Food news of the day. At the Stati Generali del Mercato Food & Beverage in Milan, Italgrob (the Italian federation of Horeca distributors) presented 2026 figures: the beverage market now exceeds €22 billion, with distributors up 2.4%, helped by a strong tourist season and a very hot summer.
The picture for eating out is more uncertain. According to TradeLab, bar and restaurant visits fell 0.6% in the first eight months of 2026, after a 1.1% drop in 2025. Lunch visits are growing (+1.7%) while the evening aperitivo loses 3.1%, and late-night occasions remain weak. Two out of three consumers say their financial situation affects how often they go out.
The most interesting signal for restaurateurs: high-end restaurants grew their visits by 2.9%, while mid and low-tier venues declined. Chain restaurants stalled, independents held steady overall. Gen Z is coming back (+1.5%), Gen X is going out less (−4%). Quality, even at accessible prices, is what still moves guests.
Source: Horecanews — Italgrob: cresce il fatturato delle bevande, ma gli italiani escono meno
