Asparagus market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the UK asparagus market declined from 17 615 tonnes in 2018 to 15 638 tonnes in 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by global supply chain disruptions, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, which significantly affected import availability and led to a sharp drop in market volume to 15 695 tonnes in 2022. In 2023, the market stabilized as supply chains began to normalize, resulting in a slight adjustment to 15 638 tonnes.

Despite the overall volume contraction, the market saw notable developments such as the launch of the premium British asparagus brand 'SPEAR IT' by Nationwide Produce Plc in 2023, reflecting innovation and segmentation. Consumer preferences continued to shift towards organic, sustainably farmed, and conveniently packaged asparagus, influenced by health trends and social media, which shaped product offerings and demand patterns even as total volume was constrained by supply factors.

Production asparagus in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom ranked 21st globally in asparagus production.

Top producers of asparagus, 2018-2021

World map of production of asparagus, 2018-2021

Following two years of growth, asparagus production in the United Kingdom declined. In 2021, production stood at 4 318 tonnes, representing a significant 17.9% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 13.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 5 262 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports asparagus from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, t

The market showed notable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 612 tonnes, then peaked in 2019 at 1 109 tonnes, representing a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, cross-border shipments of asparagus from the United Kingdom amounted to 1 027 tonnes, reflecting a sharp 67.9% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 44.9% drop, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2019 at 80.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Ireland remained the primary export market for asparagus in volume terms, accounting for 87.7% of total flows, with the remaining volume distributed across numerous other destinations.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Asparagus exports from the United Kingdom increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 5 598 thousand US dollars, representing a 20.0% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 29.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 795 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 12.2%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020 with a 22.9% rise.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Ireland dominated the export partner structure in value terms, holding an 89.5% share of total flows, while other markets accounted for comparatively modest portions.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports asparagus to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, imported asparagus volumes to the United Kingdom increased. In 2021, imports reached 13 657 tonnes, marking a modest 8.9% year-over-year increase. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 3.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 12 542 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the import structure in volume terms was heavily concentrated on Peru and Mexico, which together accounted for 92.7% of total flows, with other partners forming a residual portion.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, foreign asparagus supplies to the United Kingdom were valued at 80 655 thousand US dollars, showing a limited 8.5% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 74 317 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Peru remained the dominant partner for asparagus imports to the United Kingdom in value terms, with a 73.5% share of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail of smaller contributors.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021