Cabbages market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the cabbage market volume in Southern Europe expanded from 1.27 million tons to 1.32 million tons, reflecting steady demand. However, after peaking in 2020, physical consumption declined to 1.14 million tons by 2023. In value terms, the market followed a different path, rising from $1.21 billion in 2018 to $1.41 billion in 2021 before a temporary dip in 2022 and a recovery to $1.35 billion in 2023.

For 2024, while full market size data is not available, trade figures show increased activity. Imports reached 85 000 tons, and exports rose to 299 000 tons, suggesting ongoing market dynamism. This aligns with emerging trends such as growing consumer interest in fermented cabbages for their probiotic benefits and a broader shift toward healthy, functional foods in Southern Europe.

Production cabbages in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

Southern Europe's cabbage production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 1 562 K t of cabbages, representing a slight rise of 1.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 17%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Cabbage production in Southern Europe has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 536 M $ US, marking a moderate increase of 4.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 27.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%.

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

Exports cabbages from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Southern Europe's cabbage export volume has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 285.5 K t, showing a moderate increase of 4.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 10%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 255.3 K t, with the largest decline of 1.6% occurring that year. In contrast, the largest increase of 6.9% was observed in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands were notable buyers of cabbages from Southern Europe, accounting for 25.0%, 10.6%, and 9.9% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share reached only 45.6% of total exports in kind, indicating they were not dominant in the market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cabbage shipments from Southern Europe to abroad have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 280.7 M $ US, amounting to an 8.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 20.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the three main markets for Southern Europe's cabbage exports in value terms were Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Together, they absorbed 55.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cabbages to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, the volume of cabbage imports into Southern Europe declined. In 2020, imports reached 47.8 K t, representing a robust decrease of 20.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 59.7 K t, with the largest increase of 11.0% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, cabbage imports in kind to Southern Europe were spread across many countries. The Netherlands, Germany, and Poland were key suppliers, accounting for 28.2%, 7.9%, and 6.6% of imports in kind, respectively. Their combined share reached only 42.6% of total flows, reflecting a diversified import structure.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Southern Europe's cabbage imports were recorded at 42.7 M $ US, constituting an intense loss of 26.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 40.7 M $ US, while the maximum value was in 2019 at 58.1 M $ US. The largest increase of 42.8% occurred in 2019.

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

During 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France were important suppliers of cabbages to Southern Europe in value terms, accounting for 32.8%, 8.3%, and 6.9% of imports, respectively. Their combined share reached only 47.9% of total imports in value terms, with the remaining 52.1% distributed among many other partners.

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

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