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World’s Best Import Markets for Vegetables

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World’s Best Import Markets for Vegetables

Vegetables are an essential part of our diets, providing vital nutrients and contributing to a healthy lifestyle. As the global demand for fresh and processed vegetables continues to rise, the import market for vegetables has become increasingly important. In this article, we will explore the top import markets for vegetables around the world, based on the Import Value of Vegetable data from the IndexBox market intelligence platform.

1. United States

The United States takes the lead as the world’s largest importer of vegetables, with an import value of $9.1 billion in 2022. The country’s large consumer market and diverse population contribute to the high demand for vegetables. The United States relies on imports to meet this demand, with a significant amount of vegetables coming from countries like Mexico, Canada, and the Netherlands.

2. Germany

Germany is the second-largest importer of vegetables, with an import value of $6.3 billion in 2022. The country’s strong economy and high per capita consumption of vegetables drive the demand for imports. Germany imports a wide range of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, from countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and Poland.

3. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom ranks third in terms of vegetable imports, with an import value of $3.6 billion in 2022. The country’s reliance on imports is due to its limited domestic production capabilities and high demand for vegetables. The United Kingdom imports a variety of vegetables, including onions, peppers, and carrots, from countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, and France.

4. France

France holds the fourth position in the world’s best import markets for vegetables, with an import value of $3.3 billion in 2022. The country’s culinary culture and emphasis on fresh produce contribute to the high demand for imports. France imports a wide range of vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, and lettuce, from countries like Spain, Italy, and Belgium.

5. Canada

Canada is the fifth-largest importer of vegetables, with an import value of $3.2 billion in 2022. The country’s harsh climate limits domestic vegetable production, leading to a significant reliance on imports. Canada imports a variety of vegetables, including carrots, broccoli, and onions, from countries such as the United States, Mexico, and China.

6. Netherlands

The Netherlands ranks sixth in terms of vegetable imports, with an import value of $2.8 billion in 2022. The country is known for its advanced agricultural sector and plays a crucial role as a hub for the distribution of vegetables to other European countries. The Netherlands imports a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers, from countries like Spain, Belgium, and Germany.

7. Belgium

Belgium holds the seventh position as an import market for vegetables, with an import value of $1.8 billion in 2022. The country’s central location in Europe and well-established transport infrastructure make it a strategic import destination. Belgium imports a diverse range of vegetables, including lettuce, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, from countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Spain.

8. Spain

Spain is the eighth-largest importer of vegetables, with an import value of $1.4 billion in 2022. Despite being a major vegetable producer, Spain also relies on imports to meet its domestic demand. The country imports a variety of vegetables, including cucumbers, zucchinis, and artichokes, from countries like the Netherlands, France, and Morocco.

9. Russia

Russia ranks ninth in terms of vegetable imports, with an import value of $1.3 billion in 2022. The country’s cold climate and limited agricultural capabilities lead to a significant reliance on imports. Russia imports a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes, from countries such as China, Turkey, and Belarus.

10. Italy

Italy completes the list of the world’s best import markets for vegetables, with an import value of $1.2 billion in 2022. Despite being known for its culinary traditions and agricultural heritage, Italy still relies on imports to meet its vegetable demand. The country imports various vegetables, including onions, tomatoes, and peppers, from countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Morocco.

These top import markets for vegetables play a crucial role in meeting the global demand for fresh and processed vegetables. They rely on imports from a wide range of countries to ensure an adequate supply of diverse vegetables throughout the year. The data from the IndexBox market intelligence platform offers valuable insights into the import values of these markets, guiding businesses and policymakers in making informed decisions.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform 

broccoli

Spanish Cauliflower and Broccoli Exports Rocket to Record Highs

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Spain – Cauliflower And Broccoli – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Cauliflower and broccoli exports from Spain peaked at $546M, surging by +14% over the last year. Shipments to the UK, Germany and the Netherlands constituted more than half of the total Spanish exports. Norway, Poland and Belgium feature the highest increases in purchases from Spain, while supplies to Italy dramatically dropped.

