Report Highlights:
Italy's retail food sector is growing at a much slower pace than its European neighbors, maintaining a balance between tradition and modernity. 85 % of all food retail establishments in Italy are small to medium sized, with less than 10 million Euro in sales. Italian consumers are conservative, discerning and selective, seeking quality, food safety, exclusivity and diversity in food products. In 2003 consumer spending fell drastically.
Section 1. The Italian Market Overview
Italy is the world's sixth largest economy, with a GDP of almost $1.5 trillion, and per capita annual incomes of over $25,000. This economy remains divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less developed, welfare-dependent agricultural south, with 20% unemployment.