Italy Rice Market Analysis
The Italy Rice Market size is estimated at USD 2.60 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 3.29 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.84% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Rice cultivation is mostly located in Northern Italy (Piemonte, Lombardia, and Veneto regions) where water is relatively abundant and the rice crop can be raised in flooded fields. Approximately 84.0% of rice varieties grown in Italy are Japonica, while the remaining is Indica. A rice variety that is widely cultivated for domestic consumption is the 'Lungo A' grain. This broad category includes Carnaroli, Arborio, Baldo, S. Andrea, and Volano types. In terms of foreign exchange, rice is one of the most commercially important cereal crops in Italy. Since the introduction of the European Community policy, the cultivated rice area in Italy increased mainly owing to favorable market conditions for Italian paddy production.
Increased purchases of rice in Italy, fueled by rising demand from importing nations and local consumption, led to a surge in rice prices. Italy's average rice production stands at approximately 1.3 million metric tons, with 53.0% of this volume exported to other European nations. As Europe's leading rice producer, Italy cultivates rice over an area of 218.42 thousand hectares, yielding more than 56,632 g/ha in 2022 as per FAOSTAT. Per capita rice consumption in Italy reached 8.52 kg in 2021, marking a 3.65% increase from the previous year, as reported by European Union Statistics.
However, the high costs associated with producing rice in Italy, including labor and land expenses, may make it challenging to compete on price with imports from Asian countries. Italy's reliance on imported specialty rice highlights the importance of international trade partnerships and the challenges of competing with lower-cost producers.
Italy Rice Market Trends
Increasing Rice Production in the Country
In 2021, Italy emerged as Europe's top rice producer, contributing 40.5% to the continent's total production with a yield of 1.2 million metric tons. This output represents roughly half of the rice produced within the European Union. Approximately 40% of Italy's processed rice is allocated to premium varieties, notably risotto rice. These varieties are not only essential for traditional risotto dishes but are also innovatively used as gluten-free substitutes in baked goods and for sushi preparation. Such evolving culinary trends have bolstered national rice consumption, subsequently propelling domestic production. Beyond its production prowess, Italy stands as Europe's foremost rice exporter, accounting for 8.0% of exports in 2023.
Key destinations for Italian rice exports include Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Germany leads, capturing 22.5% (valued at USD 217.8 million) of the total export share. France closely trails with 21.6% (USD 209.3 million), while the United Kingdom and the Netherlands hold smaller portions at 7.9% (USD 76.9 million) and 6.2% (USD 59.8 million), respectively. In 2023, the volume of Italian rice exports constituted 30.5% of the global rice trade, underscoring Italy's pivotal role in the international rice arena. The rising demand from countries importing Italian rice underscores the market's significance, highlighting its vast economic potential.
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Growing Imports of Long Grain Rice Varieties
In Italy, consumers are increasingly turning to specialty rice, driven by growing health and wellness concerns. Unlike regular milled white rice, specialty rice varieties offer higher vitamin and mineral content, promote better health, and are excellent sources of fiber. As a result, demand for these rice varieties is surging. Notably, higher-income groups are willing to pay a premium for these health benefits. Additionally, the demand for processed products, particularly packaged rice mixes, is expected to grow robustly, mirroring the rising appetite for prepared foods.
As per the ITC Trademap, Italy's rice import value surged to USD 355,487 thousand in 2022, up from USD 194,410 thousand in 2021. Basmati rice, known for its aromatic fragrance, has emerged as the favored specialty rice among many European consumers. A significant portion of imported husked rice, and the growth in imports, is dominated by basmati varieties. Notably, high-quality basmati rice can be aged for enhanced flavor before market sale. Italy's reliance on importing specialty rice underscores the significance of trade agreements and partnerships with Asian nations. Any disruptions or shifts in these trade relationships could profoundly affect Italy's food industry and its broader economy. Moreover, with a rising demand for sustainable and organic rice, domestic producers in Italy see an opportunity to challenge imports. Yet, high production costs in Italy, driven by labor and land expenses, pose a challenge in competing on price with imports from Asia. As the appetite for sustainable and organic rice grows, Italy's dependence on imports underscores the need for international trade partnerships and the hurdles of competing with more affordable producers.
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Italy Rice Market News
- January 2024: The University of Milan, Italy, conducted a field trial in the Vercelli area of Northern Italy, planting a rice variety namely CRISPR/Cas9-modified rice variety, developed through genome editing or cisgenesis technology.
- November 2022: Netafim announced the first-ever carbon credit program for drip-irrigated rice at the LaFagiana Farm in Venice, Italy. This program reduces methane emissions from rice cultivation to almost zero while providing additional long-term income to growers.
Italy Rice Industry Segmentation
Rice is a grain of Oryza sativa and is a major staple food in many countries. It is known as paddy when threshed and is covered by a fibrous husk that comprises nearly 40% of the grain. The report includes production (volume), consumption (volume and value), import (volume and value), export (volume and value), and price trend analysis. The report offers market estimation and forecasts value in (USD) and volume (metric tons) for the above segments.
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Italy Rice Market Research FAQs
How big is the Italy Rice Market?
The Italy Rice Market size is expected to reach USD 2.60 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.84% to reach USD 3.29 billion by 2030.
What is the current Italy Rice Market size?
In 2025, the Italy Rice Market size is expected to reach USD 2.60 billion.
What years does this Italy Rice Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Italy Rice Market size was estimated at USD 2.47 billion. The report covers the Italy Rice Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Italy Rice Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Italy Rice Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Italy Rice market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceā¢ Industry Reports. Italy Rice analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
