The self-defense market - Italy

1.1 Definition and presentation

Self-defense involves the possibility that one can protect oneself from the unjustified aggression of others. A distinction is made between weapons that require a license and weapons that can also be used without a license. The first category includes: firearms, tasers, and small arms. it is generally prohibited to leave the house with such weapons (including tasers), unless exceptionally permitted by law. Weapons for defense that do not require a license, on the other hand, include: pepper spray and pepper gun, knuckle/knuckleball, and electric bollard. Most of these items cannot be carried outside one's home.

The global self-defense market size is expected to reach $3.6 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. In Italy, about 9% of Italians own a firearm at home for the purpose of self-defense. Despite the fact that the number of crimes and offenses has been declining for several decades, the "perception" of insecurity in the country is high and growing: in fact, 39% of Italians favor the introduction of less strict criteria for owning a firearm for self-defense. In 2015 it was only 25%.

The growth of the market globally is mainly attributed to the increasing incidences of civil unrest, while in Italy it is attributed to citizens' perception of safety. Major players in the market include: Leonardo; Beretta; Victorinox; Unisafe Technologies; GERBER GEAR; SABRE Security Equipment Corporation; Mace Security International, Inc.; Axon Entereprise Inc.; Salt Supply Company; and Self Defense Weapons.