Market
Potato starch in Italy is primarily a food-manufacturing ingredient market supplied through imports, mainly from other EU producers. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates Italy imported about 47.8 thousand tonnes in 2024 and about 44.7 thousand tonnes in 2023 under HS 110813, while Italy’s exports were small in comparison (about 0.30 thousand tonnes in 2023). Imports are concentrated among a handful of EU-origin suppliers, with Germany the leading source, followed by Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands and France (2023). Market access for extra-EU shipments is shaped by EU-wide food law, official controls at Border Control Posts, and labeling rules applied in Italy.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market)
Domestic RoleFunctional starch ingredient used by domestic food and non-food manufacturers
Market GrowthGrowing (2022–2024 (UN Comtrade/WITS import proxy for HS 110813))import-value proxy increased from 2022 to 2024
Risks
Supply Concentration HighItaly is import-dependent for potato starch (HS 110813), with supply concentrated in a few EU-origin sources; disruptions in EU starch-potato availability (including climatic stress and disease-management constraints highlighted by the EU potato starch value chain) can sharply tighten availability and increase prices for Italian users.Contract across multiple EU origins, qualify alternative starches (e.g., maize/wheat/tapioca where technically feasible), and maintain buffer inventory for critical SKUs.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliance with EU/Italian food law, labeling, or official controls for extra-EU shipments can result in delays, refusal of entry, or market withdrawal/recall actions supported by EU alert systems.Align labeling to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011, maintain HACCP-based hygiene controls under Regulation (EC) 852/2004, and prepare an importer-specific compliance dossier (spec + CoA + traceability).
Logistics MediumAs a bulky, relatively low unit-value dry ingredient, potato starch delivered into Italy can be exposed to intra-EU road freight cost volatility and transport disruptions that affect landed cost and service levels.Use multi-carrier contracting, stage safety stock near key plants, and set replenishment lead times assuming periodic road-freight capacity constraints.
Food Safety MediumContamination, foreign matter, or specification non-conformance can trigger rapid authority-to-authority notifications and market actions (including recalls) within the EU alert framework.Implement robust incoming QA (including supplier audits and CoA verification) and define escalation procedures aligned to EU rapid alert expectations.
Sustainability- Climate volatility and drought risk affecting agricultural water availability in Northern Italy (Po Basin) and broader European crop supply chains
- Pesticide-reduction policy pressure in the EU starch-potato value chain, with industry warnings about potential supply disruption if alternatives are not available
FAQ
Is Italy mainly an importer or exporter of potato starch?Italy is mainly an importer. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Italy imported about 44.7 thousand tonnes of potato starch in 2023, while Italy’s exports were about 0.30 thousand tonnes in 2023.
Which countries are the main suppliers of potato starch to Italy?UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Germany as the leading supplier to Italy, followed by Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands and France (based on 2023 import origins).
Which EU rules are central for official controls and labeling for potato starch sold in Italy?For extra-EU imports, official controls are governed by Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and applied in Italy at Border Control Posts as described by the Italian Ministry of Health. For labeling, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 sets the general EU requirements for food information to consumers.