest in coffee by Italians, supported by both an ingrained culture of consumption and a growing curiosity for innovative products such as special blends, organic or sustainable coffee, and ready-made solutions such as capsules and pods. This ...

2.5 New demand trends

Consumers' perceptions with respect to the efforts of companies active in coffee processing are interesting; it can be seen that **.*% of respondents believe that the priority of companies is to constantly innovate the product, always offering new things that are appealing to customers. For **.*%, on the other hand, companies work carefully in their relationship with consumers, trying to establish a strong and stable bond of trust. Undoubtedly, environmental issues are also central, so much so that ** percent of respondents say they believe that companies are committed to reducing environmental impact from the point of view of product packaging and production methods.

What are coffee processing companies most committed to? Consumers' opinions Italy, ****, % Caffebenessere

For coffee consumers, sustainability is a factor of growing importance. The survey shows that for **.* percent of consumers, environmental sustainability is essential. This includes practices such as carbon footprint reduction and sustainable use of resources. Social sustainability, which includes issues such as fair working conditions and support for coffee-producing communities, is a priority for **.* percent of consumers. Finally, ** percent consider economic sustainability, which involves fair compensation for producers and the long-term economic stability of the coffee industry, to be essential. These figures reflect a growing interest in more ...

3.1 Market structure and dynamics

The number of companies active in coffee processing in Italy grew markedly between **** and ****, registering a ***% increase, from *** to ****. The largest growth is observed between **** and ****, when the number of companies increases from *** to ****, a ***% increase in a single year. A peak of **** firms is reached in ****, followed by a slight decline in **** to **** units. However, **** sees a new upswing, with a further increase to **** enterprises, showing an overall positive trend in the sector. This increase reflects the dynamism of the coffee market in Italy, where innovation, demand for specialized products and exports have spurred the emergence of new businesses. The steady growth also suggests that the sector remains attractive for new investment, with opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

Enterprises active in coffee processing Italy, ****-****, number of units Istat

The distribution of legal forms shows an interesting variety. Individual entrepreneurs, freelancers and the self-employed account for **.* percent of enterprises, underscoring a strong bias toward sole proprietorships. Limited liability companies(***) make up **.* percent, indicating a preference for this legal form that limits members' liability. General partnerships, which imply unlimited member liability, account for **.* percent, while limited partnerships, with a structure that combines general and limited partners, are **.* percent.

Legal ...

3.2 Value chain

The value chain in the coffee market can be divided into several key stages, each of which contributes significantly to the final product that reaches the consumer.

Cultivation: the first stage in the value chain is coffee cultivation; this stage includes selection of coffee varieties, care of the plants, and harvesting of the beans. Harvesting: coffee beans are harvested by hand or by machine. This process can vary depending on location and type of plantation (***). Processing: after harvesting, the beans are processed to remove the outer shell. There are two main methods: wet way (***). Drying: the beans must be dried in the sun or in special machines to reduce the moisture content. Export: green coffee beans are then exported from producing countries to consuming countries. Roasting: crucial stage for flavor development. Grinding: roasted beans are ground into different grain sizes depending on the type of coffee to be prepared (***). Packaging and distribution: after grinding, the coffee is packaged and distributed to various outlets, such as supermarkets, specialty stores, or coffee shops. Retail: the stage at which coffee reaches the final consumer, either in the form of packets to be prepared at home or as a ready-to-drink beverage in coffee shops. Consumption: ...

3.3 Distribution channels

The number of active roasted coffee retail businesses in Italy grew steadily between **** and ****, from *,*** units in **** to an estimated *,*** units in ****, an increase of *** percent in seven years. Between **** and ****, the sector experienced a moderate but steady expansion, reaching *,*** units. In ****, despite the pandemic, the number of businesses rose further to *,***, demonstrating the resilience of the sector. From **** onward, an acceleration in growth is observed, with *,*** units in **** and a forecast of *,*** in ****, rising to over *,*** units in ****. This expansion reflects consumers' growing interest in quality coffee and the increasing role of specialty businesses, including those focusing on artisanal, organic and sustainable products. In addition, the trend highlights how the retail trade is benefiting from increased domestic demand and the diversification of Italian consumers' preferences.

Active roasted coffee retail businesses Italy, ****-****, in thousands Istat Finally, coffee shops represent another key element in coffee distribution. They provide a direct consumer experience by serving freshly brewed coffee. Coffee shops can range from traditional establishments to international chains, often also offering additional services such as pastries and snacks. A decrease in the number of coffee bars and other similar establishments of -**.* percent is noted in the five years under analysis.

Active ...

3.4 Main actors

3.5 Prices of raw materials

The graph shows the trend in coffee prices from ****-****, measured in U.S. cents per pound (***). After an initial period of decline, with the price dropping from $*.**/pound in **** to a low of $*.**/pound in ****, prices began to rise again in ****. Between **** and ****, a significant surge is observed, with prices reaching $*.**/pound in ****, partly due to difficulties in the global supply chain, adverse weather conditions in major producing countries such as Brazil, and sustained international demand. Thereafter, prices temporarily decline, settling around $*.**/pound in ****, signaling a temporary stabilization. In ****, however, prices return to rapid growth, reaching a peak for the period analyzed at $*.**/pound in December.

