The peanut market - Italy

The global peanut market, valued at $4.69 billion in 2020, is expected to reach $5.58 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 2.5% over the period 2021-2026. Major Italian players, such as Filiera Agricola Italiana Spa, Noberasco and Sis, are aiming to increase production to cover domestic needs.

In 2020, Italian peanut imports totalled $85.8 million (45.3 million kg), while exports accounted for just $1.2 million, reflecting Italy's status as a net importer, mainly from Egypt and Argentina. On the demand side, there has been a notable increase in the consumption of dried fruit, including peanuts (despite being a legume), with walnuts, peanuts and almonds accounting for 62% of spending and 73% of quantity purchases in Italy. Changing lifestyles and eating habits are leading to more frequent consumption outside the home, with peanuts seen as both a healthy snack and a culinary ingredient for products such as oil. Although Italy relies heavily on imports due to the specific climate and soil requirements for peanuts, the Italian market is showing a growing trend towards local production and consumption, as well as recognition of the health benefits associated with peanut consumption.

An overview of Italian market dynamics

The study of peanut market trends in Italy reveals a rise in consumption juxtaposed with a dependence on imports and a growing ambition to increase domestic production. Italy's appetite for peanuts translates into an annual consumption of 55 to 60 million kg, excluding peanut products. The country's self-produced peanuts are scarce - only 18 hectares in production - suggesting the need for crop expansion, with a target of at least 30,000 hectares to meet national needs. The landscape is changing, however, and the leading companies in the Italian market - Filiera Agricola Italiana Spa, Noberasco and Sis - are developing strategies to increase production to meet strong local demand. This initiative requires significant investment and time, the ultimate goal being to increase the share of peanuts produced in Italy, a venture that is still in its infancy. Globally, the peanut market is flourishing, with a valuation of over $4.5 billion in recent years, and a forecast of over $5.5 billion.

China leads the production race, with over 40% of global output, followed by mainstays such as India, Nigeria and the USA. Italy, on the other hand, is a net importer, heavily dependent on countries such as Egypt and Argentina, which together ship over 30 million kg of peanuts to the Italian market. Domestically, the peanut market fluctuates according to imports and exports, and despite a recent slowdown in domestic consumption, valued at between 100 and 105 million euros, it remains an important segment of the food industry. Retail sales are thriving in supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores, which account for the lion's share - around two-thirds of market distribution in these verticals. Changing consumer habits have boosted demand, in particular the increased consumption of nuts and dried fruit, which has risen by over 5%.

Peanuts, now comfortably behind walnuts in terms of consumption, continue to appeal to Italians thanks to their versatility - whether consumed as a snack, processed as an ingredient, or as an ingredient of choice.whether consumed as snacks, transformed into delicious spreads such as peanut butter, or as a staple in culinary creations. The trend towards snacking, coupled with increased health awareness, bodes well for peanuts. Studies correlating peanut consumption with weight management and disease prevention are sparking consumer interest and aligning with Italy's burgeoning health culture. It's a balancing act, however, as peanuts vie for pride of place on kitchen shelves in particular.

Key players in the Italian peanut market The Italian peanut market, while still heavily dependent on imports, features a diverse range of players, from established giants in dried fruit processing to organic pioneers leading the sustainable segment of the market. The landscape is marked by the integration of these companies into a long and complex production chain, each carving out a distinct role within this niche but vital agro-industry.

• Besana Group The Besana Group is the leader in the dried fruit sector. It has established itself not only as a market leader, but also as a byword for quality and reliability. With a history deeply rooted in the traditional reverence for dried fruit, including peanuts, the Besana Group has forged a reputation for excellence. Its scope encompasses the processing and delivery of a wide variety of products, potentially including high-quality peanuts as part of its wider dried fruit portfolio.
• Madi Ventura Madi Ventura is a formidable force in the peanut and dried fruit market. Known for its commitment to providing a range of nut-related products, it has succeeded in securing a strong position in the Italian market. Madi Ventura's operational efficiency and strategic knowledge of the market enable her to respond effectively to changing consumer tastes and demands.
• Noberasco A venerable entity in the nuts and dried fruit sector, Noberasco has adapted to the changing times to maintain its relevance and competitiveness. Its innovative approaches to product selection, quality control and packaging have earned it the respect of consumers who seek freshness and quality in their dried fruits, such as peanuts.
• Euro Company Another major player is Euro Company, which has made a name for itself through the diversity of its offerings and its commitment to quality. Like its competitors, Euro Company is potentially a driving force in the peanut market, thanks to a strong portfolio that includes a variety of nuts and dried fruits tailored to the Italian consumer's palate.
• Foodspring Foodspring, although relatively more focused on the health and wellness segment, represents the market trend towards healthy eating and organic products. Its relentless focus on health-oriented products could make it a niche but influential entity in encouraging peanut consumption, particularly among the health-conscious.
• Ki Group S.r.l On the green frontier of the market, Ki Group S.r.l champions the cause of organic products. As market leader in this segment, Ki Group taps into consumers' growing awareness of sustainability and health, offering a range of organic peanut products that meet the needs of an environmentally conscious public.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 05/03/2022

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