The Italian automatic packaging and wrapping machinery market continues to thrive, experiencing substantial growth year after year. In 2023, the industry recorded an impressive total turnover of €9.229 billion, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the previous year. This marks the third consecutive record year following the achievements of 2021 and 2022.
This noteworthy data was released by Mecs – Ucima Research Centre, as part of its 12th National Statistical Survey. This survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of the industry’s performance annually, surveying 594 companies that collectively employ 38,219 individuals.
According to Ucima, a significant 78.7% of the revenues stem from international markets, amounting to €7.262 billion, while 21.3% comes from domestic sales, totaling €1.967 billion.
In terms of international sales, the market reached €2.71 billion. Notably, the European Union emerged as the primary target for machines produced in Italy, accounting for 37.3% of all exports. Following closely, Asia generated €1.47 billion, representing 20.3% of the industry’s total international sales. North America secured third place with €1.25 billion in sales, while non-EU Europe contributed €651 million, South America €583 million, and Africa and Oceania recorded €456 million and €135.8 million, respectively.
Conversely, sales in the Italian market remained remarkably stable, comprising 22.6% of the overall turnover, thus concluding the year at €1.9 billion.
When breaking down turnover by customer sectors, 2023 reaffirmed the food and beverage industry’s leading position, accounting for 57.1% of total revenues. Within this sector, food maintained its top ranking, representing 30.9% (€2.856 billion) of the total turnover, accompanied by an impressive export intensity of 74.5%. Meanwhile, the beverages sector secured second place, contributing 26.2% of total revenues, with 83.3% of sales going to international markets.
The primary packaging machine family dominated the landscape, generating 52.4% of turnover. This was followed by the end-of-line, labelling, and ancillary equipment segment at 27.2%, with secondary packaging accounting for the remaining 20.4%.
Manufacturers of packing and packaging machinery are primarily concentrated along the Via Emilia regional thoroughfare, forming an area now recognized as Packaging Valley. However, additional production districts are strategically located in Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto, and Tuscany.
In 2023, employment within the market increased by 1.2%, rising from 37,753 in 2022 to 38,219.
“Essentially, the aggregate data has confirmed the picture painted by the preliminary figures, demonstrating how our industry and the entire Italian supply chain have established a method that guarantees reliability and innovation,” stated chair of Ucima Riccardo Cavanna. “Our companies keep growing and setting themselves new challenges, all the while increasingly pioneering solutions that ensure they retain their global leadership. As regards the domestic market, the introduction of the Italian law decree implementing Industry 5.0 provisions will give impetus to new investments and drive growth in the Italian market.”