Cauliflower and Broccoli Exports from Spain

In 2020, approx. 395K tonnes of cauliflower and broccoli were exported from Spain; picking up by 2.5% compared with 2019. In value terms, cauliflower and broccoli exports expanded remarkably to $546M (IndexBox estimates) in 2020.

The UK (99K tonnes), Germany (67K tonnes) and the Netherlands (53K tonnes) were the main destinations of cauliflower and broccoli exports from Spain, with a combined 55% share of total exports. France, Portugal, Poland, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 34%. In 2020, the biggest increases were in Norway, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Among the prime countries of destination, Norway (+22.7%), Poland (+17.2%), and Belgium (+12.6%) recorded the highest rates of growth regarding the volume of exports over the last year. France (+8.9%), Portugal (+8.8%), Switzerland (+6.8%) and Germany (+3.5%) featured moderate growth of purchases from Spain, while supplies to Italy (-21.8%), the UK (-0.3%), Denmark (-7.6%) and Sweden (-2.4%) dropped in 2020. Exports to the Netherlands remained relatively stable last year.

In value terms, the UK ($162M), Germany ($86M) and the Netherlands ($74M) constituted the largest markets for cauliflower and broccoli exported from Spain worldwide, with a combined 59% share of total exports. France, Poland, Belgium, Portugal, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 31%.

In 2020, the average cauliflower and broccoli export price amounted to $1,382 per tonne, surging by 11% against the previous year. Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was Switzerland ($1,726 per tonne), while the average price for exports to Portugal ($664 per tonne) was amongst the lowest. In 2020, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Denmark, while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

lettuce

Robust Demand for Salad Kits and Organic Food Drives the U.S. Lettuce Market

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘U.S. – Lettuce And Chicory – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

During the pandemic, demand for lettuce in the HoReCa sector fell but was offset by growth in sales to the retail segment. The balance between supply and demand on the market was maintained due to a large lettuce harvest in 2020, an increase in imported supply, and a decline in exports. This enabled prices to remain stable. For the past five years, the share of organic lettuce on the market doubled, reaching 7% and will continue to grow. 

Key Trends and Insights

In the U.S., 2020 was the year of the harvest for leaf lettuce and Romaine lettuce. According to the USDA, production grew by 25% and 11% y-o-y, respectively, while iceberg lettuce production decreased by 8% due to hot weather conditions.

During the pandemic, demand for leaf lettuce in the HoReCa sector fell but was completely balanced out by increased sales in the retail segment. Pre-packaged lettuce was in high demand from households amid lockdowns and the related trend towards increased home cooking. Salad kits with various flavors, herbal aromas and seasonings have been strengthening as a promising trend in the food industry.

Imported lettuce also enjoyed high demand. In 2020, the amount of lettuce and chicory imported into the country rose by 3.1% y-o-y to 376K tonnes. Mexico remains the dominant supplier of lettuce to the U.S., fulfilling 91% of deliveries. Canada provides 8.5% of the total supply, and these two countries nearly cover the entire demand for imported lettuce.

For the past five years, the share of organic lettuce on the American market doubled, reaching approximately 7%. The heightened attention to healthy eating habits is to keep the increase in organic food consumption buoyant throughout the mid-term.

The average retail price for lettuce in 2020 was $0.72 per kg for non-organic and $1.08 per kg for organic. It is forecast that as of yearend 2021, the average price for non-organic lettuce will not surpass 2020 levels, while the price for organic lettuce will slightly increase due to high demand and growing popularity of organic food.

The main driver for market expansion will be due to increased consumption from the growing U.S. population. Further increases in demand for lettuce will be boosted by the HoReCa segment returning to work upon lifting COVID restrictions. Rapidly developing home food-delivery services on the backdrop of the suburb construction boom should also contribute to the market growth.

