The fish and seafood market - Italy

In 2020, the global fish and seafood market is on a growth trajectory. However, this growth faces the environmental challenge of overfishing, with the FAO noting that ecologically sustainable fish stocks have fallen from 90% to 66%. Italy, as a major consumer and importer, is a notable part of the European fish market, with the Italian domestic market witnessing an increase in the value of seafood sales in 2021, despite being the country with the lowest sales growth in Europe, at 30.1 million euros.

In 2021, Italian imports amounted to $5.913 billion and exports to $543 million. Italian households have shown a slight upward trend in fish consumption, spending around €207 per capita on fish and seafood products, which correlates with a growing preference for fresh fish.this correlates with a growing preference for buying sustainable seafood products, as indicated by a +30% increase in sales of sustainably sourced products by 2020. At international level, the European Union regulates fishing through the Common Fisheries Policy, with measures such as TAC quotas, MSY and discard bans to manage and protect fish stocks sustainably.

changing consumption patterns on the Italian fish market

The Italian fish market is undergoing radical change, driven by a series of factors influencing consumption patterns and demand. In particular, Italy is one of Europe's leading consumers of fish products, with per capita consumption reaching around 30 kilograms per year, ranking sixth on the continent. One of the main drivers behind Italy's growing appetite for fish is the population's awareness of the health benefits attributed to seafood, coupled with its preference for ethnic cuisines. globally, the fish and seafood market has been growing steadily, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate of around 2.5%, aiming to reach around $180-200 billion by 2027. This increase is due to multiple factors, including global population growth, rising disposable incomes and changing consumer lifestyles.

However, this increase in consumption is not without its challenges. One major concern is the depletion of marine species due to overfishing. Only 65% to 70% of fish stocks are at sustainable levels. What's more, around 70% of fish caught in the Mediterranean are discarded, highlighting the problem of waste and the urgent need for sustainable fishing practices. In the European Union, seafood preferences are very diverse, with tuna being the most widely consumed product, but self-sufficiency rates vary considerably from one species to another. Mackerel, for example, has a self-sufficiency rate of over 120%, indicating that the EU produces far more than it consumes. Italy's role as a major player is underlined by its strong import activity, which accounts for around 4% of world value.

The Italian domestic market remains robust and dynamic, with sales of seafood products showing a moderate increase in value between 2020 and 2021. On the production side in Italy, the value of fish and seafood products will be between 1.5 and 1.6 billion euros in 2020, with significant regional contributions, particularly from Sicily, which accounts for around a quarter of the country's fishing revenues. In terms of trade, Italy sources its seafood from a range of European and non-European countries, underlining the global interconnectedness of this market.

Key players shaping the landscape of the Italian seafood industry The Italian seafood market is an arena driven by many players, each contributing significantly to the movement and distribution of fish and seafood across the country. The landscape is diverse, with companies ranging from large distribution groups to specialist seafood producers, and each occupies a unique position in the market. Here's a brief overview of the main players in the Italian seafood industry.

Main distributors :

• Sysco Group (Davigel) - Part of the Sysco Corporation, Davigel is a gigantic player serving a wide range of market segments, including hospitals, schools and the hospitality sector, among the many channels it supplies. Known for a range that extends from seafood to dairy products and desserts, Davigel's activities extend beyond Italy's borders, marking its presence throughout Europe.
• Coop - Coop Italia is one of Italy's largest supermarket chains, with a significant stake in retail distribution, including a wide range of seafood products for household consumption. The Coop brand is synonymous with everyday shopping for Italian families, and prides itself on responsible sourcing and quality products.
• Italmercato - Although smaller than the giants, Italmercato has carved out a place for itself in the market, as a specific distributor known for its range of seafood products. Its commitment to freshness and customer service has made it a respected name in the Italian seafood market.
• Findus - Specializing in frozen foods, Findus has made a name for itself with its seafood range, which promises convenience without compromising quality and taste. From ready-made meals to ingredients for home cooking, Findus has become a staple in many Italian freezers.

Notable producers :

• Generale Conserve - With a rich heritage and roots deeply rooted in the history of Italian seafood, Generale Conserve is at the forefront of high-quality seafood canning. Its commitment to preserving techniques that preserve flavor and nutrition is a testament to its dedication to craftsmanship. -
• Leroy Sea Food - Leroy Sea Food, one of the world's leading seafood companies, is present at all stages of production, from fish farming to seafood processing and sales. With sustainable development at the heart of its concerns, the company is a major player in defining industry standards.

Specialized retailers :

• FIORITAL GELO - FIORITAL GELO has established itself as a specialist in the retail landscape, providing not only a product, but also a service

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 29/04/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Sales on the market for fish and fishery products
• Global trends in the status of marine fish stocks
• Use categories of fish and fishery products and per capita consumption
• Main exporting countries for fish and fish products
• Main importing countries for fish and fish products
• Per capita consumption of fish in EU countries
• Change in the value of sales of fish and fish products
• Sales of major commercial species
• Sold production of fish and fish products
• Evolution of fishing areas
• Exports of fish and fish products (HS code 03)
• Imports of fish and fish products (HS code 03)
• Spending on seafood products per household
• Legal forms of seafood distribution companies
• Breakdown of occupants of fish market enterprises
• Real spending on seafood products in purchasing power standards
• Consumption of seafood products
• Seafood sales by channel
• Type of fish product purchased
• Methods of purchasing seafood products
• Variation in sales trends of fish and fish products