In 2023, the prepared meals and dishes sector in Italy recorded 10.98 million hours worked. The forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 indicates a gradual decline in hours worked. Specifically, there is a year-on-year decrease of approximately 1.47% from 2024 to 2025, 1.48% from 2025 to 2026, 1.48% from 2026 to 2027, and 1.49% from 2027 to 2028. Over these five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) consistently shows a negative trend, evidencing a steady reduction in labor input within the industry.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential increases in automation and technology adoption which may further reduce the need for human labor.
Shifts in consumer preferences that might influence production methods and workforce requirements.
Economic and regulatory changes that could affect labor costs and working conditions in the food production sector.