Italy's meat and livestock sector is a vital part of its agricultural economy, renowned for high-quality products like prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano-integrated meats. The industry emphasizes traditional farming, with a focus on pork, poultry, and beef, supported by EU regulations on animal welfare and sustainability. In 2025, the market revenue is projected at US$35.15 billion, growing at 3.98% CAGR through 2030, amid challenges like declining demand due to health concerns and plant-based shifts.
Production In 2023 (latest detailed data), poultry production reached 1.33 million tonnes, cattle (beef/veal) 0.62 million tonnes, and pigmeat approximately 1.2 million tonnes, with total meat output around 3.15 million tonnes. For 2025, production is expected to stabilize or slightly increase, driven by export demand, though EU-wide declines in pigmeat (down 11.8% from 2021 peak) may impact volumes. Italy contributes 9.7% of EU beef and 9.6% of veal production. Sheep and goat meat is minor, around 0.04 million tonnes.
Exports and Consumption Italy is a net importer for beef (covering ~40% of needs) but exports premium pork products. Domestic consumption is high, with per capita meat intake around 80-90 kg (carcass weight) in recent years, projected to rise slightly by 0.9 kg annually globally, but Italy sees moderation due to dietary shifts. In 2025, average per person volume is 46.9 kg (retail weight), with pork dominant at ~46% of intake. Total consumption volume is forecasted toward 3.04 billion kg by 2030, with 2.0% growth in 2026.
Relative to Population With a 2025 population of approximately 59.1 million, per capita production is about 53 kg (based on 3.15 million tonnes), while consumption per capita (carcass) exceeds 80 kg, reflecting imports. This positions Italy above EU averages but with declining trends due to aging population and sustainability pressures.
The Italian Breeders Association represents livestock farmers, promoting breeding standards, animal welfare, and sustainable practices for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It supports genetic improvement and market competitiveness. www.aia.it
Represents beef cattle breeders, focusing on native breeds like Chianina and Marchigiana. It oversees genetic registries and promotes quality meat production. www.anabic.it
Represents sheep and goat farmers, managing breed registries and promoting pastoral farming, especially for dairy and meat in southern Italy and islands. www.assonapa.it
The national association for the poultry and egg industry, advocating for producers, ensuring biosecurity, and promoting sustainability in poultry meat and egg production. www.unaitalia.com
Represents pig farmers, supporting pork production and quality standards, including PDO/PGI products like prosciutto. It focuses on welfare and traceability. www.anas.it
Oversees the production of Parma ham, ensuring compliance with PDO standards, representing pork producers in this iconic sector. www.prosciuttodiparma.com
Italy’s leading agricultural research body, with units like CREA-ZA focusing on livestock genetics, welfare, and sustainable production systems for cattle, pigs, and poultry. www.crea.gov.it
A public health institute researching animal health, food safety, and zoonoses, providing diagnostics and biosecurity solutions for livestock industries. www.izsvenezie.it
Conducts research on animal genetics, biotechnology, and sustainable livestock production, including germplasm conservation for native breeds. www.ibbr.cnr.it
The official journal of the Animal Science and Production Association, publishing peer-reviewed research on livestock genetics, breeding, and management. www.tandfonline.com/toc/tjas20/current
