Around 35% of fresh-produce purchases in Italy are still made from specialist stores and stallholders – a figure that rises to 51% in the south of the country, according to research from Bain & Company. Supermarket chains have not yet been able to capture this €16 billion-valued business, as butchers, grocers, fishmongers, bakeries and street markets remain the preferred shopping channel for many consumers.

Almost three quarters (70%) of respondents said that quality and freshness were the key factors when deciding where to shop for their produce. Speaking to Italy's La Repubblica, Andrea Petronio, a partner of Bain & Company Italy, pointed out that specialists can offer quality, variety and the ability to meet the growing needs of consumers, with a solid, innovative, dedicated and specialised organisation.