In 2023, the restaurant sector in Italy recorded an added value of 54 billion euros, showing significant growth compared to 2022 and indicating a recovery of +3.9% compared to the pre-Covid period. These numbers highlight how the sector has overcome the crisis caused by the pandemic, with an excellent boost to investments.
To conclude this introduction we can say that; around half of the entrepreneurs have invested in the renewal of equipment and the implementation of digital tools.
For 2024, companies have announced an investment plan approaching 4 billion euros, highlighting a trend towards sustainability and innovation.
Environmental sustainability has become a priority for the industry, with most restaurants and bars taking measures to reduce energy consumption and protect the environment. Furthermore, over 80% of businesses have introduced digital tools into their premises.
These data emerge from the "2024 Catering Report" presented in Rome by FIPE-Confcommercio. The study provides an overview of the current state of the industry and identifies future trends and challenges.
Household spending in restaurants reached 92 billion euros in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and recovering significant market shares.
Despite a slight contraction in the number of businesses compared to the previous year, the sector remains dynamic, with over ten thousand new businesses starting operations in 2023. However, the survival rate of new businesses remains low, at only 50% which can last over five years.
Women run almost a third of businesses, with a greater incidence in the bar sector. Young people under 35 lead 12.9% of businesses, mainly in the restaurant segment. Furthermore, over 50,000 businesses are run by foreign entrepreneurs.
From an employment point of view, 2023 was a positive year, with 1.4 million workers in the sector, an increase compared to previous years. The prevalent form of work in the sector is the permanent contract, which has recorded growth compared to the pre-pandemic period.
In summary, the restaurant sector in Italy shows signs of recovery and growth, with a growing focus on sustainability and innovation, despite the challenges still present.
FINAL THOUGHT
Furthermore, as an expert in the field, I would like to add two considerations. The first concerns the numerous hirings that still have to be made for the summer season and in view of the start of the jubilee. These should be conducted with criteria, favoring the hiring of qualified professionals both in practice and in the promotion and dissemination of food and wine culture. The second thought is aimed at the institutions, inviting them to do much more for this sector, starting from a reform of the most urgent issues, well known to all and already highlighted in the penultimate post of the Italian Restaurateurs Union.
SINGLE SOURCE: fipe.it