Coffee prices World, ****-****, $USD cents / livre (***) Source: ****

4.1 Product overview

Overview

There are two main varieties of coffee beans Arabica which grows at high altitude (***) and is the most cultivated, and Robusta which grows at a lower altitude and is more concentrated in caffeine. Specifically, the caffeine content of Arabica beans is *.* percent, while that of Robusta beans is *.* percent.

Globally, Arabica accounted for about ** percent of production and Robusta for ** percent. This breakdown also applies to the Italian market

In Italy, most coffee is consumed at home (***), while **.*% is consumed at bars and **.*% at restaurants. Coffee consumption in an outdoor environment remains important in Italian culture.

Below we detail the different categories of coffee available on the market.

4.2 Prices charged in the market

Below, with prices from large Italian retailers as a reference, we find the average price of an espresso, considering using * grams to prepare it and excluding the expense of buying the coffee machine.[***]

The consumer price index for coffee remained relatively stable between **** and ****, fluctuating between **.* and ***.*, before falling slightly in ****-****. Since ****, however, there has been a sharp surge, with a **.* percent increase between **** and ****, rising from **.* to an estimated ***.*.

Italy, ****-****, ISTAT Index Source: ****

4.3 The ecological coffee

Ecological coffee, also known as organic or organic coffee, is a product that is grown following the principles of organic farming, which aims to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices throughout the production chain. Growing ecological coffee excludes the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers and genetically modified organisms, preferring natural methods that support biodiversity and soil health.

The benefits of ecological coffee are many for both the environment and the health of consumers. In fact, consuming organic coffee means reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting agricultural practices that protect bird and insect habitat, thereby promoting biodiversity.[***]

Organic certification is a key element of green coffee, ensuring that the product meets strict standards of production and processing. This certification is issued by official, independent bodies and requires producers to follow precise rules to ensure their coffee is labeled organic. The certification process includes regular inspections and detailed documentation of farming and production practices.[***]

In addition, sustainability in coffee extends beyond the environmental aspect to include economic and social sustainability. This concept, known as the triple bottom line (***), emphasizes the need to ensure fair living and working conditions for coffee producers by ...

5.1 Regulations concerning the production, preparation and sale of coffee in Italy

We list below the articles of law and regulations that apply to the coffee sector in Italy.

Regulation No. ***/**** of **.**.****, laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in the field of food safety Regulation No. ***/**** of **.**.**** on the hygiene of foodstuffs Law No.***, **.**.****, and its implementing regulations, concerning the hygienic regulation in the production and marketing of food and beverages Circular **.**.****, No.** and its update regarding guidelines for the development of voluntary manuals of good hygienic practice in foodstuffs EC Regulation No.****/**** of **.**.**** setting maximum levels of certain contaminants in foodstuffs EC Regulation No. ***/**** of the European Parliament and of the Council of **.**.**** and subsequent updates of which the latest No. ***/****, on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive **/***/EC Decree of the Ministry of Health **.**.**** as amended by Decree of the Ministry of Health **.**.**** and **.**.**** - Transposition of Directive No. **/***/EC on maximum residue limits of active substances of sanitary preparations tolerated on and in products Presidential Decree **.**.****, No.*** - Regulations for the hygienic regulation of the production and trade of coffee and its ...

5.2 Conclusion

The coffee market is booming globally, with a CAGR of *.** percent between **** and ****. The total value of the industry is set to grow from $***.** billion in **** to $***.** billion in ****, driven byincreased demand for certified coffees, single-serve systems, and product innovations. Europe also shows sustained growth, with an estimated **.* percent increase over the same period, bringing the market value to $**.** billion by ****.

Italy continues to play a central role, with the market expected to grow by **.* percent between **** and ****, from *.** billion to *.** billion. The country stands out for its companies' strong cultural tradition and capacity for innovation, accounting for ** percent of non-EU coffee imports. On theexport front, Italian coffee exports reached $**.* million in ****, with steady growth. The main destination markets are the United States (***), consolidating the competitiveness of Made in Italy in the sector.

Demand drivers include ahigh preference for home consumption (***) dominate the sector, focusing on internationalization, innovation and sustainability. Lavazza stands out forinternational expansion, while Illy focuses on ***% Arabica blend and sustainability.

Commodity price trends have varied widely: after a drop in **** (***), coffee prices have increased to $*.**/pound in ****. In Italy, consumer prices increased by **.* percent between **** and ****, driven by inflation and growing demand for premium coffee. The sector is ...

6.1 Segmentation

• Luigi Lavazza Spa
• Illycaffè
• Kimbo
• Caffitaly
• Caffè Borbone
• Nestle' Italia