Cabbages market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

The Norwegian cabbage market volume expanded from 36 710 t in 2018 to 42 893 t in 2021. This growth was supported by the dynamism in private-label goods and the entry of new players in the grocery retail sector, which improved distribution and promotion. In 2021, digital media campaigns highlighting the health benefits of Norwegian cabbage and the knowledge gained from the KålSmak project further stimulated consumption.

After peaking in 2021, the market contracted to 35 620 t by 2023. Labor law changes effective July 2022, which removed the qualifying period for rehabilitation benefits and limited temporary employment, may have affected labor availability for cabbage producers. Concurrently, increased in-store marketing and the emergence of new segments like fermentation and grilling of cabbage indicated efforts to diversify and boost demand.

In 2023, the Landbrukets Økoløft project aimed to increase production and consumption of organic cabbage. The innovation workshop in Saltdal during 2024 fostered new collaborative networks that could support cabbage production innovations.

Production cabbages in Norway

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of cabbages, 2018-2021

World map of production of cabbages, 2018-2021

Norway's cabbage production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 37 906 tonnes of cabbages, which represents a 3.9% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 19.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports cabbages from Norway

Exports in kind, t

The export market for cabbages showed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 65 tonnes, then surged to a high in 2018, with a 4.4-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Norway exported 69 tonnes of cabbages, marking a slight decrease of 2.6% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 77.1%, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2020, rising by 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden and Denmark were the primary destinations for Norway's cabbage exports, together accounting for 98.4% of total exports in volume. The remaining exports were distributed among various other countries.

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

World map of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Norway's cabbage exports in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 102 thousand US dollars, showing a rise of 20.6% compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 44.5%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 17.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 75 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop of 59.4% occurring that same year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden was the dominant market for Norway's cabbage exports in value terms, representing 84.3% of total exports. Other destinations played a much smaller role during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021

Imports cabbages to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Norway's cabbage imports have declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports stood at 5 056 tonnes, reflecting a decrease of 13.8% year-on-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 6.1%, equating to an average annual reduction of 2.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 130 tonnes, with the largest increase of 13.9% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

During the 2018–2021 period, the Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal were the main sources of cabbage imports to Norway in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 26.8% of imports, Poland for 23.3%, and Portugal for 13.5%, together making up 63.6% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Norway imported cabbages worth 8 403 thousand US dollars, up by 10.7% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 15.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 8 736 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 20.1%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 13.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal were the leading suppliers of cabbages to Norway in value terms. The Netherlands contributed 24.4% of imports, Spain 16.9%, and Portugal 16.3%, collectively accounting for 57.6% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021