Rabbit Meat Market Overview in Italy

In 2019, after five years of decline, there was significant growth in the Italian rabbit meat market, when its value increased by % to $. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2008 when the market value increased by % year-to-year. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $ in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2019, consumption remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, rabbit meat production expanded markedly to $ in 2019 estimated in export prices. In general, production, however, recorded a noticeable descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008 when the production volume increased by % year-to-year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $ in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2019, production failed to regain the momentum.

In 2019, the average yield of rabbit or hare meat in Italy was estimated at kg per heads, with an increase of % on 2018 figures. Overall, the yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of % year-to-year. Over the period under review, the average rabbit meat yield reached the peak level at kg per heads in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2019, the yield failed to regain the momentum.

The number of animals slaughtered for rabbit meat production in Italy rose modestly to heads in 2019, with an increase of % against 2018. In general, the number of producing animals, however, continues to indicate a perceptible setback. The number of animals slaughtered for rabbit meat production peaked at heads in 2007; however, from 2008 to 2019, producing animals stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2019, consumption of rabbit or hare meat was finally on the rise to reach tonnes for the first time since 2016, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, consumption, however, saw a noticeable downturn. Rabbit meat consumption peaked at tonnes in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2019, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The size of the rabbit meat market in Italy rose remarkably to $ in 2019, picking up by % against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a noticeable downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2008 with an increase of % against the previous year. Rabbit meat consumption peaked at $ in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2019, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Depressed by shrinking demand for rabbit meat in Italy, the market is expected to continue its downward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to contract with an anticipated CAGR of -% for the period from 2019 to , which is projected to depress the market volume to tonnes by the end of .

Over the period under review, the share of imports in terms of total rabbit meat consumption in Italy was relatively small in physical terms, fluctuating under an % figure. In value terms the share of imports also stood at a low figure, which means that the Italy rabbit meat market is largely supplied by domestic manufacturers.

Italy remains a net importer of rabbit meat; in physical and value terms, imports consistently exceeded exports from 2007 to 2019. In 2019, there was a significant trade deficit of tonnes, which was equal to $. This tangible trade deficit reflects the fact that the market remains dependent on imports, which is likely to continue in the medium term.