U.S. Lettuce and Chicory Production

Lettuce and chicory production in the U.S. amounted to 3.6M tonnes (IndexBox estimates) in 2020, standing approx. at the previous year. In value terms, lettuce and chicory production totaled $6B in 2020. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2020; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period.

U.S. Lettuce and Chicory Imports

In 2020, lettuce and chicory imports amounted to $424M in 2020.

Mexico ($369M) constituted the largest supplier of lettuce and chicory to the U.S., comprising 87% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Canada ($50M), with a 12% share of total imports.

In 2020, the average lettuce and chicory import price amounted to $1,128 per tonne, with an increase of 5.6% against the previous year. Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2020, the country with the highest price was Canada ($1,545 per tonne), while the price for Mexico stood at $1,079 per tonne.

Source: IndexBox Platform

vegetable

American Vegetable Market Continues to Struggle with Pandemic-Related Disbalances

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘U.S. – Vegetable – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Fresh vegetable consumer prices in the U.S. increased somewhat noticeably in Q1 2021 but then decelerated in Q2, relaxing slightly against the ongoing food price rally. Owing to the spate of lockdowns and the restructuring of the supply chain, production growth has failed to keep pace with the robust demand spurred by the counter-pandemic financial support measures. Rising production costs and increasing demand for biofuel-oriented oil crops also contribute to tangible food inflation.

According to the USDA data, the average fresh vegetable consumer prices over Q1 2021 exceeded the prices of Q1 2020 by 1.3%, relaxing slightly to a +0.6% surplus in Q2 against the same period of the previous year.

Rising food prices are emerging as an important issue even outside of the vegetable market. The food-away-from-home consumer prices index sees a prominent increase, keeping its pace at +3.8% both in Q1 and Q2 against the same periods of 2020, respectively. Besides the mentioned disbalance on the market, rising demand for biofuels also propels food inflation. Soybean prices are currently seeing a rapid surge driven by the increased use of biofuel derived from soybean oil. In the medium term, this may shift investments from field crops to oil crops, contracting vegetable supply and thereby promoting price growth.

Despite rising prices, vegetable demand in the U.S. remains robust. The covid crisis resulted in a 2% decline in total vegetable production, which was estimated at 44.7M tonnes in 2020 (IndexBox estimates). Nevertheless, there was no dramatic shortage in the domestic market, as that drop was offset by a 2% increase in imports (to 8.1M tonnes in 2020) and a 3% decline in exports (to 2.5M tonnes).

Driven by the growing population, the U.S. vegetable market is forecast to reach 56M tonnes by 2030. The rather high vaccination rate in the U.S. provides an optimistic look to the potential ease of the pandemic in 2021, which will promote consumption in the HoReCa sector. Over 2021-22, however, rising inflation can offset a positive effect from the income support measures and hamper the market growth – an issue which yet requires to get a prominent answer from the government and monetary authorities.

U.S. Vegetable Exports by Country

Canada (1.8M tonnes) is the main destination for vegetable exports from the U.S., with a 73% share of the total shipments. Moreover, vegetable exports to Canada exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Mexico (327K tonnes), fivefold.

In value terms, Canada ($2.6B) remains the key foreign market for vegetable exports from the U.S., comprising 82% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Mexico ($232M), with a 7.4% share of total exports.

The average vegetable export price stood at $1,273 per tonne in 2020, rising by 2.3% against the previous year. Over the last eight-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.2%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013, an increase of 7.9% year-to-year. The export price peaked in 2020 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was Canada ($1,422 per tonne), while the average price for exports to Taiwan (Chinese) ($702 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

U.S. Vegetable Imports by Country

In 2020, Mexico (6.1M tonnes) was the largest vegetable supplier to the U.S., accounting for a 75% share of total imports. Moreover, vegetable imports from Mexico exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Canada (1.4M tonnes), fourfold.

In value terms, Mexico ($7.3B) constituted the largest supplier of vegetables to the U.S., comprising 70% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Canada ($1.9B), with an 18% share of total imports.

