The Caviar Market in Italy
The global caviar sector is marked by steady growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) estimated at around 9.59%. By 2024, the market value is expected to reach approximately $0.8 billion, with projections pointing to an increase up to $1.26 billion by 2029. This represents an overall growth of 57.5% over the period analyzed.
Growth factors:
The rise in high-income populations is driving demand for luxury and premium products.
The economic recovery of many countries and the general increase in global wealth are boosting interest in fine foods.
Affluent consumers are increasingly drawn to international culinary traditions and show strong interest in gourmet products.
Caviar Market in Italy
According to data from Api (the Fish Farmers Association of Confagricoltura), in 2022 Italian companies produced around 62 tons of caviar, compared to over 600 tons produced globally. Today, Italy is the leading European producer and the second worldwide, right after China. The country’s main production hub is located in Calvisano, in the province of Brescia.
In recent years, the Italian market has experienced significant growth, with an overall increase of more than 30%.
By analyzing the main producers and their revenues, the value of the Italian market between 2020 and 2022 has been estimated. In 2020, the sector was worth approximately €47.475 million, while in 2022 it reached €62.332 million, marking a 31.3% increase. The sharpest growth occurred between 2020 and 2021 (+27.7%), while between 2021 and 2022 the increase was more modest (+2.8%), suggesting a possible move toward market saturation.
The companies considered in this analysis include: Cm Caviar, Ars Italica, Royal Food Caviar, Cavalier Caviar Club, Calvisius, Adamas Caviar, and Re Caviale.
Overview of the Italian Market
Italy holds the European lead in caviar production while also maintaining a prominent position globally. However, most of the national output is destined for export, with only a small share reserved for the domestic market.
The main distribution channels for caviar are high-end restaurants, gourmet delicatessens, luxury wine shops, as well as cruise ships and specialized boutiques. Geographically, the most productive regions are Veneto, Lombardy, and Piedmont.
Demand Analysis
Caviar demand is closely tied to average household income, as it is a luxury product. Considered a symbol of prestige and refinement, caviar is associated with high-end lifestyles and special occasions. With rising disposable income, consumers tend to indulge in premium products, fueling demand for exclusive foods such as caviar.
Improved economic conditions also influence purchasing preferences. Wealthier individuals develop more sophisticated tastes and seek out high-quality culinary experiences — caviar being a prime example.
Average Household Income in Italy
Central Italy recorded an average income of €33,837, while the South and Islands ranked lowest with €27,053.
In 2022, all regions recorded growth:
North-East: +5.3% (€38,340)
North-West: +4.5% (€37,647)
Center: +2.1% (€34,555)
South and Islands: +0.2% (€27,114)
The gap between North and South nevertheless remains significant.
Online Interest
Analysis of online searches shows that caviar purchases on the internet are cyclical, with peaks of interest in November and December — the holiday season and a prime time for luxury gifts.
Regional Table
In the table alongside, you can view the interest for each Italian region in online searches for caviar. The values are calculated on a scale from 0 to 100, where 100 indicates the location with the highest search frequency relative to the total number of searches in that area, and 50 indicates a location with half as many searches. A value of 0 means that there were not enough data recorded for that location.
The Value Chain
The caviar industry develops through several stages, from sturgeon care to the distribution of the finished product:
Breeding and Incubation – Sturgeon are raised and hatched with special attention to genetics and specimen health.
Aquaculture – Juvenile sturgeon grow in specialized facilities until they reach reproductive maturity.
Harvesting – The roe is carefully collected to preserve its quality.
Processing and Refinement – The eggs are cleaned, salted, and packaged using techniques that enhance flavor and preservation.
Sustainable Packaging – More and more companies are adopting recyclable and biodegradable materials.
Quality Control and Certifications – Each batch undergoes rigorous checks and full traceability.
Distribution – The product is distributed through luxury channels, e-commerce, restaurants, and hotels.
Distribution Channels
In Italy, caviar is sold through:
Gourmet restaurants and luxury hotels, offering signature dishes with premium ingredients.
Specialty stores and high-end delicatessens, mainly located in urban centers and luxury areas.
E-commerce: companies such as Caviar House (24-hour delivery) and Caviar Shop Online (48 hours).
Trade fairs and specialized markets, such as the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York.
Premium food distributors for restaurants and retail outlets.
Direct producers with showrooms.
Luxury catering services for events and weddings, such as Prandium S.R.L. and Nuova Catering.
Main Italian Producers
Agroittica Lombarda (Calvisano, Brescia) – Operates under three distinct brands:
Calvisius Caviar – For luxury restaurants and hotels
Cavalier Caviar Club – For large-scale retail (Esselunga, Lidl, Carrefour, Coop, etc.)
Ars Italica Caviar – Specializing in Russian, Stellato, and Adriatic sturgeon
Cru Caviar – A leader in Beluga caviar production with over 40 years of distribution experience and 20 years in direct production. Operates four farms between Veneto and Lombardy.
Adamas Caviar – Based in Pandino (Lombardy), it uses pure Alpine spring waters for farming.
Royal Food Caviar – Located in Calvisano (Brescia), it promotes sustainable production.
Caviar Giaveri – Operating in San Bartolomeo di Breda (Treviso), it manages the entire supply chain, from farming to processing.
The table shows how all Italian caviar producers experienced a significant increase in revenue from 2020 to 2022.
Analysis of Supply and Types of Italian Caviar
- Beluga: the most prized and expensive, produced from Acipenser huso huso, with a creamy, buttery flavor.
- Oscetra: firmer texture and more robust flavor, sourced from Russian sturgeon.
- Sevruga: known for its smaller eggs and intense taste.
- White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus): dark pearls with a delicate flavor.
- Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii): brown to black eggs with a slightly briny finish.
- Kaluga: a premium hybrid, ranging in color from brown to golden, similar to Beluga.
Trends and Future Outlook
During times of economic uncertainty, luxury goods tend to retain or even increase their popularity. Social media continues to elevate caviar as a symbol of elegance, attracting younger generations.
The growing availability of farmed caviar at more accessible prices is making the product less elitist, while still preserving its image as a symbol of exclusivity.