Frozen foods: the sector’s turnover rises to 6.1 billion, with 1 billion tonnes consumed
A report by the Italian Frozen Foods Institute, which states that the trend is set to continue growing in 2026
In 2025, too, consumption of frozen foods in Italia exceeded one million tonnes (1,040,596 to be precise), marking a 1 per cent increase compared with the 2.3 per cent rise recorded in 2024 over 2023. This represents a market value of 6.1 billion euros (+3 per cent year-on-year). Per capita consumption thus rose to 17.7 kg (in 2024 it had been 17.5 kg). And the trend for 2026 remains positive. These figures emerge from the annual snapshot provided by IIAS (Italian Institute of Frozen Foods) on a sector that appears to be feeling the effects of the crisis less than others.
Sales relating to domestic consumption reached 642,140 tonnes (+1.1%), followed by out-of-home consumption, estimated at 398,456 tonnes (+1% compared with 2024). ‘If we look at the retail channel alone,’ note Iias – “we find that the significant increase recorded in 2025 is confirmed (and indeed rises substantially) in the first half of 2026, with consumption volumes up 3.4 per cent compared with the same period in 2025”.
‘In 2025, Italians continued to choose frozen foods, confirming their appreciation for a sector that perfectly meets the needs dictated by today’s lifestyles. Frozen foods, in fact, combine convenience with a focus on food safety, taste, value for money, waste reduction and significant nutritional benefits consistent with the principles of the Mediterranean Diet. This has driven an overall increase in the consumption of frozen food, which has exceeded the one million metric tonnes mark for the third consecutive year – a record result for the sector – comments IIAS President, Giorgio Donegani –. “The positive trend extends across all product categories, particularly seafood, pizzas, vegetable-based dishes and ready meals.”
In terms of household consumption, fish and seafood are among the fastest-growing categories, exceeding 100,000 tonnes between ‘fresh’ and ‘prepared/breaded’ fish, ranking second on the podium behind the unrivalled vegetable products (which lead in terms of volume with over 200,000 tonnes), but ahead of potatoes (90,000 tonnes). Next come frozen pizzas (70,000 tonnes, +3.1 per cent) and ready meals (66,000 tonnes, +1.7 per cent).
