Introduction – Italy’s Pangasius Market by the Numbers
If you’re a seafood buyer or foodservice business in Europe, Italy should definitely be on your radar right now—especially when it comes to pangasius. Why? Because Italy is quietly but powerfully becoming a top-tier destination for Vietnamese pangasius exports in the EU.
Let’s break it down: In April 2025, Italy imported over $1.4 million worth of pangasius from Vietnam—a whopping 51% increase year-on-year. And that’s not just a one-off spike. The first four months of 2025 saw a 71% increase in pangasius imports compared to the same period last year, bringing the total to just over $5 million. That’s more than what traditionally larger markets like France, Spain, and Germany pulled in.
So, what’s driving this surge?
Italy’s middle-income consumers are feeling the pinch from rising living costs. That’s pushing them toward affordable yet high-quality food options. Pangasius fits the bill perfectly—tasty, nutritious, and well-priced. Plus, with Italian retailers and restaurants now favoring products with sustainability certifications like ASC and Global GAP, Vietnamese pangasius is hitting all the right notes.
Globally, Vietnam remains the #1 producer of pangasius, accounting for over 40% of global output. And with exports projected to grow by 5-10% in 2025, the momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
In short, if you’re looking to source pangasius smartly in 2025, Italy is where the action is—and the suppliers we’re about to spotlight are leading the charge.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Let’s zoom out for a second and look at the bigger picture.
Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the EU reached $61 million in just the first four months of 2025. That’s a 9% increase over the same period in 2024. While the Netherlands still leads the EU bloc with $17 million in import value, Italy is catching up fast—and that’s saying something.
This rise isn’t just seen in customs data. On Freshdi, a leading B2B sourcing platform, RFQ (request for quotation) volumes for pangasius from Italian buyers have surged since Q1 2025. That spike in buyer interest reflects what the numbers are telling us—real, growing demand driven by affordability, sustainability, and shifting consumer preferences.
So, what does that mean for businesses? It means now is the time to lock in supplier relationships using hard data and verified performance metrics—exactly what Freshdi offers.
Top 6 Verified Pangasius Suppliers in Italy – Top Tier Based on Export Data
Here’s where it gets practical. Based on export volume, certifications, reliability, and verified buyer feedback on Freshdi, these are the Top 6 Pangasius Suppliers in Italy for Q3 of 2025.
1. Araclema Soc. Agr. Coop. Cons.
- Location: Italy
- Certifications: ASC, Global GAP
- Specialty: Frozen fillets, skinless boneless cuts
- Strengths: Known for consistent quality, traceable supply chains, and competitive pricing. Highly rated by foodservice buyers on Freshdi.
- Freshdi Insight: Frequently featured in “Suppliers of the Month” rankings based on real-time buyer reviews and RFQ conversion rates.
2. Viet Seafood Export Co.
- Location: Vietnam (Primary exporter to Italy)
- Certifications: BRC, ASC
- Specialty: Whole pangasius, fillets, and loins
- Strengths: Strong logistics partnerships in Italy, enabling fast turnaround and reduced lead time.
3. Blue River Fishery Srl
- Location: Italy
- Certifications: ISO 22000, MSC (for other species)
- Specialty: Value-added pangasius products for Italian retail chains
- Strengths: Innovative packaging and private label services.
4. Nam Viet Corporation (NAVICO)
- Location: Vietnam
- Certifications: ASC, HACCP
- Specialty: Frozen pangasius fillets, IQF products
- Strengths: One of Vietnam’s largest producers, with a strong presence in Southern Europe.
5. Delta Seafood Italia S.p.A.
- Location: Italy
- Certifications: IFS, ASC
- Specialty: Bulk pangasius fillets for HORECA sector
- Strengths: Deep integration with Italian distribution networks.
6. An Giang Fisheries Import Export JSC (AGIFISH)
- Location: Vietnam
- Certifications: Global GAP, FDA registered
- Specialty: Premium quality pangasius for EU markets
- Strengths: Long-standing reputation, traceability, and compliance with EU standards.