In 2020, the average vegetable import price amounted to $1,291 per tonne, picking up by 9% against the previous year. Over the last eight years, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.5%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growing in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2020, the country with the highest price was Peru ($1,760 per tonne), while the price for Mexico ($1,202 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

vegetable

Global Vegetable Market 2019 – Resilient Growth of Potato Consumption in China and India Shapes Overall Market Trend

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Vegetable – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The global vegetable market revenue amounted to $1,249.8B in 2018, picking up by 2.4% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the period from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2010, with an increase of 8.1% against the previous year. Global vegetable consumption peaked in 2018, and is likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.

Production 2007-2018

Global vegetable production stood at 1,555M tonnes in 2018, jumping by 3.2% against the previous year. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period.

Exports 2007-2018

In 2018, approx. 47M tonnes of vegetables were exported worldwide; standing approx. at the previous year. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded over the period under review. In value terms, vegetable exports amounted to $42.3B (IndexBox estimates) in 2018.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (6.1M tonnes), Mexico (5.8M tonnes), Spain (5.1M tonnes), China (4.3M tonnes), France (3.5M tonnes), Germany (2.7M tonnes) and the U.S. (2.4M tonnes) represented roughly 64% of total exports of vegetables in 2018. The following exporters – Canada (1.4M tonnes), Belgium (1.3M tonnes), India (1.2M tonnes), Egypt (1.1M tonnes) and Italy (864K tonnes) – together made up 13% of total exports.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of exports, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Mexico, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Spain ($6.7B), the Netherlands ($6.5B) and Mexico ($6.2B) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2018, together comprising 46% of global exports.

Export Prices by Country

The average vegetable export price stood at $899 per tonne in 2018, leveling off at the previous year. Over the period from 2007 to 2018, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017, when the average export price increased by 6.6% against the previous year. In that year, the average export prices for vegetables reached their peak level of $910 per tonne, and then declined slightly in the following year.

Export prices varied noticeably by the country of origin; the country with the highest export price was Italy ($1,679 per tonne), while Germany ($342 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of export prices was attained by Canada, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports 2007-2018

In 2018, approx. 47M tonnes of vegetables were imported worldwide; approximately mirroring the previous year. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2010, when imports increased by 7.2% year-to-year. Over the period under review, global vegetable imports attained their peak figure at 49M tonnes in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2018, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure. In value terms, vegetable imports totaled $41.9B (IndexBox estimates) in 2018. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2010, when imports increased by 17% year-to-year. Global imports peaked at $42.5B in 2017, and then declined slightly in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2018, the U.S. (7.4M tonnes), distantly followed by Germany (3.8M tonnes), the Netherlands (3.1M tonnes), Russia (2.2M tonnes) and the UK (2.2M tonnes) were the key importers of vegetables, together achieving 39% of total imports. The following importers – Belgium (1.9M tonnes), Canada (1.9M tonnes), France (1.9M tonnes), Malaysia (1.4M tonnes), Italy (1.2M tonnes), Spain (1.2M tonnes) and Indonesia (819K tonnes) – together made up 22% of total imports.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of imports, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by the U.S., while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest vegetable importing markets worldwide were the U.S. ($8.5B), Germany ($5.1B) and the UK ($3B), with a combined 40% share of global imports. These countries were followed by Canada, France, the Netherlands, Russia, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Malaysia and Indonesia, which together accounted for a further 30%.

Import Prices by Country

The average vegetable import price stood at $884 per tonne in 2018, approximately mirroring the previous year. Overall, the vegetable import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. There were significant differences in the average import prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2018, the country with the highest import price was the UK ($1,367 per tonne), while Malaysia ($472 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of import prices was attained by Spain, while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

leek

Leek Market in Asia – Supply and Demand

IndexBox has just published a new report, the Asia – Leeks And Other Alliaceous Vegetables – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The revenue of the leek market in Asia amounted to $1.1B in 2017, going down by -16% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2007 to 2017; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period.

