Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Slovakia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Slovak market for fresh capsicum and pimenta fruits expanded by 16% in volume, reaching 27 494 t. This growth occurred despite continued reductions in domestic cultivation areas and production, which remained below 5 000 t annually. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 indirectly affected the market through global supply chain disruptions, but also reinforced consumer interest in local and fresh produce, sustaining demand.

Market volume then contracted over the next two years, falling to 20 833 t in 2022—a 24% drop from the 2020 peak. During this period, European Commission recommendations emphasized healthier diets and fruit-and-vegetable consumption, while Slovakia introduced a tax relief extension for growers until June 2024 to support the sector. The period also saw the beginning of a trend toward cultivating new varieties of peppers, including special types, supported by local nurseries. Nevertheless, both domestic output and imports declined, pulling down the total market size.

A rebound followed in 2023, with volume recovering to 24 355 t. This upturn was accompanied by a shift in retail behavior, as an increasing share of promotional purchases and a consumer preference for more affordable options helped lift sales volumes.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

In 2020, Slovakia produced 4 300 tons of capsicum and pimenta fruits, marking a gradual decline of 9.3% compared to the previous year. Production decreased by 30.2% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized rate of 11.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 700 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 40.0%, while the largest increase was seen in 2019, with growth of 28.1%.

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

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during these years. From 2017 to 2019, export volumes showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.2 times. In 2020, Slovakia exported 1 173 tons of capsicum and pimenta fruits, representing a gradual decline of 7.1% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 262 tons, with the largest increase that year reaching 207.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia and Hungary were the primary destinations for exports in kind, jointly accounting for 87.5% of total flows. Other partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Export values varied 5.4 times from the low in 2017 to the high in 2019. In 2020, Slovakia exported 2 566 thousand US dollars worth of capsicum and pimenta fruits, equivalent to a limited loss of 5.1% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 704 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 222.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia and Hungary dominated exports in value terms, together accounting for 85.9% of total flows. Other destinations had smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Slovakia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Slovakia imported a total of capsicum and pimenta fruits, showing a substantial rise of 12.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 36.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for imports in kind of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Slovakia was quite broad. Spain accounted for 25.5% of imports in kind, Hungary for 12.3%, and Greece for 8.8%, together representing 46.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Slovakia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 36 992 thousand US dollars, representing a significant gain of 12.2% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 41.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands formed the core group of markets for imports in value terms. Spain accounted for 28.1% of imports in value terms, Germany for 12.1%, and the Netherlands for 11.2%, together representing 51.4% of total flows.

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

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