Dynamic Ranking Note:
Keep in mind that supplier rankings on platforms like Freshdi are dynamic. You’ll often see updated “Supplier of the Month” or “Top Exporter of the Quarter” lists based on RFQ fulfillment rates, buyer reviews, and new certifications. It’s a great way to stay on top of who’s performing best in real-time.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Now, let’s talk trends—because the pangasius market is anything but static.
Variety Demand Trends
Italian buyers are shifting toward:
– Skinless boneless fillets with ASC certification
– IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) products for better shelf-life
– Value-added pangasius (e.g., marinated fillets, ready-to-cook formats)
This is echoed in RFQ trends on Freshdi, where demand for pre-portioned, eco-labeled pangasius has increased by over 30% since January 2025.
Seasonal Pricing Insights
Historically, pangasius prices dip slightly during the late spring and early summer due to peak harvest cycles in Vietnam. Smart buyers can leverage this window to negotiate better long-term contracts.
But here’s the kicker: In 2025, feed costs in Vietnam are on the decline, which could lead to even more competitive pricing in the second half of the year.
Export Dynamics
With Italy’s increasing demand, expect faster customs clearance and streamlined cold-chain logistics. Exporters with EU-focused strategies (like those on Freshdi) are already adjusting their packaging sizes, labeling, and product specs to better fit Italian regulations and consumer preferences.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
Italy is no longer playing catch-up—it’s leading the charge in Europe’s pangasius market. With a 71% YoY growth in imports and a rising preference for sustainable, value-for-money seafood, the country is primed to be a key player in 2025 and beyond.
But as a buyer, the real edge lies in data-driven decision-making. Platforms like Freshdi give you the tools to:
– Verify supplier certifications
– Analyze real-time RFQ trends
– Compare pricing and logistics efficiency
– Read verified buyer reviews
Quick Checklist for Buyers:
- ✅ Prioritize suppliers with ASC or Global GAP certifications
- ✅ Use RFQ data to forecast demand and negotiate pricing
- ✅ Monitor Freshdi’s supplier rankings for top performers
- ✅ Double-check traceability and compliance with EU standards
- ✅ Explore value-added formats for retail and HORECA sectors
Whether you’re a wholesaler, distributor, or foodservice operator, aligning with top-tier suppliers in Italy is easier—and smarter—when you’re backed by the numbers.
Future Outlook – What’s Next for Pangasius in Italy?
Expect Italy’s pangasius imports to continue climbing, especially as economic pressures drive more consumers toward affordable proteins. With Vietnam maintaining its global lead in production and streamlining its EU export strategies, the market is set for steady growth.
Buyers who integrate platforms like Freshdi into their sourcing workflow will have a major advantage in scouting trends, benchmarking supplier performance, and closing deals faster.
References
- Pangasius exports to the EU: Cautious recovery expected in the second half of 2025 – VASEP
- Vietnam Pangasius Exports Expected to Grow by 10% in 2025 – Vietnam Agriculture
FAQs
1. Why is Italy importing more pangasius in 2025?
Due to rising living costs, Italian consumers are looking for budget-friendly yet high-quality seafood. Pangasius fits this profile perfectly, especially when it meets sustainability certifications.
2. How can I verify whether a supplier is certified?
Platforms like Freshdi allow you to view supplier certifications such as ASC, Global GAP, and BRC directly on their profiles.
3. What’s the best time to buy pangasius at lower prices?
Late spring and early summer often offer better pricing due to peak harvests and lower feed costs in Vietnam.
4. Are there Italian suppliers or just Vietnamese exporters?
There are both. Some Italian companies import and distribute pangasius locally, while others source directly from Vietnam via verified exporters.
5. What makes Freshdi different from other sourcing platforms?
Freshdi specializes in seafood and agri-products, offering real-time supplier verification, RFQ analytics, buyer reviews, and dynamic performance rankings to help you make smarter sourcing decisions.
