The forecast for researchers in Italy's food, beverages, and tobacco manufacturing sector shows a steady increase from 2024 to 2028. In 2023, there were approximately 1.82 thousand researchers. By 2028, this figure is expected to reach 2.1 thousand, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3.62% over five years. Year-on-year growth rates from 2024 as follows: 3.19% in 2025, 2.58% in 2026, 2.51% in 2027, and 2.94% in 2028, indicating consistent growth in research capacity.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential impacts of technological advancements and automation on research roles.
Increased investment in sustainable food production methods affecting R&D priorities.
Regulatory changes in food safety and labeling may drive research needs.