Cabbage Market Overview in Italy

In 2019, the Italian cabbage market decreased by -% to $ for the first time since 2016, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, consumption, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of % year-to-year. Cabbage consumption peaked at $ in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2019, consumption failed to regain the momentum.

In value terms, cabbage production shrank to $ in 2019 estimated in export prices. Over the period under review, production showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of % against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $. From 2014 to 2019, production growth failed to regain the momentum.

The average yield of cabbage and other brassicas in Italy was estimated at tonnes per ha in 2019, therefore, remained relatively stable against 2018. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +% from 2007 to 2019; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008 with an increase of % year-to-year. The cabbage yield peaked in 2019 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2019, the harvested area of cabbage and other brassicas in Italy dropped modestly to ha, reducing by -% against the year before. Overall, the harvested area continues to indicate a pronounced setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the harvested area increased by % against the previous year. The cabbage harvested area peaked at ha in 2010; however, from 2011 to 2019, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

In 2019, approx. tonnes of cabbage and other brassicas were consumed in Italy; leveling off at 2018. In general, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the consumption volume increased by % year-to-year. Cabbage consumption peaked at tonnes in 2010; however, from 2011 to 2019, consumption failed to regain the momentum.

The revenue of the cabbage market in Italy contracted to $ in 2019, which is down 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). Overall, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the market value increased by % against the previous year. Cabbage consumption peaked at $ in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2019, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Depressed by shrinking demand for cabbage 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 cabbage 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 cabbage market is largely supplied by domestic manufacturers.

This tangible trade surplus reflects the fact that the market remains buoyed by domestic production, and the industry is highly incorporated into the global market, which is likely to continue in the medium term.