The Food Preservation Industry in Italy since the 19th century

The contribution presents some reflections on the canning industry in Italy from the 19th century up to the mid-20th century, exploring its evolution in production, markets and consumption. First, the paper examines the launch of the sector, with its early attempts to develop production, focusing on the destination markets and on the pioneer enterprises and their strategies. In the next section, the paper gives an overview of long-term industry trends and growth during the 20th century, using available statistical sources and building some historical data series on production dynamics (sectors and exports).