Italy’s pasta production has been severely disrupted as truck drivers in the southern regions of the country stage protests, blocking deliveries of key ingredients to pasta factories. The blockade has caused many producers to halt or sharply reduce output.

Rummo, a pasta manufacturer based in Campania, confirmed that it suspended production after depleting its ingredient supplies. Cosimo Rummo, the company’s chief executive, indicated that most major pasta producers in the neighboring region of Puglia are facing similar challenges. Together, Campania, Puglia, and Sicily constitute the core area of Italy’s pasta production.

La Molisana, another pasta maker located in the Molise region, reported a significant decline in production levels and has been forced to rely on existing stockpiles of raw materials such as wheat and semola. The Italian milling industry lobby, Italmopa, issued a warning last week highlighting the risk that ongoing protests could compel an increasing number of factories to suspend operations, with widespread repercussions across the entire supply chain.

The impact of the disruptions is especially notable considering the economic significance of Italy’s pasta sector. According to a report released in September by the European House-Ambrosetti, the pasta supply chain generated €13.5 billion in revenue last year.

As the protests continue, concerns are mounting over the potential for deeper interruptions within the food production and distribution networks that rely heavily on the steady transport of raw materials and finished goods. Stakeholders are closely monitoring developments to assess how long the current standoff might affect Italy’s position as a leading global pasta producer.