The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016, when the market value increased by 20% y-o-y. The level of leek consumption peaked at $1.3B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2017, consumption failed to regain its momentum.

Production in Asia

In 2017, the amount of leeks and other alliaceous vegetables produced in Asia totaled 1.2M tonnes, falling by -3.1% against the previous year. The leek production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern.

Leek Exports

Exports in Asia

In 2017, exports of leeks and other alliaceous vegetables in Asia amounted to 75K tonnes, surging by 17% against the previous year. The leek exports continue to indicate a modest increase.

In value terms, leek exports amounted to $70M (IndexBox estimates) in 2017.

Exports by Country

China dominates leek exports structure, recording 62K tonnes, which was approx. 82% of total exports in 2017. It was distantly followed by Turkey (5.1K tonnes), achieving 6.8% share of total exports. Malaysia (2.8K tonnes) and Pakistan (2.4K tonnes) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2007 to 2017, average annual rates of growth with regard to leek exports from China stood at +2.3%. At the same time, Pakistan (+65.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Pakistan emerged as the fastest growing exporter in Asia, with a CAGR of +65.4% from 2007-2017. By contrast, Turkey (-1.5%) and Malaysia (-5.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2007 to 2017, the share of Malaysia increased by 2.9% percentage points, while Pakistan (-3.1%) and China (-16.5%) saw their share reduced. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($54M) remains the largest leek supplier in Asia, comprising 78% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Turkey ($3.2M), with a 4.6% share of global exports. It was followed by Malaysia, with a 3.3% share.

Export Prices by Country

In 2017, the leek export price in Asia amounted to $925 per tonne, reducing by -17.3% against the previous year. The the leek export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern.

There were significant differences in the average export prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2017, the country with the highest export price was China ($882 per tonne), while Pakistan ($395 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2017, the most notable rate of growth in terms of export prices was attained by Malaysia (+3.8% per year), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Leek Imports
Imports in Asia

In 2017, imports of leeks and other alliaceous vegetables in Asia amounted to 92K tonnes, picking up by 13% against the previous year. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2007 to 2017; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded over the period under review. In value terms, leek imports stood at $104M (IndexBox estimates) in 2017.

Imports by Country

Japan dominates leek imports structure, recording 63K tonnes, which was approx. 69% of total imports in 2017. South Korea (8.4K tonnes) ranks second in terms of the global imports with a 9.2% share, followed by Malaysia (6.2%). The following importers – Singapore (3.8K tonnes), China, Macao SAR (2.6K tonnes), Afghanistan (1.9K tonnes) and Vietnam (1.5K tonnes) together made up 11% of total imports.

From 2007 to 2017, average annual rates of growth with regard to leek imports into Japan stood at +1.3%. At the same time, Vietnam (+86.2%), Afghanistan (+79.8%), China, Macao SAR (+13.8%), South Korea (+13.0%) and Malaysia (+4.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Vietnam emerged as the fastest growing importer in Asia, with a CAGR of +86.2% from 2007-2017. By contrast, Singapore (-2.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Vietnam (-1.6%), Malaysia (-2%), China, Macao SAR (-2%), Afghanistan (-2.1%), South Korea (-6.5%) and Japan (-8.6%) significantly weakened its position in terms of the global imports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Japan ($79M) constitutes the largest market for imported leeks and other alliaceous vegetables in Asia, comprising 76% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Singapore ($6.4M), with a 6.1% share of global imports. It was followed by Malaysia, with a 5.2% share.

Import Prices by Country

The leek import price in Asia stood at $1.1 per kg in 2017, reducing by -14.6% against the previous year. Over the period from 2007 to 2017, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.3%.

There were significant differences in the average import prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2017, the country with the highest import price was Singapore ($1.7 per kg), while Afghanistan ($399 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2017, the most notable rate of growth in terms of import prices was attained by Singapore (+7.2% per year), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform