Italy

Mobile phones have taken on an ever more central role in consumers’ daily lives, with the functionality of smartphones extending across multiple activities, including networking, gaming, making payments, online shopping, and taking pictures and…

During the summer months, online searches for action cams are significantly higher than in other months. This was especially the case in 2021, when consumers were finally allowed to go out again after long periods of home seclusion and wanted to…

The government renewed restrictions on non-essential movements between regions from 21 December 2020 to 6 January 2021 to minimise the risk of a spike in infections over the Christmas period. Travel between regions was restricted on key festive days…

As reported by ISS (Istituto Superiore di Sanità - Higher Institute of Health), the main research body for public health in Italy, between late 2020 and the first half of 2021 certain effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic related to…

While a number of confectionery categories (eg seasonal chocolate, boxed assortments) were badly impacted by the pandemic in 2020, mainly due to the restrictions introduced to slow its spread, other product areas (eg countlines, tablets) actually…

Skin care saw a strong return to growth in current value terms in 2021, with most categories performing well. Sales benefited from the slowdown of the pandemic in Italy especially from April, which led consumers to lead more active social lives and…

All categories of sportswear posted double-digit retail current value sales growth in 2021, albeit following double-digit declines in 2020 due to the exigencies of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The category rebounded after contracting for the…

Menswear suffered strong declines in retail volume and current value sales in 2020, largely caused by the slump in demand due to the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The government’s measures to stem the tide of the virus included lockdowns and home…

Footwear’s double-digit growth in retail volume and current value terms in 2021 signalled a recovery from the sharp declines recorded in 2020 due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The slump in demand for footwear was mainly informed by lockdown…

The consumption of nuts continued growing at a fast rate in 2021 after making significant gains throughout the pandemic. Total volume sales grew, with consumption increasing in all channels after the inevitable steep decline in the foodservice and…

During 2021, the growth of the home video category was significant thanks to major sports event on one side, and, more prominently, thanks to the Italian Government’s financial support for those purchasing TVs and decoders for the upcoming switch-off…

After seeing a significant current value decline due to COVID-19 in 2020, designer apparel and footwear saw a strong rebound in 2021. Growth is set to continue in 2022, with a double-digit increase, although sales are still expected to remain below…

Gum was one of the snacks categories most heavily impacted by the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in 2020. Lockdowns and home seclusion discouraged gum sales due to reduced workplace, school and social consumption occasions. This, consequently,…

Chocolate confectionery is expected to see positive retail current value and volume growth in 2022, as the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) lessens and life returns towards pre-pandemic norms. However, the pace of progress is set to be limited, as…

Italy started 2021 with stringent Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations due to a second wave of infections. Aside from face covering and social distancing regulations, the government rolled-out a national curfew, limiting the circulation of all citizens…

Supermarkets registered strong retail current value growth in 2020, as the format derived benefits from the upheaval of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The pandemic created a surge in demand for products in supermarkets with the first national lockdown…

After the height of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks in Italy in 2020 and the first half of 2021, when cleaning regimes were prioritising hygiene and sanitisation, helping to drive home care sales, particularly in areas like bleach and surface…

After a year, in 2020, in which dishwashing sales saw a real spike in demand, with consumers spending extended periods in home seclusion, with the country’s vaccination programme rolling out in 2021, Italian consumers have been determined to support…

Total consumption of fruits suffered limited losses in 2020 as the consumer shift from the foodservice channel to retail did not allow total fruit volumes to grow positively. The story in 2021 reversed with retail experiencing a small contraction…

When Alphabet Inc (the parent company of Google) acquired Fitbit Inc, the leading player in wearable electronics in Italy, late in 2019 the potential privacy implications caused some concern amongst local consumers. However, these do not appear to…