Italy Chocolate Market Size
Study Period | 2018 - 2030 | |
Market Size (2024) | USD 2.76 Billion | |
Market Size (2030) | USD 3.78 Billion | |
Largest Share by Distribution Channel | Supermarket/Hypermarket | |
CAGR (2024 - 2030) | 5.38 % | |
Fastest Growing by Distribution Channel | Online Retail Store | |
Market Concentration | High | |
Major Players |
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Italy Chocolate Market Analysis
The Italy Chocolate Market size is estimated at 2.76 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 3.78 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.38% during the forecast period (2024-2030).
2.76 Billion
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
3.78 Billion
Market Size in 2030 (USD)
3.90 %
CAGR (2018-2023)
5.38 %
CAGR (2024-2030)
Largest Segment by Confectionery Variant
60.64 %
value share, Milk and White Chocolate, 2023
The innovative flavor offerings possible in White chocolate, followed by the preference for varied taste profiles in the country, are anticipated to drive segmental growth.
Largest Segment by Distribution Channel
46.42 %
value share, Supermarket/Hypermarket, 2023
The product assortment and shelf space in supermarkets allow consumers to compare the products, which has emerged as one of the major factors driving segmental growth.
Fastest-growing Segment by Confectionery variant
5.94 %
Projected CAGR, Dark Chocolate, 2024-2030
Rising awareness among consumers toward the nutritional content and stress-relieving ability of dark chocolate is anticipated to drive the demand in the country.
Fastest-growing Segment by Distribution Channel
6.79 %
Projected CAGR, Online Retail Store, 2024-2030
The ease of shopping experience through online channels and the increasing number of retailers present in this channel has become the major driver in the segment.
Leading Market Player
40.26 %
market share, Ferrero International SA, 2022
The extensive product offerings, a larger distribution network, and a wider presence throughout the region have made Ferrero International SA a leading market player.
Widespread retail network providing accessibility to full range chocolates brands drove the domination of Supermarket/ hypermarket and convenience stores together holding almost 75% value share in 2023
- Among different distribution channels, supermarkets and hypermarkets are considered the primary sales channels for chocolate products across the country. Together, they held more than 46.2% of the overall retail sales in 2023. The major reason behind this was the strong penetration of popular supermarkets and hypermarket chains and consumers' bulk buying behavior due to heavy discounts from these stores. Conad, Selex, Coop, Vege, Agora, and Carrefour were the popular chains in Italy. As of 2021, Conad had 3,332 stores across the country.
- Convenience stores are the second most widely preferred distribution channel for chocolate purchases after supermarkets and hypermarkets. The sales of chocolate confectionery through convenience stores are estimated to register volume growth of 14.36% during 2024-2027, with a 29.2% volume share in 2027. The broader reach and easy access to private label brands drive the consumer preference for traditional grocery stores over other retail channels. Chocolate sales are estimated to record the highest CAGR through convenience stores, reaching a sales value of USD 1,124.47 million in 2030.
- In response to the rising number of online shopping, the increasing number of online retailers is anticipated to drive online sales of chocolates during the forecast period. In 2022, there were 50.85 million internet users in Italy, and the country’s internet penetration rate stood at 84.3%. Chocolate sales through online channels are estimated to register a CAGR of 6.24% during the forecast period, reaching USD 531.45 million in 2030. Eataly, Venchi, Cioccolato Lindt, IperEspresso, and Gobino are key online retailers delivering chocolates throughout Italy. They offer various discounts and coupons to consumers.
Italy Chocolate Market Trends
The strong presence of leading local chocolate manufacturers in Italy is the key factor for the higher consumption
- The Italian chocolate industry has a long tradition of high-quality products. Italy manufactures the most traditional chocolate companies in the world. The country’s artisanal chocolate makers offer a wide range of chocolate bars, resulting in the growth of consumer density.
