Setting Up a Food Product Company in Italy

The Italian cuisine in renowned worldwide, that is why opening a food product company may render great incomes. Italy is among the largest food and drink manufacturers in the European Union. The Italian food and drinks industry is the second largest manufacturing sector in the country accounting for approximately 12% of the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Italians prefer healthy high quality food which they are willing to pay for hence the success of this industry. Italy is also among the greatest food and beverage exporters in the world.

How to open a food product company in Italy

When choosing to open a food product company in Italy, the first step will be to register the company with the Italian Companies Register. After preparing the Articles of Association and drafting all other relevant documents, the founders must also select the specific NACE (Nomenclature of Economic Activities) code for the type of food product to produce. The NACE codes for manufacturing food and beverages can be found in Section D, subsection DA in the Nomenclature:

• - 15.11 for producing and preserving meat,
• - 15.12 for producing poultrymeat,
• - 15.13 for producing poultrymeat products,
• - 15.20 for processing fish and fish products,
• - 15. 3 for processing fruit and vegetables,
• - 15.31 for processing potatoes,
• - 15.32 for processing fruit and vegetable juice,’
• - 15.4 for manufacturing vegetable and animal oils and fats,
• - 15.41 for manufacturing crude oils and fats,
• - 15.42 for manufacturing refined oils and fats,
• - 15.43 for manufacturing margarine,
• - 15.5 for manufacturing dairy products,
• - 15.51 for operating dairies and cheese making,
• - 15.52 for manufacturing ice cream,
• - 15.6 for manufacturing grain mill products, starches and starch products,
• - 15.81 for manufacturing bread, fresh pastry and cakes,
• - 15.82 for manufacturing rusks and biscuits,
• - 15.83 for manufacturing sugar,
• - 15.84 for manufacturing cocoa and chocolate,
• - 15.85 for manufacturing macaroni, noodles and couscous,
• - 15.86 for processing tea and coffee,
• - 15.87 for manufacturing condiments,
• - 15.88 for manufacturing dietetic food.

For a detailed list of all available NACE codes, please contact our law firm in Italy.

Licensing requirements for Italian food companies

All Italian food product companies must comply with the EU good safety and quality standards and must obtain all necessary licenses from the City Council and Health Office. Moreover, all food product companies in Italy must comply with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system (HACCP) regulations. Companies must also ensure the labeling and packaging regulations. Depending on the type of food product to be manufactured, a company must obtain the necessary licenses with the relevant authorities.

For registration for taxation purposes and licensing requirements, you may rely on our lawyers in Italy.