Italy: Sunflower Seed Market 2025

Sunflower Seed Market Size in Italy

In 2022, the Italian sunflower seed market decreased by -1.1% to $X, falling for the third year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, the total consumption indicated a moderate expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -14.8% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Sunflower Seed Production in Italy

In value terms, sunflower seed production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 141% against the previous year. Sunflower seed production peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2022, the average sunflower seed yield in Italy amounted to X tons per ha, leveling off at 2021. In general, the yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the yield increased by 13%. The sunflower seed yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the harvested area of sunflower seed in Italy rose modestly to X ha, picking up by 2.5% compared with 2021. Over the period under review, the harvested area showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 14%. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the sunflower seed harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Sunflower Seed Exports

Exports from Italy

In 2022, shipments abroad of sunflower seed increased by 16% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. In general, exports, however, showed a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 40% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sunflower seed exports expanded modestly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports showed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 67%. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Bulgaria (X tons), France (X tons) and Spain (X tons) were the main destinations of sunflower seed exports from Italy, together accounting for 53% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Bulgaria (with a CAGR of +27.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Bulgaria ($X), Austria ($X) and France ($X) constituted the largest markets for sunflower seed exported from Italy worldwide, with a combined 67% share of total exports.

Bulgaria, with a CAGR of +30.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average sunflower seed export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -10.2% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average export price increased by 74%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then dropped in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Austria ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Sweden ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Switzerland (+28.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sunflower Seed Imports

Imports into Italy

In 2022, overseas purchases of sunflower seed decreased by -7.2% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports saw a pronounced setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by 40%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sunflower seed imports surged to $X in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 34%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Romania (X tons), Hungary (X tons) and Austria (X tons) were the main suppliers of sunflower seed imports to Italy, with a combined 62% share of total imports. Croatia, the Netherlands, Greece, France and Slovenia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 29%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Croatia (with a CAGR of +45.2%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Romania ($X), Hungary ($X) and the Netherlands ($X) were the largest sunflower seed suppliers to Italy, together accounting for 57% of total imports. Austria, Croatia, France, Greece and Slovenia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 29%.

Among the main suppliers, Croatia, with a CAGR of +46.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sunflower seed import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 31% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a resilient increase. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the price for Slovenia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Romania (+6.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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