Beans market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled beans in Northern Europe expanded from 60 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 77 thousand tonnes in 2021. This growth was initially supported by fresh beans gaining increased attention as delicacies and in new culinary segments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened consumer interest in locally produced, healthy foods further boosted demand, even as global supply chain disruptions affected import flows.

Market volume dropped sharply to 48 thousand tonnes in 2022, primarily due to a significant contraction in imports and a rise in exports. Recovery followed in 2023, with the market reaching 55 thousand tonnes. This rebound was driven by sustained consumer preference for fresh, locally sourced vegetables and the impact of import quotas and regulations that affected the availability of fresh beans.

Production beans in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of beans, 2017-2020

Northern Europe's bean production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 25,964 tonnes of beans, marking a significant 14.3% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 11.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 20,847 tonnes, with the largest decline of 10.3% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of bean output in Northern Europe was $42,553,000 US, showing little change compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 4.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.4%. The minimum value was $38,717,000 US in 2018, which saw the largest decline of 12.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 10.1%.

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

Exports beans from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Bean exports from Northern Europe have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region shipped 2,406 tonnes of beans abroad, reflecting a moderate 5.5% year-over-year reduction. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 21.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 7.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France were the main destinations for Northern Europe's bean exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 12.2% of exports, Germany for 5.4%, and France for 1.8%, together absorbing 19.5% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Bean exports from Northern Europe have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region exported $3.9 million US worth of beans, down 17.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 32.4%, with a compound annual decline of 12.2%.

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

The country composition of bean export value from Northern Europe was quite dispersed from 2017 to 2020. The Netherlands led with 18.1% of export value, followed by France at 3.2% and Germany at 2.5%, together forming just 23.8% of total flows. The remaining 76.2% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports beans to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Bean imports into Northern Europe have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 49,419 tonnes of beans, up 16.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 18.8%, which corresponds to an average annual increase of 5.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya, Spain, and Egypt were the key partners for bean imports into Northern Europe in volume terms. Kenya supplied 37.9% of imports, Spain 14.2%, and Egypt 8.9%, together accounting for 61.0% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of bean imports into Northern Europe reached $151.4 million US, representing a 12.3% year-over-year improvement. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 21.8%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 6.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya, Spain, and Guatemala topped the list of bean suppliers to Northern Europe in value terms. Kenya accounted for 41.9% of import value, Spain for 12.9%, and Guatemala for 9.1%, jointly taking 63.9% of total import value.

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

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