Street Food in Italy: Data, Trends and Business Opportunities for the Horeca Sector

Street food is no longer just an urban trend. In Italy, it is becoming a high-potential business model, blending tradition, innovation and profitability. From food stalls to ghost kitchens, food trucks to gourmet corners in pubs, street food now represents a concrete opportunity for foodservice professionals.

A €3 Billion Market in Italy

According to IBISWorld, the Italian market for Food, Drink & Tobacco Stalls & Markets – including street stalls, kiosks and food trucks – generated approximately €3 billion in 2024, with over 28,000 active businesses nationwide. A growing number: between 2019 and 2024, the sector expanded at an average annual rate of +3.3%, proving resilient and dynamic even during uncertain times.

For restaurant and horeca operators, this means one thing: street food is now an integral part of the foodservice landscape, offering flexible formats, low startup costs and strong consumer appeal.

Growth Forecast Through 2028

Street food is far from a passing fad. According to Deloitte’s Foodservice Market Monitor, the Italian street food market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of +5.5% between 2023 and 2028, ranking among the fastest-growing formats in the out-of-home sector.

Its flexibility – easily integrated into bars, venues and pubs, even without a full kitchen – makes street food a strategic tool to diversify offerings and boost customer turnover, especially in urban and high-traffic areas.

The Rise of Gourmet Street Food

One of the most promising segments is gourmet street food, which is experiencing strong global growth. According to Expert Market Research, this segment is projected to grow by +5.9% annually between 2025 and 2034. The boom is driven by increasing demand for quality products, ethnic influences, fusion formats and dishes designed for beer and cocktail pairing.

In Italy too, growing interest in accessible haute cuisine is inspiring chefs and horeca operators to explore gourmet “on-the-go” offerings – ideal for events, pop-up formats or as part of everyday menus.

A Smart Move for Food & Beverage Operators

Street food is now a strategic asset for both food and beverage professionals. It allows businesses to test new concepts, reach new audiences and take advantage of pairings with craft beer, wine and soft drinks to increase average ticket value.

At Beer&Food Attraction, street food takes center stage. Discover an entire area dedicated to winning formats, emerging trends, and innovative solutions to revamp your offer and seize the business potential of this fast-evolving segment.

📅 Join us in Rimini, 15–17 February 2026.