In 2023, Italy imported approximately 46 million kilograms of fresh or chilled lettuce. The forecast predicts a steady increase in imports, with a slight year-on-year growth: 3.3% in 2024, 3.3% in 2025, 3.2% in 2026, 3.0% in 2027, and 2.8% in 2028. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2028 is around 3.12%, indicating moderate growth in demand.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Changes in domestic lettuce production potentially affecting import levels.
- Impact of economic factors, such as inflation and consumer preferences, on import volumes.
- Potential trade policy shifts within the European Union that could impact market dynamics.
- Climate change effects on both domestic agricultural production and international supply chains.
