In 2023, Italian pasta continues its global rise, with record-breaking exports and a growing appetite for Mediterranean cuisine.

Pasta is more than just a food—it’s a global symbol of Italian culture. In 2023, global pasta production nearly reached 17 million tons, confirming its status as one of the most beloved foods worldwide. And when people think of pasta, they inevitably think of Italy.

Italy remains the world’s largest pasta consumer, with more than 23 kilograms per person consumed annually. But the true leadership of Italy lies in its production and export. According to data from Unione Italiana Food based on ISTAT, Italy exported over 2.4 million tons of pasta in 2024—58% of total national production—marking a 9.1% increase from the previous year. This growth translated into a total export value of €4.02 billion, up 4.8% year-over-year.

That’s the equivalent of 80 million portions of Italian pasta enjoyed every day in nearly 200 countries.

Strong Performance in EU and Global Markets

The European Union absorbed the majority of Italian pasta exports, accounting for 62.9% of total shipments—around 1.5 million tons. The remaining 37.1% (about 899,000 tons) reached markets outside the EU, including the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

Top destinations for Italian pasta exports in 2024 included Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan, which continue to play a strategic role in Italy’s food export sector.

Emerging Markets Drive Growth

Beyond established markets, Italian pasta saw impressive growth in emerging regions. Countries such as Sweden, Canada, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, China, Romania, and Croatia registered increases between 5% and 20%. Even more substantial gains—between 20% and 50%—were observed in the U.S., South Korea, Ukraine, Colombia, Serbia, Turkey, Vietnam, Oman, and Uruguay. Some nations, including Mexico, Argentina, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and Paraguay, exceeded a staggering +50% in export growth.