Alliaceous vegetables market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for alliaceous vegetables in Greece expanded significantly to 210 thousand tonnes in 2020, up from 183 thousand tonnes in 2018, before entering a pronounced downturn. By 2022, consumption had fallen to 147 thousand tonnes, though a modest recovery to 151.5 thousand tonnes occurred in 2023. That year, fresh vegetable prices across Greece rose by 20% to 50% as the war in the Middle East disrupted supply chains and increased costs, putting upward pressure on the market.

Domestic production contracted substantially over the period, falling from 174 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 128 thousand tonnes in 2023. This decline in local output was a key driver of the shrinking market size after 2020. Trade flows were volatile, with imports spiking to 41 thousand tonnes in 2019 and again to 32 thousand tonnes in 2023, while exports remained relatively modest.

In 2024, the market environment began to shift with the implementation of new EU emergency food safety measures and stricter traceability and labeling rules for agricultural products. Simultaneously, heightened international commercial interest in Greek fruits and vegetables was showcased at the FRESKON 2024 trade fair, highlighting opportunities for local producers amid evolving consumer preferences for fresh, organic, and locally sourced produce.

Production alliaceous vegetables in Greece

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

In 2020, Greece produced 198.5 thousand tonnes of alliaceous vegetables, marking a 27.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 20.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 156.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Greece in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports alliaceous vegetables from Greece

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.6-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Greece exported 4,961 tonnes of alliaceous vegetables, representing a sharp reduction of 44.8% compared to 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 8,984 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 133.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Greece in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Greece's exports of alliaceous vegetables. Bulgaria accounted for 23.6% of exports in kind, Romania for 17.7%, and Cyprus for 7.5%, together making up 48.8% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Greece in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, changing by 2.6 times between these years. In 2020, Greece exported alliaceous vegetables worth 2,917 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic contraction of 39.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1,868 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 4,847 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 159.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Greece in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Data from 2017 to 2020 indicate that exports in value terms of alliaceous vegetables from Greece were not concentrated on a few key destinations. Bulgaria accounted for 17.5% of exports in value terms, Romania for 14.5%, and Cyprus for 11.4%, jointly representing 43.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Greece in value, 2017-2020

Imports alliaceous vegetables to Greece

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Import volumes reached their minimum in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Greece imported 16,438 tonnes of alliaceous vegetables, showing a steep decrease of 60.2% compared to 2019. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 41,265 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 222.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Greece in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India led the structure of imports in kind with 22.4%, followed by Austria at 22.0% and Egypt at 17.3%, together accounting for 61.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Greece in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes dropped to a minimum in 2018 and climbed to their maximum in 2019, a 2.7-fold shift. In 2020, Greece's import volume of alliaceous vegetables reached 12,387 thousand US dollars, constituting a decline of 39.3% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 7,690 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 20,391 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 165.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Greece in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of alliaceous vegetables to Greece were spread relatively evenly. The Netherlands accounted for 17.0% of imports in value terms, Egypt for 14.0%, and Germany for 13.7%, jointly making up 44.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Greece in value, 2017-2020