Cabbages market in France

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, cabbage production in France increased from 155.2 thousand tonnes to 205.6 thousand tonnes, while market volume grew from 184.7 thousand tonnes to 250.6 thousand tonnes. This expansion occurred alongside a high concentration of production in the Brittany region, where the Prince de Bretagne brand held over 60% of the market.

The market contracted in 2021 and 2022, with production falling to 190.0 and 163.2 thousand tonnes, respectively. This decline was driven by a cooler November in 2021 which reduced market supply and a severe drought in 2022 that penalized early harvests. Planted area for cauliflower was estimated to have fallen by 21% nationally in 2022, contributing to a crop below 200 thousand tonnes.

In 2023, production rebounded to 175.7 thousand tonnes as mild temperatures in late 2022 and early 2023 favored a recovery in output. However, total production for the 2022-2023 campaign remained historically low, leading to record prices in early 2023 due to tight supply. The market volume reached 217.1 thousand tonnes, indicating a partial recovery.

Production cabbages in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

France's cabbage production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, France produced 205.6 K t of cabbages, marking a 25.9% year-over-year rise. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 155.2 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 16.6%.

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

Exports cabbages from France

Exports in kind, t

France exported 9 267 t of cabbages in 2020, representing a sharp decline of 32.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 44.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 18.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 40.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 38.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland were the key partners for France's cabbage exports in kind. Belgium accounted for 39.1% of exports, Germany for 18.8%, and Switzerland for 9.8%, together making up 67.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, France's cabbage exports were valued at 9 623 K $ US, down by 15.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 12.5%, with an annualized rate of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 8 188 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 25.6%. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 11 356 K $ US, marking the largest increase of 38.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland remained the largest markets for France's cabbage exports in value terms, collectively accounting for 66.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cabbages to France

Imports in kind, t

France's cabbage import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 54 243 t, showing a measured increase of 7.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 20.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.3%. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018 at 39 537 t, which also saw the largest decline of 12.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 27.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain were the principal sources for France's cabbage imports in kind, together accounting for 77.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

France's cabbage imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, France imported cabbages worth 50 925 K $ US, marking a moderate rise of 4.3% over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 36.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the primary suppliers of cabbages to France in value terms. Spain accounted for 27.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 25.3%, and Belgium for 21.3%, jointly making up 74.2% of total import value.

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

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