Market
Licorice root extract in Italy is anchored by Calabria’s long-established licorice supply chain, including the protected designation “Liquirizia di Calabria” (covering fresh root, dried root, and root extract). Italy is an active processor and exporter of licorice extract while also importing material (notably via intra-EU trade) to supply domestic manufacturing and re-export needs. Demand is primarily industrial (confectionery and other food uses), with additional use in pharmaceutical and herbal product contexts. Regulatory focus is strongly shaped by EU flavourings rules and EU food-information labelling requirements for glycyrrhizinic acid in certain foods and beverages.
Market RoleProducer and exporter; also importer
Domestic RoleIngredient input for confectionery and other food manufacturing; also used in pharmaceutical and herbal product contexts
SeasonalityIn Calabria PDO production, harvesting is described as occurring throughout the year, supporting year-round extract processing availability.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighEU labelling rules require specific statements for confectionery and beverages containing glycyrrhizinic acid (or its ammonium salt) above defined thresholds; non-compliance can trigger market withdrawal, relabelling, or customer rejection in Italy/EU channels.Quantify glycyrrhizinic acid (or provide validated spec/COA), and supply customers with clear guidance for the required EU label statements and threshold applicability before shipment.
Food Safety MediumAs a plant-derived ingredient, licorice extract may face compliance scrutiny for pesticide residues and regulated contaminants where limits apply; failures can lead to border holds, recalls, or loss of approved-supplier status in Italy/EU.Implement risk-based testing and supplier qualification aligned to EU pesticide MRL and contaminant requirements applicable to the product and intended use; maintain COAs and traceable lot documentation.
Origin And Fraud MediumMisuse of Calabria PDO claims (or commingling PDO and non-PDO material) can create legal and commercial exposure in Italy, including enforcement actions and reputational damage.If selling as PDO, maintain PDO certification evidence and segregated traceability; if non-PDO, avoid PDO-linked labelling and ensure claims match documented origin.
Supply MediumItaly’s non-PDO supply can be exposed to upstream raw-root availability shocks in exporting regions; literature on licorice-growing areas documents declines in natural stands in some regions due to extensive exploitation, which can tighten supply and raise costs for imported inputs.Diversify approved origins/suppliers, prioritize cultivated sources where feasible, and build contractual buffers for critical periods.
Sustainability- Resource pressure risk where licorice roots are sourced from extensively exploited wild stands in some origin regions; supply continuity can be affected if natural licorice areas decline due to exploitation (relevant when Italy sources outside the Calabria PDO chain).
- PDO-origin integrity and geographic linkage (Calabria) as a differentiation theme, with documented anti-fraud emphasis by the Calabria PDO consortium.
Labor & Social- No widely documented, product-specific labor-controversy narrative is uniquely associated with licorice extract in Italy; however, for imported roots/extracts, buyers may still apply general agricultural labor due-diligence expectations in supplier audits.
FAQ
What qualifies as “Liquirizia di Calabria” (PDO) for licorice root extract in Italy?The PDO “Liquirizia di Calabria” covers fresh root, dried root, and root extract made from Glycyrrhiza glabra (local ‘Cordara’ variety) produced within the defined Calabria production area and according to the official production specification, under the PDO control system.
Are there EU labelling warnings related to glycyrrhizinic acid for products made with licorice extract sold in Italy?Yes. EU food-information rules require specific additional statements for certain confectionery and beverages containing glycyrrhizinic acid (or its ammonium salt) above defined thresholds, such as a “contains liquorice” statement and, at higher thresholds, an additional warning for people suffering from hypertension.
How can glycyrrhizinic acid content be analytically verified for licorice extracts?ISO 11023:1999 describes an HPLC method specifically for determining glycyrrhizic (glycyrrhizinic) acid content in licorice extracts (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.).