Italy Chocolate Market Size

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).

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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

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.