- In Italy, under product attributes, consumers are significantly focusing on brand image. Around 78% of the total population prefers chocolates with a greater brand image.; Packaging is considered the second most important product attribute for confectionery products, which determines the likelihood of purchasing.
- In 2023, chocolate products witnessed a hike in their sales by 4.5% compared to 2022. The sales growth is linked to the availability of unique chocolates with varied prices.; Under the chocolate segment, dark chocolate has been gaining a significant volume of popularity in 2022 as consumers prefer dark chocolate over milk and white chocolate.
- In Italy, the consumption of chocolate is generally viewed from a health perspective with a mix of opinions. While chocolate is a popular treat enjoyed by many, there are considerations regarding its health benefits and potential drawbacks.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Rising inclination towards Nut based and unique flavor combination chocolates drive the sales growth
Italy Chocolate Industry Overview
The Italy Chocolate Market is fairly consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 68.61%. The major players in this market are Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, Ferrero International SA, Gruppo Elah Dufour SpA, Mars Incorporated and Nestlé SA (sorted alphabetically).
Italy Chocolate Market Leaders
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
Ferrero International SA
Gruppo Elah Dufour SpA
Mars Incorporated
Nestlé SA
Other important companies include A. Loacker Spa/AG, Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG, Bauli SpA, Chocolates Valor SA, ICAM SpA, Mondelēz International Inc., Perfetti Van Melle BV, The Icelandic Store, Venchi SpA, Witors SpA.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.
Italy Chocolate Market News
- February 2023: Italian premium chocolate brand Venchi released the latest Easter chocolate treats.
- January 2023: Ritter Sport launched a Travel Retail Edition Vegan Tower 5x 100g set globally, offering three varieties of non-dairy chocolate in a five-pack. The travel edition assortment flavors are Smooth Chocolate and new Roasted Peanut and Salted Caramel, which were introduced in domestic markets in January 2023.
- October 2022: Ritter Sport UK & IRE launched two new 100 g flavored chocolate bars in salted caramel and orange flavors. To promote the product, the company also launched a ‘Start your love affair with the square’ campaign that aims to migrate more middle-aged women to the brand and runs in September and October in print, digital, and social, involving PR, marketing, and sampling.
Free with this Report
We provide a comprehensive and exhaustive set of data pointers for global, regional, and country-level metrics that illustrate the fundamentals of the confectionery industry. With the help of 45+ free charts, clients can access in-depth market analysis based on price trend analysis of confectionery ingredients and per capita consumption of confections, through granular-level segmental information supported by a repository of market data, trends, and expert analysis. Data and analysis on confections, confectionery variants, sugar content, insights into consumer preferences and purchasing patterns, an overview of key market players, etc., are available in the form of comprehensive reports as well as excel-based data worksheets.
Italy Chocolate Market Report - Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
REPORT OFFERS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Study Assumptions & Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Study
1.3. Research Methodology
2. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
2.1. Regulatory Framework
2.2. Consumer Buying Behavior
2.3. Ingredient Analysis
2.4. Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
3. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)
