OPINIO
Trade4go
Mar 21st, 2025
Original content
Host: Bojan Mijatovic - Global Market Analyst (Serbia)
Presenters: Gabriela Cabezas - Global Market Analyst (Ecuador) and Ben Lategan - Global Market Analyst - (South Africa)
Speakers: Emad Fathy Abdelkader - Quality Control Specialist (Egypt)
Ben Lategan - Global Market Analyst - (South Africa)
Agenda:
The global pasta market is experiencing steady growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and innovations in product offerings. As of 2023, the global pasta market was valued at USD 68.35 billion and is projected to reach USD 109.36 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.2%. Key trends include the rising demand for health-conscious options such as gluten-free, high-protein, and organic pasta. Consumers increasingly seek products from alternative ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, and quinoa, which offer enhanced nutritional benefits. Additionally, the demand for convenient meal solutions is surging, with ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat pasta products gaining popularity among urban and younger demographics. Innovations in pasta shapes, colors, and packaging, such as single-serve meal kits, are also expanding in global markets.
Figure 1. Global Pasta Market Revenue
Source: Fortune Business Insight
Figure 2. Alternative Vegan and Plant-Based Pasta Products
Source: Ronzoni Garden Delight Rotini (Amazon), Organic Pasta Penne Red Lentil (Carrs), Chickpea Rotini Pasta (Barilla)
Europe continues to dominate the global pasta market, with Italy leading as the largest producer and exporter. In 2023, Italy accounted for 3.9 million metric tons (mmt) of pasta production, representing 23% of global output. The region's strong cultural ties to pasta and its reputation for high-quality products drive its market leadership. In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany rely heavily on imports, with the UK importing 90% of its pasta. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth due to increasing urbanization and the adoption of Western dietary habits. The United States (US) is also showing strong demand for premium and artisanal pasta, reflecting a shift toward healthier and more diverse food options. Globally, the market is adapting to sustainability challenges, with producers focusing on eco-friendly packaging and sourcing practices to meet consumer expectations.
Figure 3. Country of Origin Cross-Country Analysis
Source: Tridge
Tridge panel discussion speakers Ben Lategan and Emad Fathy Abdelkader identified what factors drive the renewed interest in traditional and artisanal pasta, and how producers capitalize on this trend. Lategan shared that the renewed interest in traditional and artisanal pasta is driven by factors such as the rise of plant-based diets, health and wellness concerns, and the pursuit of authenticity in food. Consumers seek pasta with higher nutritional value (e.g., gluten-free, high-protein, or organic options) and are drawn to products made with traditional methods and quality ingredients.
Producers can capitalize on this trend by emphasizing ingredient transparency, storytelling to highlight traditional techniques, and marketing features like bronze-die extrusion, slow drying, and heritage grains. Clear labeling, nutritional information, and authentic branding are key strategies to attract health-conscious and quality-focused consumers. Abdelkader continued with his point of view and stated that interest in traditional and artisanal pasta is driven by its handcrafted preparation, which preserves ingredient quality and superior flavor achieved through slower drying processes. The growing focus on health and wellness also encourages consumers to seek nutritionally rich, high-quality pasta options. Producers can capitalize on this trend by emphasizing their products' craftsmanship, flavor, and health benefits while exploring innovative ingredients to cater to evolving dietary preferences.
Tridge’s experts continued the panel discussion and shed light on how technology and innovation can help improve pasta production and benefit smaller producers. Lategan added that technology and innovation can significantly improve pasta production and benefit smaller producers by enhancing supply chain transparency, enabling clear ingredient labeling, and tracking carbon footprints to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) allow producers to showcase sustainable ingredient sourcing and ethical practices, building trust and brand value. Innovations in alternative flours, such as chickpea or lentil-based options, cater to health-conscious markets, while creative flavor infusions and unique shapes help smaller producers stand out. These advancements enable efficiency, sustainability, and differentiation, empowering smaller producers to compete effectively in a growing market.
Abdelkader built on Lategan’s points, and said that technology and innovation can help smaller pasta producers by enabling using healthier alternative flours like chickpea, quinoa, and lentils and incorporating unique ingredients such as superfoods, herbs, and spices to create distinctive products. Advances in food science and production techniques allow for the development of gluten-free, whole-grain, and fortified pasta, catering to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, automation tools can streamline the production of artisanal regional specialties, while digital platforms provide access to broader markets, helping smaller producers compete with more prominent brands.
On a final note about how the pasta industry can meet consumer demands for healthier, tastier, and more sustainable products, Tridge speakers pointed out that to meet consumer demands for healthier, tastier, and more sustainable products, the pasta industry can innovate by developing healthier formulations using high-protein, high-fiber, or low-carb alternatives like chickpea, lentil, or ancient grains such as spelt and einkorn, as well as gluten-free options like quinoa or sorghum. Flavor innovations, such as incorporating seasonal or regionally inspired ingredients, can enhance taste and appeal. Additionally, adopting sustainable practices, including biodegradable or recyclable packaging and transparent sourcing of ingredients, can align with eco-conscious consumer values while building trust and loyalty.
Click here to view the webinar recording, or click here to see the presentation slides.
Read more relevant content
Recommended suppliers for you
What to read next
