Who are the largest pasta producers in Europe?

In 2023, 6.2 million tons of pasta will be produced throughout the European Union (EU), according to the new Eurostat report on the subject. A volume comparable to 2022 production (6.1 million tons), but whose value increased by 1.1 billion euros, reaching 8.9 billion euros.

With 4.2 million tonnes, or 68% of all European production, Italy obviously remains the largest pasta producer in the Union. Spain, number 2 in Europe, is quite far away with 485,131 tons (8% of total production) and ahead, as every year, of France with its 260,986 tons (4% of total production).

57% of exports remain in the EU

In total, in 2023 about 2.7 million tons of this production will be exported. But most of these spaghetti, shells and other spätzle have not crossed the borders of the European Union. In fact, 57% of this pasta made in the EU ends up on the shelves of supermarkets in the 27 countries.

Once again, Italian manufacturers stand out from their European counterparts. With two million tonnes of pasta exported in 2023, or 76% of the European Union’s total, Italy wins the title of the Union’s main pasta exporter. Spain continues in second place with around 130,000 tons of pasta exported (5% of the total).

France occupies the second position among European pasta importing countries with 371,966 tonnes imported in 2023, or a quarter of the European total. It is very close to Germany and its 440,733 tons (28%).

A solid but turbulent French sector

French production is therefore not sufficient to meet national needs. The average consumption of pasta per capita per year is 8.6 kilos according to the Union of Industrial Pasta Manufacturers of France (Sifpaf).

Although third European producers in 2023, actors in the French sector fear a less favorable year 2024. A concern directly related to the deterioration of the durum wheat crop. Estimated this year at 1.2 million tons, it would fall 8.8% compared to 2023.

Despite this situation, French manufacturers in the sector “have chosen to source 100%” from France and are asking for more durum wheat to be grown, says Albert Mathieu, president of the pasta and semolina manufacturers’ union (Sifpaf) and general director. from Sifpaf. Panzani in an interview with the newspaper Sud Ouest.