This article provides you with our TOP 10 data sources to consult if you wish to carry out your market research in Italy. We have already listed several sources for your research in Europe. We will continue to provide you with more to take advantage of the opportunities that these markets and territories have to offer.
A cheklist is also provided at the end of this article.
Summary
- Official national statistics
- Companies financial data
- Consumer protection
- Customs and border protection
- Sector data for your market research in Italy
- Also, worth consulting
Official national statistics
The first source of data to consult when entering the Italian market is the National Institute of Statistics (Istat). You will be able to consult the following topics Population and Households, Institutions and Society, Education and Employment, Economy, Environment and Territory as well as various specific analyses and publications. Find all the institute’s statistics in alphabetical order to simplify your search (click here).
How to use this data for your market research?
- Define a geographical location (catchment area) based on regional demographics and economy
- Understanding consumer purchasing behaviour
- Defining competitors in the market
- Understanding some key legislative restrictions
This data will be particularly useful if you need to carry out PESTEL research (to find out more about PESTEL, click here).
Companies financial data
In Italy, you can access company data on the registroimprese.it website, subject to payment for specific information.
You can find a lot of official data on Istat in the financial results of companies, which, although not nominative, are segmented by; the number of employees, economic sectors, industries and categories.
This financial analysis will help you to investigate the situation of your competitors, but also that of your potential future suppliers and partners. It can be an excellent indicator to judge the health (and attractiveness) of a market.
For companies working in B2B, this tool will also be a valuable ally in defining the target and in building your list of prospects.
[call-to-action-read id=”38516″]
Consumer protection
In Italy, the website of the consumers’ federation (Federconsumatori) is the place to go for information on consumer rights. Go to the “Ricerche” tab for more in-depth information on the following topics:
- Water, energy and gas
- Food
- Banking and insurance
- Home
- Politics and society
- Economic policy
- Prices and tariffs
- Health
- School and university
- Telecommunications
- Transport and tourism
These themes are also present in the tab “Conciliazioni” where you will find more legal information on these subjects.
[call-to-action-read id=”38453″]
This data will help you to understand in detail the habits of Italian consumers. In particular, you will be able to use this information on consumer trends to test and understand the interest of your product or service on the Italien market. Remember that the first idea is rarely the right one. Don’t be discouraged if you perceive a lack of alignment with market demand. Consider this as an opportunity to improve your primary idea.
Customs and border protection
If you wish to import products or services into Italy or export them outside the Italian borders, it is essential to find out about the legislation imposed by customs. To do this, you can obtain information on the website of the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM). This website proposes an English version, which is not as complete as the official Italian version but which will provide you with some essential information.
The tabs to visit are those related to customs and customs legislation, both national and international. You will also find specific topics related to games, tobacco and alcohol, as well as details of the procedures to be undertaken according to your needs.
Customs websites are an excellent source of data for your PESTEL research, especially for the “L” (Legal aspects).
We have dedicated an article to market research applied to the export sector. You can access it here.
Sector data for your market research in Italy
Make sure that your market research is as complete as possible, and investigate the sector specifics related to your project. Below is an overview of the best sources of data for different sectors.
Health
You will find official data from the health sector on the website of the Ministry of Health in the tab “Temi e professioni” with specific dossiers on food, health, animals, health assistance, prevention, medical devices, and so on. Istat, the national statistics institute, will also give you access to research and publications related to the health sector. To do so, go to the tab provided for this purpose here. AIFA, the Italian Medical Agency, also provides essential data for future market entrants.
The food industry
Many files are published on the Istat website that we have already mentioned. For this sector, the focus will be on publications related to the food industry and foodstuffs. We also advise you to visit the tab dedicated to food on the Ministry of Health website, which will provide you with essential data on Italian authorisations and regulations. Additional information is also available on the website of the Italian Federation of the Food Industry, the Federalimentare.
Find information by business segment as well as extensive legal data in the tab “Aree operative” and the regular press releases published by the federation in the tab “communicazione”.
Agriculture
Several websites will allow you to generate a complete overview of the agricultural sector in Italy. ISMEA, the Institute for Agricultural and Food Market Services) provides online monitoring of agricultural markets as well as documentation on segments and industries related to agriculture (food processing, banks, institutions, and so forth). Istat, in its themes dedicated explicitly to agriculture and the food industry. In particular, find the annual report 2020 here.
Transport
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) provides essential information to players in the transport market in its “Transport” section. It thus covers a wide range of topics such as the transport of goods and passengers, public transport and the various modes of transportation (rail, sea, air).
Housing
Data on the real estate market is available on the website of the government agency for the real estate market, Agenzia entrate. There you will find a focus on companies, private individuals and the different rules to be followed on this market (VAT, land registry services, and so on).
Energy
ARERA is the energy regulatory authority in Italy. Their website proposes an overview of the market and the current events but above all presents annual reports that will certainly help you in understanding the Italian energy market and, indeed, in carrying out your market research. We also advise you to visit the website of ENEA, the Italian national agency for new technologies and innovations in the energy sector and sustainable economic development.
Innovation
To understand the framework proposed by Italy for innovative projects, visit the website of the MIV, the Ministry of Technological Innovation and Digitalisation.
Checklist
Theme | Source of information | Interest for your market research in Italy |
Nationals statistics | Istat | Official figures to contribute to your PESTEL study |
Financial data | registroimprese.it | Competition research, profitability of the sector |
Consumer protection | Federconsumatori | Market analysis, sector analysis |
Douanes et protection des frontières | ADM | Customs and border protection |
Sector data – Health | salute.gov.it | Files on health issues and medicines |
Sector data – The food industry | Istat – agro-alimentaire | Indicators on the food industry market and legal aspects |
Sector data – Agriculture | ISMEA | Agricultural legislation, agreements and policies |
Sector data – Transport | MIT | Agreements and restrictions according to means of transport |
Sector data – Housing | Agenzia entrate | Housing market and related issues |
Sector data – Energy | ARERA | Energy indicators and legislation |
Sector data – Innovation | MIV | Aid for innovation |
Also, worth consulting
- Top 10 data sources in France
- Top 10 data sources in Belgium
- Top 10 data sources in Switzerland
- Top 10 data sources in Luxemburg
- Top 10 data sources in Germany
- Top 10 data sources in the United Kindgom
- Top 10 data sources in Spain
- Top 10 data sources in Portugal
- Top 10 data sources in the Netherlands
- Top 10 data sources in the EU
Illustration: Shutterstock
Posted in Marketing.