Asparagus market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Danish asparagus market saw shifts influenced by evolving consumer habits. The market volume started at 2,629 metric tons in 2018, supported by a growing preference for local, fresh asparagus over imported varieties due to better taste and shorter transport. However, volume dipped to 2,176 metric tons in 2019 as the industry focused on the patience required for asparagus cultivation, which takes 2-3 years from planting to harvest. A recovery to 2,643 metric tons occurred in 2020, driven by increased consumer emphasis on sustainability and freshness, favoring Danish produce for its lower carbon footprint and superior quality.

The market expanded significantly to 3,542 metric tons in 2021, coinciding with a shift in consumption patterns where sales of fresh asparagus rose and the color mix changed, with every tenth asparagus becoming white. In 2022, volume eased to 3,371 metric tons amid greater year-round availability of imported green asparagus from Peru and Africa, affecting price and supply dynamics, though Danish asparagus remained prized for its seasonal freshness. By 2023, market volume fell to 2,832 metric tons, while new product varieties like the dark-purple 'Erasmus' asparagus were introduced, broadening the product segment for consumers.

Looking ahead, regulatory changes began shaping the market environment. In 2024, new EU directives and national rules on extended producer responsibility for packaging were implemented, setting stricter packaging and labeling requirements for food products, including asparagus, to take full effect in 2025. The following year, these packaging rules came into force, obliging producers to manage packaging waste, which influenced packaging choices across the industry. Concurrently, Danish growers maintained a focus on sustainable cultivation methods and proper storage practices to preserve product freshness.

Production asparagus in Denmark

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of asparagus, 2018-2021

World map of production of asparagus, 2018-2021

In 2021, Denmark produced 330.0 t of asparagus, marking a limited increase of 3.1% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 6.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 350.0 t, which also saw the largest increase of 12.9%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest decline of 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output of asparagus in Denmark was valued at 1 958 K $ US, showing a moderate gain of 6.8% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production increased by 32.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 25.4%, while the largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 0.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports asparagus from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

After two years of improvement, asparagus exports from Denmark declined in 2021. The country exported 871 t of asparagus, representing a moderate contraction of 9.8% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 27.8%, with a CAGR of 8.5%. The peak was reached in 2020 at 965 t, which also saw the largest increase of 29.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden and the Netherlands dominated Denmark's asparagus exports in kind, together accounting for 91.9% of total flows. Other destinations made smaller individual contributions.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year increase, asparagus shipments from Denmark abroad declined in 2021. The country exported 5 166 K $ US of asparagus, which is 6.5% less than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 59.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 16.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 5 528 K $ US, with the largest increase of 40.2% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the period from 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands and Sweden remained the key destinations for Denmark's asparagus exports in value terms, jointly taking 91.4% of total flows. Other partners were much less significant individually.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports asparagus to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Denmark's asparagus imports increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, amounting to 4 083 t and reflecting a gain of 24.2% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 36.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.8%. The lowest level was recorded in 2019 at 2 574 t, which also saw the largest decline of 14.2%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest increase of 27.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy were the main suppliers of asparagus to Denmark in kind. Spain accounted for 43.7% of imports, the Netherlands for 22.8%, and Italy for 13.4%, together comprising 79.9% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest imports were registered in 2019 at 11 357 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 14.5%. In 2021, Denmark imported 24 908 K $ US of asparagus, showing an intense gain of 70.1% compared to 2020 and reflecting a 2.2-fold gap from the 2019 low.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy together absorbed 80.5% of total imports in value terms of asparagus to Denmark, making them the main directions. Spain accounted for 43.1% of imports, the Netherlands for 27.4%, and Italy for 9.9%.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021