Introduction – Italy’s Frozen Fish Market in Statistical Focus
Italy might be known for pasta and wine, but when it comes to seafood—especially frozen fish—the country holds a solid place in the global market. From bustling ports in the south to cold storage hubs in the north, frozen fish is a key commodity in Italy’s food export economy. Despite fluctuations in global trade, Italy has maintained a resilient position, especially in high-demand European zones like Spain and France.
Why should this matter to you? Because if you’re in the business of sourcing frozen fish—whether for wholesale, retail, or foodservice—you need to understand not just who’s selling, but who’s performing. A data-driven approach is critical here. And platforms like Freshdi are helping buyers make more informed decisions with real-time RFQs, supplier verification, and trade insights.
So, let’s dive into the current stats and spotlight the Top 7 Frozen Fish Suppliers in Italy in Year 2025, based on verified exports, buyer feedback, and market presence.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Italy’s frozen fish industry has seen its fair share of waves lately. In 2024, the production value ticked up slightly, but ironically, the actual volume produced dropped. The golden year? That was 2017, when the country saw a sharp increase in output. Since then, things have cooled down a bit.
Export Overview
Here’s where it gets interesting. Italy’s frozen fish exports have dipped for three years straight. In 2024 alone, exports declined by a few percentage points to an estimated X tons. This isn’t just an Italian problem—the global fish trade itself shrank by around $7.6 billion in 2024 compared to 2023.
Top export destinations include:
– Spain (the largest recipient)
– Malta
– France
– Albania
Spain’s import volume from Italy held steady with an annual growth rate of X%, while Malta and Albania showed mixed results.
Import Scene
Italy isn’t just exporting—it’s importing too. The country’s frozen fish imports have mostly flatlined, with a slight dip to X tons in 2024. Spain, the Netherlands, and China are the top suppliers.
Market Demand Insights
According to Freshdi, RFQ (Request For Quotation) data shows that demand for frozen fish remains strong, especially from food processors and restaurant chains. The platform has reported increased buyer activity in salmon and cod categories, reflecting broader sales trends.
In 2022, Italians consumed an average of 29.6 kg of seafood per person, ranking ninth in Europe. That appetite has stayed consistent. In 2024, frozen and fresh packaged fish sales grew by 2.3%, beating out meat’s growth of just 0.8%. Salmon alone saw an 8.3% increase from 2022 to 2024.
However, not all news is good. The invasion of the Atlantic blue crab in the Po Delta has severely impacted clam farming. In early 2024, clam production was nearly wiped out. This ecological shift may push more buyers toward frozen alternatives, increasing demand.
Top 7 Verified Frozen Fish Suppliers in Italy – Leading Exporters by Volume
If you’re sourcing frozen fish, you want reliability, traceability, and quality. These are the top-performing Italian suppliers verified by Freshdi. They’ve been ranked based on export volume, customer reviews, certifications, and global presence.
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AGRIRE.GIO S.N.C. DI ERICA COMBA & C.
Known for their consistent quality and long-standing relationships with EU buyers. -
AGRICOLA MORIANESE TORI MANGIMI S.R.L.
Strong in both local and international markets, especially Spain and France. -
AGRIVALLE ZORZI DI RAMBALDINI ERMELINA
Specializes in sustainable and eco-certified frozen fish products. -
ROSMAR SRL
A top performer in exporting high-grade frozen seafood with a modern logistics network. -
AGROZOOTECNIA DI CARBONE DOMENICO
Known for bulk supply capability and fast turnaround for international orders. -
BIOLIFEITALY
A rising star in organic and traceable frozen fish exports. -
AGROSYSTEM S.A.S. DI PASQUALE SABIA
Combines traditional expertise with cutting-edge cold-chain technology.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind, rankings can shift. Platforms like Freshdi regularly update their “Suppliers of the Month” or “Top Exporters of the Quarter” based on RFQ responsiveness, volume shipped, and buyer feedback. It’s worth checking often for the latest updates before locking in your next supplier.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Let’s break down the frozen fish market by category. Cod, salmon, and hake are the front-runners in demand, driven by both retail and foodservice sectors. RFQ data from Freshdi shows a sharp uptick in inquiries for skinless fillets and pre-portioned packs—ideal for ready-meal producers.
Seasonal Pricing Dynamics
Here’s a tip: prices typically dip in late summer when stocks are high and demand temporarily drops. Conversely, Q4 sees a spike due to holiday consumption. Knowing when to buy can save you big, especially if you’re importing in bulk.
Historical data from the past five years shows a consistent 10-15% price hike between October and December. Use this to plan your procurement calendar.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Italy’s frozen fish industry is evolving. Despite export declines and local production challenges, the market remains one of Europe’s most resilient. Domestic demand is strong, and major suppliers are adapting fast with sustainable practices and export-grade logistics.
So, what’s the move here? Don’t go in blind. Select suppliers based on hard data—export volumes, buyer reviews, certifications, and delivery performance. Platforms like Freshdi make this easier by offering:
- Verified supplier profiles
- RFQ-based demand trends
- Export history insights
- Real-time buyer reviews
Whether you’re a wholesaler, importer, or food manufacturer, the key is to align with suppliers who are not just active—but thriving.
Key Takeaways
- Italy remains a major player in Europe’s frozen fish market.
- Exports are down, but domestic demand is climbing.
- Salmon, cod, and hake are top categories by volume.
- Verified suppliers offer better reliability and traceability.
- Seasonal trends impact pricing—plan ahead.
- Use platforms like Freshdi to stay ahead of market shifts.
Buyer’s Checklist: Frozen Fish Sourcing in Italy
- ✅ Check supplier certifications (HACCP, MSC, etc.)
- ✅ Compare RFQ responsiveness
- ✅ Review export history and volumes
- ✅ Align with seasonal pricing trends
- ✅ Use Freshdi for supplier verification and insights
Future Outlook
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Italy’s frozen fish sector is poised for digital transformation. As sustainability takes center stage and AI-driven procurement tools gain traction, the smart buyers will be those who integrate real-time data into their sourcing decisions. Freshdi is leading this charge, and joining early may give you the edge you need.
FAQs
1. What types of frozen fish are most exported from Italy?
Cod, salmon, and hake are among the top exported frozen fish products, with growing demand for skinless fillets and portioned cuts.
2. Is Freshdi a platform only for verified suppliers?
Yes, Freshdi verifies all suppliers listed on its platform through trade data, certifications, and buyer reviews.
3. How often do supplier rankings change on Freshdi?
Supplier rankings are dynamic, updated monthly or quarterly based on RFQ volume, shipment data, and buyer feedback.
4. What certifications should I look for when choosing a supplier?
Look for HACCP, MSC (for sustainable fishing), ISO certifications, and EU export compliance.
5. Can I send RFQs directly to suppliers through Freshdi?
Absolutely. Freshdi allows buyers to send RFQs, compare quotes, and manage supplier communication—all in one dashboard.
References
- IndexBox – Italy Frozen Fish Market Report
- FAO – World Fish Trade Fall in 2024
- Seafood.no – Italy Market Insights
- EuroMeatNews – Stockfish Export Decline
- ArXiv – Atlantic Blue Crab Impact
- Freshdi – B2B Supplier Platform
