Italy Maintains Global Leadership in Pasta Production and Consumption

Italy continues to lead the global pasta sector, recording the highest annual per capita consumption at 23.3 kilograms, according to recent data. This figure underscores the deep cultural integration of pasta within the Italian diet, contributing to a total national consumption of approximately 1.3 million tons in the last reported period.

The nation's manufacturing capacity solidifies its market position. Italian pasta factories produced 4.2 million tons in the last full year, a volume that accounted for a commanding 68% to 70% share of the entire European Union's output. This substantial production underscores Italy's critical role in supplying the European market.

Within the broader European Union, total consumption surpassed 4 million tons in the latest reporting period. Greece holds the second position for per capita consumption within the EU at 12.2 kilograms, which places it fourth globally, behind Italy, Tunisia, and Venezuela. Data from Eurostat released on October 25 confirmed that Italy's 4.2 million tons of production in 2023 represented 68% of the EU's total output of 6.2 million tons for that year.

Examining the EU production hierarchy, Spain followed as the second-largest producer with nearly half a million tons, or 8% of the total, while France contributed over 260 thousand tons, representing 4% of the EU total. Italian pasta's international reach is significant, with exports forming a major component of national output. In the last full year analyzed, Italian pasta exports reached 2.2 million tons.

Data from Unione Italiana Food, based on ISTAT figures for January to December 2023, showed that Italy exported over 2.2 million tons, with the value of these exports increasing by 3% to reach 3.8 billion Euros, despite a slight volume contraction of 3.7% compared to 2022. Approximately 1.5 million tons of this volume were directed to EU member states, constituting 64.8% of the total, with the remainder sent to non-EU territories. Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and Japan remain the primary destinations for these exports.

The global market shows signs of expansion, with some Asian nations registering export growth rates exceeding 50%. This dynamism is occurring alongside broader industry trends, including increased consumer focus on health and wellness, which drives demand for gluten-free and plant-based pasta varieties, reflecting the food's status as a versatile staple across diverse economies.