Out-of-home consumption, for the Horeca sector 107 billion in turnover in 2024

In the face of stagnant domestic food demand, out-of-home consumption remains a significant lever for the Italian economy . Last year, the supply chain recorded a turnover of 107.1 billion euros , up 23% compared to 2019, and 53.8 billion in added value, employing 1.5 million workers in 382 thousand companies and making investments of 2.7 billion euros. This is what emerges from the 2025 strategic report “Feeding the country, connecting people. Horeca as an ecosystem” , presented by Italgrob (Italian federation of Horeca distributors) and Afdb (association for the training and development of Horeca distribution) and edited by The European House - Ambrosetti (Teha group).

The study also delves into the role of Horeca distribution , which in 2024 generated 15.3 billion euros in turnover and 2.7 billion in added value , employing a total of 57 thousand workers – including seasonal workers, VAT agents and logistics services. The sector has around 3,400 active companies and has made investments of 107 million euros. Distributors specializing in beverages represent around a quarter of the sector's overall turnover (26.8%), while the largest share is covered by food wholesalers, with 47.4%.

According to the survey, food and non-food consumption accounted for almost 60% of Italian GDP in 2024. Spending on food shows strong territorial disparities: in Southern Italy, “out of home” spending is worth about 60% of that recorded in Northern Italy.

The emerging scenario is growing, but not without challenges . According to Italgrob associates, interviewed during the research to assess the sector's prospects, the reduction in purchasing power (indicated by 92% of interviewees) represents the main obstacle to the future of the sector. To maintain a sustainable competitive advantage, companies in the Horeca supply chain will have to address structural issues, including the demographic winter - with consumers over 65 allocating just 2.4% of their monthly spending to Horeca, compared to 8.3% of young people between 18 and 34 - the polarization of consumption, environmental sustainability and the impact of artificial intelligence.

According to Antonio Portaccio, president of Italgrob : “The data emerging from the 2025 Strategic Report confirm the importance of the entire Horeca supply chain as an economic and social engine for our country”. To relaunch growth and promote businesses, according to Portaccio, however, clear rules, support measures, tax incentives and a regulatory framework that accompanies the digital and environmental transition are needed. “The sector is ready to do its part: now we need a shared Agenda to enhance an ecosystem that contributes every day to the competitiveness of Made in Italy and to social well-being”.

In this direction, Teha has outlined an “Agenda for Horeca Distribution” with three priorities for intervention: obtaining institutional recognition for operators in the sector, through shared legislation or the creation of a “special list” of distributors; promoting sustainable transition by strengthening competitiveness, also with the introduction of a controlled return system for plastic packaging; finally, accelerating the digitalization of the supply chain, focusing on training and skills development.