Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The West European market for capsicum and pimenta fruits experienced strong growth from 2018 to 2021, with its value rising from 2 052 million USD to 2 736 million USD. This expansion was initially supported by a significant increase in Dutch production, driven by expanded cultivation areas and the adoption of modern greenhouse techniques such as hanging gutters and substrate use, which boosted yields. The market's upward trajectory continued as consumer demand shifted toward organic and high-quality peppers, creating opportunities for producers in premium segments.

After reaching a peak in 2021, the market faced a contraction to 2 510 million USD in 2022 due to widespread adverse weather conditions in key European growing regions, which constrained supply and limited availability. A sharp recovery followed in 2023, with the market value climbing to 2 981 million USD. This rebound was fueled by changing consumer preferences favoring healthy, fresh vegetables and a notable increase in e-commerce sales, which improved market access and stimulated consumption across the region.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

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

Western Europe's production of capsicum and pimenta fruits has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 525.0 thousand tons, marking a 4.3% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 15.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 444.1 thousand tons, when output fell by 2.7%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest jump, with a 13.3% increase.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of capsicum and pimenta fruits production in Western Europe has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 2 191 million US dollars, showing a solid 11.9% improvement over 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 27.1%, equivalent to an 8.3% annualized rate.

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

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 345.6 thousand tons, which was a 39.6% decline. In 2020, Western Europe exported 624.3 thousand tons of capsicum and pimenta fruits, an 80.6% increase from the previous year, resulting in a 1.8-fold difference between the minimum in 2019 and the maximum in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of capsicum and pimenta fruits from Western Europe were distributed across numerous countries. The United Kingdom accounted for 20.8% of exports in kind, Poland for 4.1%, and Sweden for 3.9%, together making up only 28.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, capsicum and pimenta fruits exports in Western Europe rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 1 360 million US dollars, an 8.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 6.5%, with an annualized rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 259 million US dollars, after a 1.3% drop in 2018.

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

The partner structure for exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. The United Kingdom held 20.2% of exports in value terms, the United States 5.8%, and Sweden 3.8%, collectively accounting for just 29.8% of total flows, with no single country dominating.

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

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

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Western Europe's imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits reached 712.1 thousand tons, a 10.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 8.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.9%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 637.1 thousand tons, following an 18.0% decline. Imports peaked in 2019 at 799.6 thousand tons, after a 25.5% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was the leading destination for imports in kind of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Western Europe, accounting for 53.6% of the total. Morocco followed with 8.2%, and Turkey with 3.8%, together representing 65.5% of all flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Western Europe's imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits in value terms increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 742 million US dollars, a strong 17.1% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 7.7%, equating to a 2.5% annualized rate. The lowest value was in 2019 at 1 488 million US dollars, following a 4.1% decrease in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain remained the primary market for imports in value terms of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Western Europe, with a 53.1% share. Morocco accounted for 7.0%, and Turkey for 2.8%, together making up 63.0% of total flows.

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

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