Italy Foodservice Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Italy Foodservice Market Analysis

The Italy Foodservice Market size is estimated at 109.4 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 175.1 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.86% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The Italian foodservice landscape is deeply rooted in the country's rich culinary heritage while embracing modern dining trends and innovations. The sector demonstrates strong fundamentals, with Italy maintaining its position as one of the world's leading food producers, evidenced by its production of 50.3 million hectoliters of wine in 2022. The integration of traditional cooking methods with contemporary dining preferences has led to a dynamic market environment where authenticity meets innovation. The market's resilience is further strengthened by Italy's robust agricultural sector, which provides fresh, high-quality ingredients to foodservice establishments. This farm-to-table approach continues to be a significant differentiator in the Italian foodservice sector.

The coffee culture remains a cornerstone of Italy's foodservice industry, with an impressive 90% of Italians being daily coffee drinkers in 2022. This cultural phenomenon has attracted international chains to innovate within the market, as demonstrated by Starbucks' introduction of olive oil-infused beverages in February 2023. The evolution of traditional establishments into modern dining spaces has created a unique blend of authentic Italian coffee culture with contemporary service models. The beverage segment has seen particular innovation in artisanal coffee preparation methods and specialty drink offerings, catering to both traditional preferences and modern taste profiles.

The infrastructure supporting the foodservice industry has shown significant development, particularly in retail locations. With over 1,200 shopping centers in Italy comprising more than 17.5 million square meters of gross leasable area in 2022, the sector has expanded its presence in high-traffic commercial zones. These developments have created new opportunities for foodservice operators to establish a presence in strategic locations. The modernization of food courts and standalone restaurant spaces within these commercial centers has redefined the dining experience for consumers seeking convenience alongside quality.

The market's strength is particularly evident in its traditional segments, with Italian cuisine maintaining its dominance while incorporating health-conscious trends. The country's cheese industry plays a crucial role in the foodservice sector, with per capita consumption reaching 21.5 kg in 2022. This statistic underscores the importance of traditional ingredients in Italian cuisine while highlighting the market's ability to maintain cultural food preferences. The sector has successfully balanced the preservation of culinary heritage with adaptation to modern dietary preferences, including the introduction of plant-based alternatives and health-focused menu options across various establishment types.

Italy Foodservice Market Trends

Bars & pubs dominate foodservice landscape in Italy, with Lombardy having the highest percentage of outlets

• The number of quick service restaurant outlets in Italy experienced a decline by 4.90% from 2019 to 2020, primarily attributed to the operational restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Popular dishes like pizza, pasta, noodles, burgers, and sushi dominate the Italian market, with fast-food brands specializing in these items accounting for a significant presence. Pizza, in particular, holds a substantial share of the Italian restaurant landscape, with approximately 40,000 restaurants (including both QSR and FSR) in the country offering various kinds of pizza. Bar pizzerias accounted for 36,300 of these establishments in 2022.
• Cafes & bars had the highest number of outlets among all foodservice types in 2022. Bars and pubs constituted over 74% of the outlets, while cafes represented nearly 25%. Lombardy, located in northern Italy and home to Milan, had the highest share of bars in the country at 17.21%. The region is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and culinary scene. Lazio, including Rome, ranked second with 10.53% of the bars, followed by Emilia-Romagna (9.19%), Campania (8.9%), and Veneto (8.55%). These regions are also known for their rich cultural and culinary traditions. Cafes and specialty coffee shops also play a significant role in the Italian market. In 2022, Italy had approximately 64,200 cafes and 560 specialty coffee shops. Cloud kitchens are projected to record a CAGR of 1.23% in terms of the number of outlets during the forecast period. Currently, cloud kitchens represent only 0.11% of the total number of foodservice outlets in Italy. However, with the growing online delivery market, the number of cloud kitchens is expected to increase significantly in the future.

Demand for FSR in Italy expected to increase due to tourism and innovative menus

• In Italy, cloud kitchens experienced a rise in average order value in 2022 compared to other foodservice types, with an average price of USD 12.41. In 2019, food delivery service was the leading sector in the Italian digital market. Milan ranks as the city where people most frequently order food online for home delivery, followed by Rome and Turin. The average order value for cloud kitchens increased by approximately 8.83% from 2020 to 2022, attributed to the strong presence of meal delivery apps such as Just Eat, Deliveroo, Glovo, and Getri, which significantly scaled the cloud kitchen model. For instance, Deliveroo recorded 2 million downloads in 2021, while Just Eat had around 1.7 million downloads in the same year.
• The demand for full-service restaurants (FSR) in Italy is expected to rise due to the growing number of tourists who are eager to explore the local cuisine. Professionally trained chefs in FSR establishments offer innovative menus, international cuisine, and proprietary recipes to cater to the preferences of both tourists and health-conscious individuals. In 2022, popular dishes offered in the country included Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Risotto, priced at USD 9.5 and USD 13 per 300 g, respectively. As Italian consumers' appetites for local cuisine continue to grow, the average order value for FSR remains high at USD 23.63. The quick service restaurant (QSR) segment in Italy has experienced significant growth in average order value in recent years. From 2019 to 2022, QSR recorded an average order value growth of 8.55% in the country. Fast-food restaurants in Italy are known for offering convenience, speed, and familiar handheld menu items such as burgers, fries, and wraps. The most popular fast-food dishes in Italy, including pizza and pasta, were priced at USD 8.6 and USD 8.5 per serving, respectively, in 2022.

