Aubergines market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European aubergine market volume expanded from 897 thousand tons in 2018 to over 1 million tons by 2020. This growth was primarily driven by the rapid development of greenhouse cultivation in leading producing countries like Spain and Italy, where protected areas increased significantly over the decade. EU agricultural policies favoring sustainable and protected cropping methods further supported production stability and quality, enabling larger and more consistent supply to meet demand.

Market volume experienced fluctuations after 2020, dipping in 2021 but recovering to 1 057 thousand tons by 2023. The shift in consumer preference toward fresh, organic, and sustainably grown aubergines became a key driver, supporting market value even during volume changes. Stricter EU labeling and traceability regulations implemented during this period reshaped distribution channels, while adjustments in supply chains, input cost volatility, and weather conditions contributed to price movements.

The market's trajectory continues to be shaped by increasing health awareness, which drives demand for organic aubergines, and the ongoing expansion of greenhouse areas. In 2024, Bonduelle Group's divestiture of its packaged salad business in France and Germany highlighted structural changes in the fresh vegetable sector, while tighter EU labeling rules affected market access and commercialization.

Production aubergines in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of aubergines, 2017-2020

World map of production of aubergines, 2017-2020

In 2019, Europe produced 909 thousand tonnes of aubergines, marking the lowest output in recent years with a 1.5% decline. However, production rebounded strongly in 2020, reaching 1,001 thousand tonnes—a significant 10.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production grew by 9.5%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Aubergine production in Europe continued its upward trend for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 41,668 million US dollars, representing a substantial 31.3% increase from the previous year. The lowest value in this period was recorded in 2018 at 25,796 million US dollars, which saw a 17.0% decline. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 34.1%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 10.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports aubergines from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Europe's aubergine exports in kind showed notable fluctuations during the period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2017, while exports peaked in 2018 at 250.9 thousand tonnes—a remarkable 133.0% increase from the previous year. By 2020, exports had fallen sharply to 109.6 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 38.9% decline year-over-year. Overall, the difference between the highest and lowest volumes represented a 2.3-fold shift.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland and the United States were the leading markets for Europe's aubergine exports in kind, together accounting for 2.4% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Europe's aubergine exports in value terms increased in 2020. The export value reached 345.2 million US dollars, showing a 12.1% advance compared to the previous year. The lowest value during this period was recorded in 2019 at 307.9 million US dollars, while 2018 saw a 3.5% decline. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports grew by 5.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, the United States, and Norway were the primary buyers of Europe's aubergines in value terms. Switzerland accounted for 2.3% of export value, the United States for 2.1%, and Norway for 0.7%. Together, these three markets represented 5.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports aubergines to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Europe's aubergine imports in kind declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, amounting to 161.7 thousand tonnes—a robust 22.9% fall compared to 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 225.1 thousand tonnes, which saw a 7.9% increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 22.5%, with an average annual decline rate of 8.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Europe's aubergine imports in kind were distributed across many countries. Turkey accounted for 4.8% of imports, China for 1.4%, and Iran for 0.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented just 7.0% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of decline, Europe's aubergine imports in value terms increased in 2020, reaching 391.0 million US dollars—a 9.9% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 355.7 million US dollars, while 2018 saw a 2.4% decline. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 5.3%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.

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

The partner structure for Europe's aubergine imports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. Turkey accounted for 4.3% of import value, China for 1.6%, and Kenya for 1.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 7.0% of total import value, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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