The oyster market - Italy

In 2020, the worldwide oyster market experienced a downturn in growth, yet it is projected to recover between 2021-2026 with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5%. Despite not being on par with the top producers like those in Normandy, Italy has been recognized for its quality oyster production, mainly in regions such as Liguria, Puglia, Veneto, Sardinia, and Sicily, with an annual output of less than 170 tons. During the 2020 holiday season, Italian oyster demand surged by 20%, reflecting the country's position as the second-largest oyster consumer in Europe. To meet its substantial consumption, Italy imports oysters from France, underscoring a reliance on foreign supply. There have been significant investments over the past decade to boost the Italian oyster market towards French production levels, led by initiatives such as those by Fedagripesca-Confcooperative. Italian aquaculture is innovating, focusing on new techniques to enhance production while maintaining quality standards..Trends in the Italian Oyster Market: Rising Demand and Local Production Growth The Italian oyster market is experiencing a notable upward demand trend, particularly highlighted during the festive season around Christmas and New Year 2020 when a demand surge of approximately 20 percent was observed. This growth illustrates the importance of oysters as a luxury food item during significant celebrations and culinary traditions in Italy. Despite Italy's reputation as the second-largest consumer of oysters in Europe, local production struggles to keep pace with national consumption levels. Consequently, Italy is heavily reliant on imports, especially from France, to satisfy the burgeoning appetite for this delicacy. The current production of Italian oysters does not exceed the threshold of between 150 and 200 tons annually. Significant to this discussion is the market value of oysters on a global scale. As of 2018, the worldwide market for oysters was valued at approximately USD 7 to 8 billion. While a contraction was noted in 2020—likely attributed to market challenges imposed by the global pandemic—a recovery is on the horizon. Market projections from 2021 to 2026 anticipate an annual growth rate of about 5 percent, signaling a robust and resilient industry. In response to the promising market outlook, the Italian oyster industry, led by initiatives such as Fedagripesca-Confcooperative's decade-long investment efforts, is aiming to scale production and potentially compete with leading oyster producers like those in Normandy. By adopting and refining breeding techniques, some of which were pioneered in France, and implementing innovative cultivation practices, Italy is striving to boost its oyster output without compromising the distinguished quality that its oysters are known for. This advancement in production methods encompasses the "elevation" system in Atlantic regions, as well as other contemporary approaches tailored to the unique environmental conditions of Italian coastal waters. Regions such as Liguria, Puglia, Veneto, Sardinia, and Sicily are at the forefront of this domestic oyster farming movement, working diligently to elevate Italy's position in the oyster market. In conclusion, the Italian oyster market dynamics represent an intricate balance between high domestic demand, reliance on imports, and concerted efforts to expand local production. The upward trend in demand, coupled with strategic investments and the adoption of advanced aquaculture techniques, positions Italy on a path towards significant growth within the broader context of the seafood and aquatic products markets..### Key Players in the Global and Italian Oyster Market The global and Italian oyster markets are characterized by established and emerging entities working together to produce and supply high-quality oysters to meet the ever-growing demand. The players in this market are diverse, ranging from regional entrepreneurs to large-scale aquaculture enterprises, with each contributing uniquely to the industry's growth and sustainability. Below we highlight the most influential market actors as mentioned in the text above, focusing on their contributions and geographical significance. **French Oyster Farmers** – France stands at the forefront of the oyster industry, with Normandy being particularly renowned for its oyster farming. French oyster farmers have perfected breeding techniques over the years and have been leaders in the growth phase of oyster production. Their methods, such as the notable "elevation" system using plastic nets connected to looms in surf areas, have largely influenced how oysters are farmed globally. These players remain a benchmark in the industry for their quality and innovative farming practices. **Italian Oyster Producers** – Italian oyster producers are emerging strong with regions like Liguria, Puglia, Veneto, Sardinia, and Sicily becoming notable for their oyster farming. These producers, though currently producing less volume compared to their French counterparts, have witnessed a surge in demand, indicating a burgeoning market. The increase in domestic demand during festive seasons is a testament to the potential growth of the Italian oyster market. **Fedagripesca-Confcooperative** – This organization has been pivotal in investing and advancing the Italian market. Aimed at reaching and surpassing the French oyster production levels, Fedagripesca-Confcooperative's involvement is instrumental in driving research, enhancing breeding techniques, and increasing production capacities in Italy. Their efforts are geared towards not only improving Italy's market share but also increasing the quality of Italian-bred oysters. While the turnover of these companies is not detailed, the impact they have had on the global and Italian markets is quite significant. French oyster farmers continue to set high standards in quality and breeding techniques, influencing global practices. Italian producers, supported by organizations like Fedagripesca-Confcooperative, are investing in new methods and positioning themselves to become more competitive and sustainable in the market. Together, these key players shape the dynamics of the oyster industry, ensuring that the demand for this seafood delicacy is met with responsible and advanced aquaculture practices.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 20/04/2023

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Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Taille du marché de l'huître
• Volumes de fruits de mer frais
• Valeur de la production de poissons, crustacés et mollusques
• Production européenne d'huîtres
• Nombre d'entreprises de transformation et de conservation du poisson, des crustacés et des mollusques
• Valeur du marché de détail des produits de la pêche emballés
• Chiffre d'affaires des établissements de commerce de détail de poissons, crustacés et mollusques spécialisés
• Variation des prix à la consommation (par rapport à l'année précédente) des produits de la mer frais et congelés
• Exportations, importations, couverture des huîtres, en coquille, vivantes, fraîches ou réfrigérées
• Principaux pays par la valeur des exportations d'huîtres, également en coquille, vivantes, fraîches ou réfrigérées
• Principaux pays par la valeur des importations d'huîtres, en coquille, vivantes, fraîches ou réfrigérées
• Quantité consommée par type de poisson
• Volume moyen de produits de la mer frais par habitant
• Italian resident population by geographic breakdown
• Disposable income per capita of households
• Dépenses mensuelles moyennes des ménages
• Intérêt pour le produit ostréicole au fil du temps
• Electricity price trend
• Raisons d'acheter des produits de la pêche frais

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