Segment Analysis: Foodservice Type

Full Service Restaurants Segment in Italian Foodservice Market

Full Service Restaurants (FSR) maintain their dominant position in the Italian foodservice market, commanding approximately 50% market share in 2024. This substantial market presence is primarily driven by the strong Italian dining culture and the country's reputation for authentic cuisine experiences. The segment's strength is reinforced by the diverse range of cuisines offered, with European restaurants, particularly Italian establishments, leading the category. The popularity of FSRs is further enhanced by the increasing tourism rates and growing consumer preference for authentic dining experiences. These restaurants have successfully adapted to modern consumer preferences by offering innovative menus, international cuisine variations, and proprietary recipes that cater to both tourists and health-conscious individuals while maintaining traditional Italian culinary values.

Quick Service Restaurants Segment in Italian Foodservice Market

The Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) segment is experiencing remarkable growth in the Italian foodservice market, projected to expand at approximately 9% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This accelerated growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of digital ordering platforms, expansion of delivery services, and growing consumer demand for convenient dining options. QSR operators are actively innovating their menus to include healthier options and local flavors, appealing to health-conscious consumers while maintaining quick service efficiency. The segment's growth is further supported by the expansion of both international chains and local QSR brands across Italy, particularly in urban areas and travel locations. QSR establishments are also investing in technology-driven solutions such as self-service kiosks and mobile ordering systems to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Remaining Segments in Foodservice Type

The remaining segments in the Italian foodservice market include Cafes & Bars and Cloud Kitchens, each playing distinct roles in shaping the industry landscape. Cafes & Bars represent a significant portion of the market, deeply embedded in Italian culture with their traditional espresso bars and modern coffee shops catering to both locals and tourists. The segment is characterized by its strong focus on beverage service, light meals, and social gathering spaces. Cloud Kitchens, while currently representing a smaller market share, are emerging as an innovative force in the industry, leveraging digital platforms and delivery services to reach customers without traditional dining spaces. These segments complement the larger FSR and QSR categories by offering specialized services and unique dining experiences that cater to diverse consumer preferences and occasions.

Segment Analysis: Outlet

Independent Outlets Segment in Italian Foodservice Market

Independent outlets dominate the Italian foodservice market, commanding approximately 76% market share in 2024. This significant market presence can be attributed to the strong cultural connection these establishments maintain with local communities and their ability to offer unique, personalized dining experiences that larger chains cannot replicate. Independent operators are particularly successful in full-service restaurants and cafes & bars segments, where they focus on traditional Italian cuisine and authentic local flavors. These outlets prioritize menu customization, ambiance enhancement, and hosting cultural events to attract both domestic and international customers. The success of independent outlets is further supported by their flexibility in adapting to changing consumer preferences and their strong emphasis on maintaining the authenticity of Italian culinary traditions.

Chained Outlets Segment in Italian Foodservice Market

The chained outlets segment is experiencing robust growth in the Italian foodservice market, projected to grow at approximately 7% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing implementation of self-service kiosks to enhance cost-effectiveness and service speed. Major international chains are actively expanding their presence through franchising rather than company-operated locations, as this method requires lower capital investment and involves fewer risks. The segment's growth is further supported by standardized menus with regional customizations, consistent quality assurance, and competitive pricing strategies. Chained outlets are particularly successful in quick-service restaurants and specialty coffee shops, where they leverage their strong brand recognition and operational efficiencies to capture market share.

Segment Analysis: Location

Standalone Segment in Italian Foodservice Market

The standalone segment dominates the Italian foodservice market, commanding approximately 71% market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by the proliferation of franchise networks for foreign coffee shop brands and the expansion of independent restaurants across the country. The segment's growth is particularly notable in urban areas, where standalone QSRs and cafes operate through multiple service models including dine-in, takeaway, and drive-thru formats. However, real estate prices significantly influence the development of standalone restaurants, with average monthly rents in prime locations like Milan reaching around USD 2,700 for restaurant spaces, varying between USD 1,100 to USD 4,300 based on size and location. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the increasing number of pop-up stores in various neighborhoods, though established companies face substantial rental costs.

Lodging Segment in Italian Foodservice Market

The lodging segment in the Italian foodservice market is projected to exhibit the strongest growth trajectory, with an expected growth rate of approximately 8% during 2024-2029. This robust growth is primarily attributed to Italy's flourishing domestic and international tourism sector, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery phase. The segment's expansion is further supported by significant government initiatives, including the establishment of the Unique National Tourism Fund (FUNT), which has allocated substantial funding for industry development. The growth in this segment is particularly driven by the rising demand for coffee-based drinks and Italian liqueurs among tourists, as Italy is renowned for its authentic coffee and homegrown liqueur varieties. The segment's evolution is also shaped by increasing investment in the growth of the industry, leading to the construction of more hotels and resorts as part of broader development initiatives.

Remaining Segments in Location Segmentation

The Italian foodservice market's location segmentation also encompasses leisure, retail, and travel segments, each contributing uniquely to the market dynamics. The leisure segment caters to cultural, entertainment, and recreational activities, including food festivals, sports events, and cinema halls. The retail segment operates within shopping centers, malls, and housing complexes, benefiting from the evolving commercial real estate development model in Italy. The travel segment serves transportation hubs such as airports and train stations, capitalizing on the country's extensive transportation network and growing passenger traffic. These segments collectively enhance the diversity and accessibility of foodservice options across various consumer touchpoints in Italy.

Free With This Report

We provide a complimentary and exhaustive set of data points on regional and country level metrics that present the fundamental structure of the industry. Presented in the form of 60+ free charts, the section covers difficult to find data on various countries on number of outlets, average order values, and menu analysis by foodservice channels, cuisine specific insights related to full service restaurants and quick service restaurants, market trends and market size insights on cafes, bars & pubs, juice/smoothies bars, specialty tea and coffee shops, and cloud kitchen etc.