The market for aperitif biscuits - Italy

The global market for aperitif cookies, which includes products such as semi-salted cookies, chips, and crackers, has demonstrated significant growth in recent years, with the snack market hitting US$505 billion in revenues in 2022. The cookies (sweet, savory) and crackers segment holds the largest share, accounting for 52.3% of market revenues, equivalent to $264.1 billion. The United States, Japan, India, and China are the key countries driving revenue, while Italy, with its strong aperitivo culture, ranks 12th globally. In Italy, the sector saw an 18.6% growth in 2022 compared to the previous year, with revenues of €4.02 billion expected in 2023 and an annual CAGR projection of 1.89% from 2023 to 2028.

The trend within this market is pivoting towards healthier options that contain fewer saturated fats and preservatives. Additionally, companies are focusing on creating sustainable packaging solutions. The demand for these products is influenced by changing consumption habits, an increasing preference for snacks over traditional meals, and a specific focus in Italy on the aperitivo tradition. Despite the impact of COVID-19 causing a contraction in imports in 2020, both imports and exports rebounded in 2021, with Italy maintaining a trade balance surplus, highlighted by a coverage rate consistently above 100% for bakery and pastry products.

Key players like Mondelez International, Parle Products, and Britannia Industries are prominent in the market, which is characterized by a high degree of segmentation with numerous players and a variety of distribution channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online platforms. The market structure has seen a significant decrease in the number of companies from 1412 entities to 692 in 2020, likely due to market consolidation and the effects of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions affecting key ingredients such as flour. Despite this reduction, consumer spending on food and beverages, as well as the purchase of bakery products like cookies, has been on the rise, and the sector continues to adapt to trends such as automation, sustainability, and nutritional product innovation.

Evolving Trends and Consumption Patterns in the Italian Aperitif Cookies Market

In the realm of aperitif cookies and related snacks in Italy, several trends have emerged that paint a picture of changing consumer habits and preferences. As traditions evolve, Italians are increasingly embracing the aperitif culture, with a significant majority of the population, about 75%, participating in aperitif social gatherings at least once a month. This practice has become deeper rooted within the Italian lifestyle, leading to noticeable alterations in consumption. For example, the demand for lighter snacks, those with reduced fat content, has risen. Parallel to this, Italians are steering their shopping choices toward products with greater health benefits, including those with lower sugar and fat levels, as well as higher fiber content. The shift is evidenced by the decreasing average of calories sold per product and a significant decline in the sales of fats and saturated fats. Conversely, products rich in fiber have experienced a hike in their demand. The Italian consumer base, especially Millennials who now represent around 23% of the global population, are leaning towards replacing traditional meals with snack alternatives. This group is noted for swapping at least one meal a day with snacks, choosing quality over quantity, and increasingly prioritizing healthier eating choices.

The Italian aperitif market is not only thriving due to the frequency of participation but also due to consumers' willingness to spend on high-quality bakery products, an essential component of the aperitif. The average monthly household expenditure on bakery products, including cookies, has been on a gradual ascent. There is an implied correlation between this spending behavior and the cultural significance of aperitif among Italians across different regions. With a per capita revenue generated from cookies and crackers standing at slightly over 60 euros, it is indicative of the product's importance in the market. Despite the troubles spawned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of international conflicts impacting raw material costs like flour, the export and import dynamics reveal that Italy maintains a positive trade balance in the sector, with exports consistently surpassing imports. In conclusion, the aperitif cookie market in Italy is undergoing a transformation influenced by health-conscious behavioral shifts, generational preferences, and the integral role of the aperitif tradition. These factors lead to a burgeoning demand for healthier snack alternatives and a steady.

Key Players Shaping the Aperitif Cookies and Snacks Landscape

The aperitif snacks market, a subset of the broader snacks segment, is a dynamic and innovative space where certain industry juggernauts and specialized companies vie for the appetites and loyalties of consumers. The market is characterized by an eclectic mix of traditional savory treats and modern health-conscious offerings, all vying for a spot in the pre-dinner ritual that Italians hold dear. Below, we explore the primary companies leaving their mark on this flavorful industry.

• Mondelez International : A global powerhouse in snacking, Mondelez boasts an impressive portfolio that caters to the appetites of consumers worldwide. Known for its expertise in creating both sweets and savory delights, the company has a footprint in the aperitif cookie category with its variety of crackers and biscuit products tailored to suit the palates of aperitif aficionados.
• Parle Products : This Indian multinational offers a diverse array of snack items, including offerings that suit the aperitif market. Though traditionally associated with biscuits and confectioneries, Parle’s knack for blending flavors and textures translates well to those looking for a bite before the main meal.
• Britannia Industries : As one of India’s oldest brands in the food sector, Britannia Industries is renowned for its bakery products, including a versatile range of biscuits and crackers. With innovation at its core, Britannia consistently reinvents its offerings to align with contemporary tastes, which includes snacks suited for the aperitif occasion.
• Pladis Foods : As the global biscuit and confectionery arm of Yıldız Holding, Pladis entertains and entices consumers with its universally beloved brands. Their mastery in the realm of baked goods makes them a notable presence in the aperitif snacks market, especially with their specialty crackers that pair well with spreads and cheeses.
• Roma Food Products : Operating under the name Orgran, this company specializes in producing a vast range of gluten-free and alternative grain products. For the health-conscious aperitif snacker, Roma Food Products presents a selection that indulges without deviation from dietary restrictions.
• Sapidum : With a focus on gourmet offerings, Sapidum elevates the simple aperitif to new heights. Their products often blend traditional recipes with a modern twist, catering to those who prefer a touch of luxury with their pre-dinner nibbles.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 21/07/2023

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