Organic in 2024: growing numbers for an increasingly strategic sector
In 2024, Italian organics proved to be a major pillar of the national agri‑food sector, showing robust growth in domestic consumption, exports, and farmed area. The same trend played out across Europe, where Italy stands out for its extensive organic acreage and production capacity.
Sales: more than €6.5 billion in Italy
According to figures released by the Sana Observatory, the Italian organic market exceeded €6.5 billion in 2024, up 5.7 percent on the previous year.
- Domestic consumption: about €5.2 billion, driven by consumers’ trust in healthier, more sustainable products.
- Modern retail (super‑ and hypermarkets): €3.3 billion, +5.3 percent.
- Specialty stores (organic shops): topped the €1 billion mark for the first time, +9 percent.
- Discount chains: €350 million, +6 percent.
- E‑commerce: slight decline of 0.4 percent to €75 million.
Organic exports: +7 percent in 2024
Made‑in‑Italy organics remain a by‑word for quality on world markets. In 2024, exports of Italian organic food and beverage reached €3.9 billion, up 7 percent versus 2023. Key destinations:
- Germany
- France
- Scandinavia
- Benelux
- United States
In addition, 30 percent of Italian food companies that do not yet export organic products plan to do so within the next two to three years.
Organic acreage: Italy among Europe’s leaders
On the production side, Italy holds a leading position in Europe:
- More than 2.5 million hectares farmed organically.
- Organic UAA (Utilised Agricultural Area) now equals 20 percent of the national total, moving close to the EU Green Deal target of 25 percent by 2030.
Untapped potential
Despite the encouraging figures, Italian organics still have room to grow. Per‑capita consumption is rising but remains below that of countries such as Germany and France, which invest more heavily in support and promotion policies.
2024 confirmed that organic is no longer a niche but a dynamic, central segment of the agri‑food chain. Growth is being fuelled by consumer confidence and the competitiveness of Italian firms abroad. Looking ahead, the sector will need stronger support policies, technical training, and broader communication aimed at the general public to keep building momentum.
