The food-truck market - Italy

Since 2020, the global food truck market has grown steadily, with an estimated value of $3.93 billion and an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% between 2021 and 2028. Demand in this sector is fueled by consumers' fast-paced lifestyles and the appeal of high-quality, diverse and affordable food options. In the USA, food trucks generate an average of $750 to $1,500 per hour at peak times. The Italian food truck market has also grown: three out of four Italians buy street food at least once a year, and Rome and Milan are the cities with the highest number of food trucks. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the sector, resulting in sales losses ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 euros per month for businesses, the cancellation of over 100 events in 2020 alone, and the sector's call for political support and bureaucratic simplifications to facilitate recovery.

Cultural fusion and health trends drive change in Italy's street food market

In recent years, Italy has seen a significant transformation of its street food market, fueled by cultural exchange and a growing emphasis on healthier eating habits. While traditional local foods such as piadina, arrosticini and arancini retain a strong allegiance from around 81% of the 35 million regular street food consumers, there is an appetite for international and alternative food options. The decline in ethnic dishes such as kebabs, which now account for just 6% of this option, reflects consumers' shifting priorities towards more diverse, quality-driven street food offerings.

Demand for street food is multi-faceted. One of the main factors is the affordability and speed of food preparation, which match the fast-paced lifestyles of many Italians. In addition, higher product quality and improved hygiene standards have made street food more attractive. Technological advances, such as the Rosteria mobile app, have made it easier for consumers to locate and sample the various street food offerings, further boosting demand. The arrival of renowned chefs on the food truck scene, who often offer inventive, high-quality culinary experiences to the general public, has added a degree of sophistication and novelty to the market. This phenomenon has also been amplified by a plethora of events that showcase the culinary prowess of food trucks, offering operators a platform to reach a wider audience. Trends are moving towards sustainable, organic ingredients and inclusive diets, with an increase in vegan and gluten-free offerings to cater for different health and lifestyle preferences. The food truck sector is likely to reflect these changes, expanding its menu to incorporate meat substitutes like Beyond Meat and offering a wider range of ethnic flavors, with the promise of West African cuisine that attracts consumer curiosity through the use of superfoods.

Despite the dynamism and evolution of the street food market, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the industry, with sales plummeting from 5,000 to 20,000 euros per month in the 180,000 or so businesses in operation. The crisis led to the cancellation of around a hundred events in the space of a year, underlining the sector's vulnerability to large-scale disruption. Overall, the future of the Italian street food market lies in the intersection of traditional culinary practices with contemporary trends focused on health and the environment, while meeting the challenges posed by the uncertain times that have necessitated political intervention and support.the Italian food truck market, brimming with innovation and rich culinary traditions, is characterized by a tapestry of enterprising organizations driving the sector forward.

These key players have found their place in this dynamic ecosystem, contributing to its growth and diversity.

• Streetfoody S.r.l. is emerging as a notable force, with its workshop for custom-built food trucks, designed to meet the unique requirements of mobile kitchen entrepreneurs. They pay meticulous attention to the complexity of kitchens and the practical needs of mobile vendors, ensuring that each vehicle serves as a reliable and efficient mobile dining establishment.
• Another important entity in this field is VS SPECIAL DESIGN S.R.L., which specializes in customized design solutions for food trucks. Its offerings bridge the gap between functionality and aesthetics, providing the perfect package for vendors looking to stand out in a crowded market.
• Street Food Mobile S.r.l. joins the fray with a focus on mobility and adaptability. The company responds to the ever-changing needs of street food vendors, who must remain agile to respond to fluctuating consumer tastes and changing market conditions.
• In the support sectors of the food truck ecosystem, SCAMINOX S.R.L. positions itself by manufacturing custom-made appliances and kitchens that facilitate food preparation and service. This equipment is essential to enable food trucks to offer high-quality dishes to their customers.
• In addition to equipment manufacturers, CEREDA ANITO S.R.L. also plays a crucial role in supplying robust, efficient kitchen components. Their appliances form the backbone of many food trucks, enabling vendors to meet the rigorous demands of the street food industry.
• In the field of event organization, which is essential for the visibility and reach of food trucks, WOKI SRL emerges as a leading organizer. By organizing events for food trucks, they provide vital platforms for vendors to showcase their culinary prowess and for customers to immerse themselves in the diverse flavors of Italian street food.

These key players, whether manufacturers, designers, suppliers or event organizers, reflect the many facets of the Italian food truck market. Their collaborative synergy paves the way for continued growth, innovation and the delicious spread of Italian street food culture.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 02/02/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Imprese attive sotto il Codice Ateco 56.10.4 "Ristorazione ambulante e gelaterie ambulanti"
• Addetti nelle imprese attive sotto il Codice Ateco 56.10.4 "Ristorazione ambulante e gelaterie ambulanti"
• Forma giuridica imprese attive sotto il Codice Ateco 56.10.4 "Ristorazione ambulante e gelaterie ambulanti"
• Number of Food Truck in Italy
• Average expenditure when eating out, by type of cuisine
• Main motivations in choosing street food.