Between 2013 and 2019, the number of hours worked in poultry meat processing in Italy experienced an upward trend with a notable CAGR of 6.29% culminating in 18.719 million hours in 2019. The highest increase was in 2017 with an 8.83% year-on-year rise. However, the market faced a decline in 2020 with a 7.37% year-on-year drop, likely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2021 onwards, the market showed stabilization with minor fluctuations, and in 2023, it stood at 17.486 million hours.
The years 2024 to 2028 are forecasted to see a slight decline with a projected 5-year CAGR of -0.02%, reflecting a period of stability and minor contraction.
Future trends to watch for include technological advancements in automation and efficiency within meat processing, potential regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer preferences towards alternative protein sources which could further influence industry dynamics.