3.1. Confectionery Variant
3.1.1. Dark Chocolate
3.1.2. Milk and White Chocolate
3.2. Distribution Channel
3.2.1. Convenience Store
3.2.2. Online Retail Store
3.2.3. Supermarket/Hypermarket
3.2.4. Others
4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
4.1. Key Strategic Moves
4.2. Market Share Analysis
4.3. Company Landscape
4.4. Company Profiles
4.4.1. A. Loacker Spa/AG
4.4.2. Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG
4.4.3. Bauli SpA
4.4.4. Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
4.4.5. Chocolates Valor SA
4.4.6. Ferrero International SA
4.4.7. Gruppo Elah Dufour SpA
4.4.8. ICAM SpA
4.4.9. Mars Incorporated
4.4.10. Mondelēz International Inc.
4.4.11. Nestlé SA
4.4.12. Perfetti Van Melle BV
4.4.13. The Icelandic Store
4.4.14. Venchi SpA
4.4.15. Witors SpA
5. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR CONFECTIONERY CEOS
6. APPENDIX
6.1. Global Overview
6.1.1. Overview
6.1.2. Porter’s Five Forces Framework
6.1.3. Global Value Chain Analysis
6.1.4. Market Dynamics (DROs)
6.2. Sources & References
6.3. List of Tables & Figures
6.4. Primary Insights
6.5. Data Pack
6.6. Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 2:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 3:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, METRIC TONNES, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 4:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, USD, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 5:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, ITALY, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 6:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, ITALY, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 7:
- VOLUME OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- VALUE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 9:
- VALUE SHARE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, ITALY, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 10:
- VOLUME OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 11:
- VALUE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- VALUE SHARE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, ITALY, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 13:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, METRIC TONNES, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 14:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, USD, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, ITALY, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 16:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, ITALY, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 17:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, METRIC TONNES, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, USD, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 19:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, ITALY, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 20:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, METRIC TONNES, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 21:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, USD, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, ITALY, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 23:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, METRIC TONNES, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 24:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, USD, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, ITALY, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 26:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, METRIC TONNES, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 27:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, USD, ITALY, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 28:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, ITALY, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 29:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, COUNT, ITALY, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 30:
- MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, ITALY, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 31:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS, %, ITALY, 2022
Italy Chocolate Industry Segmentation
Dark Chocolate, Milk and White Chocolate are covered as segments by Confectionery Variant. Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.
- Among different distribution channels, supermarkets and hypermarkets are considered the primary sales channels for chocolate products across the country. Together, they held more than 46.2% of the overall retail sales in 2023. The major reason behind this was the strong penetration of popular supermarkets and hypermarket chains and consumers' bulk buying behavior due to heavy discounts from these stores. Conad, Selex, Coop, Vege, Agora, and Carrefour were the popular chains in Italy. As of 2021, Conad had 3,332 stores across the country.
- Convenience stores are the second most widely preferred distribution channel for chocolate purchases after supermarkets and hypermarkets. The sales of chocolate confectionery through convenience stores are estimated to register volume growth of 14.36% during 2024-2027, with a 29.2% volume share in 2027. The broader reach and easy access to private label brands drive the consumer preference for traditional grocery stores over other retail channels. Chocolate sales are estimated to record the highest CAGR through convenience stores, reaching a sales value of USD 1,124.47 million in 2030.
- In response to the rising number of online shopping, the increasing number of online retailers is anticipated to drive online sales of chocolates during the forecast period. In 2022, there were 50.85 million internet users in Italy, and the country’s internet penetration rate stood at 84.3%. Chocolate sales through online channels are estimated to register a CAGR of 6.24% during the forecast period, reaching USD 531.45 million in 2030. Eataly, Venchi, Cioccolato Lindt, IperEspresso, and Gobino are key online retailers delivering chocolates throughout Italy. They offer various discounts and coupons to consumers.
Confectionery Variant | |
Dark Chocolate | |
Milk and White Chocolate |
Distribution Channel | |
Convenience Store | |
Online Retail Store | |
Supermarket/Hypermarket | |
Others |
Market Definition
- Milk and White Chocolate - Milk chocolates is a solid chocolate made with milk (in the form of either milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk) and cocoa solids. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter and milk and contains no cocoa solids whatsoever. The scope includes regular chocolates, low-sugar, and sugar-free variants
- Toffees & Nougats - Toffees include hard, chewy, and small or one-bite candies marketed with labels as toffee or toffee-like confectionery. Nougat is a chewy confection with almond, sugar, and egg white as a basic ingredient; and it originated in Europe and Middle East countries.
- Cereals Bars - A snack composed of breakfast cereal that has been compressed into a bar shape and is held together with a form of edible adhesive. The scope includes snack bars made with cereals such as rice, oats, corn, etc. mixed with a binding syrup. These also include products labeled as cereal bars, cereal treat bars, or grain bars.
