Cabbages market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The Greek cabbage market underwent a significant contraction between 2018 and 2023. Production volume fell from 86 thousand tons to 40.6 thousand tons, while the total market size declined from 83.2 thousand tons to 39.3 thousand tons over the same six-year period.

Throughout these years, the market was characterized by a wide variety of cabbage hybrids and cultivars, with cultivation primarily aimed at fresh consumption and traditional uses such as salads and stuffed dishes. In 2021, production proceeded without major reported issues, and the product saw improvements in shelf life. By 2022, the cultivation and introduction of new vegetable seed varieties continued, with a noted emphasis on traditional and organic cabbage types. Consumer preference remained focused on soft, fresh-market cabbage varieties.

Production cabbages in Greece

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

Cabbage production in Greece declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production remained virtually unchanged from 2019, with 69 470 tonnes produced. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production increased by 7.2%, averaging a 2.3% annual growth rate. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 86 050 tonnes, which represented a 32.8% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with production dropping by 19.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Greece in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cabbages from Greece

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Greece exported 2 332 tonnes of cabbages, a 25.0% decrease from the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 076 tonnes, which marked a substantial 79.7% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus were consistently the main destinations for Greek cabbage exports in volume terms. Bulgaria accounted for 46.1% of exports, Romania for 32.1%, and Cyprus for 8.8%. Together, these three countries represented 87.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year upward trend, the value of cabbage exports from Greece declined. In 2020, export value stood at 411 thousand US dollars, a sharp 59.6% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 36.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.2%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 1 020 thousand US dollars, following a 33.0% increase in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania, Cyprus, and Bulgaria were the primary buyers of Greek cabbages in value terms. Romania accounted for 27.9% of export value, Cyprus for 25.3%, and Bulgaria for 17.9%. Collectively, these three markets represented 71.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cabbages to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Greece imported 1 124 tonnes of cabbages, a 62.6% decrease from 2019. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 998 tonnes, which represented a 138.4% increase from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia, the Netherlands, and Germany were the main sources of cabbage imports to Greece in volume terms. North Macedonia accounted for 25.4% of imports, the Netherlands for 25.1%, and Germany for 13.2%. Together, these three countries made up 63.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed considerable volatility during these years. Import values varied significantly, with a low in 2020 and a high in 2019, showing a 2.9-fold difference. In 2020, Greece imported 683 thousand US dollars worth of cabbages, a sharp 65.8% contraction compared to 2019. The maximum import value was recorded in 2019 at 1 994 thousand US dollars, following a 110.4% increase that year.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and North Macedonia formed the key group of partners for cabbage imports to Greece in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 39.5% of import value, Germany for 19.1%, and North Macedonia for 11.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 69.9% of total import flows.

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

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