- Chewing Gum - This is a preparation for chewing, usually made of flavored and sweetened chicle or such substitutes as polyvinyl acetate. The types of chewing gums included in the scope are sugar-chewing gums and sugar-free chewing gums
Keyword | Definition |
---|---|
Dark Chocolate | Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate containing cocoa solids and cocoa butter without the milk. |
White Chocolate | White chocolate is the type of chocolate containing the highest percentage of milk solids, typically around or over 30 percent. |
Milk Chocolate | Milk chocolate is made from dark chocolate that has a low cocoa solid content and higher sugar content, plus a milk product. |
Hard Candy | A candy made of sugar and corn syrup boiled without crystallizing. |
Toffees | A hard, chewy, often brown sweet that is made from sugar boiled with butter. |
Nougats | A chewy or brittle candy containing almonds or other nuts and sometimes fruit. |
Cereal bar | A cereal bar is a bar-shaped food product, made by pressing cereals and usually dried fruit or berries, which are in most cases held together by glucose syrup. |
Protein bar | Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of protein to carbohydrates/fats. |
Fruit & Nut bar | These are often based on dates with other dried fruit and nut additions and, in some cases, flavorings. |
NCA | The National Confectioners Association is an American trade organization that promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats. |
CGMP | Current good manufacturing practices are those conforming to the guidelines recommended by relevant agencies. |
Unstandardized foods | Unstandardized foods are those that do not have a standard of identity or that deviate from a prescribed standard in any manner. |
GI | The glycemic index (GI) is a way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels over a period of time |
Skimmed milk powder | Skimmed milk powder is obtained by removing water from pasteurized skim milk by spray-drying. |
Flavanols | Flavanols are a group of compounds found in cocoa, tea, apples, and many other plant-based foods and beverages. |
WPC | Whey protein concentrate- the substance obtained by the removal of sufficient nonprotein constituents from pasteurized whey so that the finished dry product contains greater than 25% protein. |
LDL | Low density Lipoprotein- the bad cholesterol |
HDL | High density Lipoprotein- the good cholesterol |
BHT | butylated Hydroxytoluene is a lab-made chemical that is added to foods as a preservative. |
Carrageenan | Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks. |
Free form | Not containing certain ingredients, such as gluten, dairy, or sugar. |
Cocoa butter | It is a fatty substance obtained from cocoa beans, used in the manufacture of confectionery. |
Pastellies | A type of of Brazilian candy made from sugar, eggs, and milk. |
Draggees | Small, round candies that are coated with a hard sugar shell |
CHOPRABISCO | Royal Belgian Association of the chocolate, pralines, biscuit, and confectionery industry- A trade association that represents the Belgian chocolate industry. |
European Directive 2000/13 | A European Union directive that regulates the labeling of food products |
Kakao-Verordnung | The German chocolate ordinance, a set of regulations that define what can be labeled as "chocolate" in Germany. |
FASFC | Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain |
Pectin | A natural substance that is derived from fruits and vegetables. It is used in confectionery to create a gel-like texture. |
Invert sugars | A type of sugar that is made up of glucose and fructose. |
Emulsifier | A substance that helps to mix to liquids that does not mix together. |
Anthocyanins | A type of flavonoid that is responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of confectionery. |
Functional Foods | Foods that have been modified to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. |
Kosher certificate | This certification verifies that the ingredients, production process including all machinery, and/or food-service process complies with the standards of Jewish dietary law |
Chicory root extract | A natural extract from the chicory root that is a good source of fiber, calcium, phosphorous, and folate |
RDD | Recommended daily dose |
Gummies | A chewy gelatin-based candy that is often flavored with fruit. |
Nutraceuticals | Food or dietary supplements that are claimed to have health benefits. |
Energy bars | Snack bars that are high in carbohydrates and calories are designed to provide energy on the go. |
BFSO | Belgian Food Safety Organization for the food chain. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms