Capsicum and pimenta fruits market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Ukrainian capsicum and pimenta fruits market showed relative stability with moderate growth. The market was still developing at the start of the period, supporting high prices, while the popularity of the Hungarian pepper type for fresh consumption and processing encouraged production. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted consumer habits, boosting demand for fresh vegetables including peppers and contributing to market volume reaching 195.8 thousand tons. In 2021, ongoing healthy eating trends and the recovery of the semi-finished products market continued to underpin demand, though the total market size saw a slight decrease to 192.7 thousand tons.

A sharp contraction occurred in 2022, with market volume falling by 30.6% to 133.7 thousand tons. This was directly caused by the occupation of southern Ukrainian regions, which were key production areas for frozen vegetables including peppers, and by widespread electricity blackouts that disrupted logistics and forced some producers to move frozen stock abroad. A shift in consumer preference toward frozen produce for its longer shelf life also affected the fresh pepper segment. Recovery began in 2023, with the market growing to 142.3 thousand tons as operations adapted on remaining capacities and supply chains were reorganized.

In 2024, the market continues to be shaped by the ongoing war, maintaining high prices due to constrained supply and persistent impacts on production and logistics in occupied growing regions. Concurrently, rising consumer interest in organic and eco-friendly products, alongside global healthy eating trends, is increasing quality demands for peppers. While no major new production facilities have emerged, there is sustained interest in new pepper varieties and hybrids, including early-ripening and spicy types.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine ranked 21st globally in the production of capsicum and pimenta fruits.

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Ukraine produced 181.3 K t of capsicum and pimenta fruits, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 4.9%. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 172.8 K t, with the largest decline of 1.9% occurring that same year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Capsicum and pimenta fruits production in Ukraine increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 103.8 M $ US, up by 14.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 7.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 85.5 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 11.7%.

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

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Ukraine

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, exported volumes of capsicum and pimenta fruits from Ukraine increased. In 2020, Ukraine exported 350 t, which remained relatively stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 77.2%, with a CAGR of 38.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 350 t, and the largest decline of 53.5% also occurred in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus was the primary destination for capsicum and pimenta fruits from Ukraine, accounting for 77.7% of total exports in kind, while other destinations played a much smaller role.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, exported volumes of capsicum and pimenta fruits from Ukraine increased. In 2020, exports stood at 201 K $ US, showing a moderate rise of 9.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 76.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 38.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 183 K $ US, and the largest decline of 57.1% occurred in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Belarus played the leading role in exports in value terms, with a share of 73.6% of total flows, while other markets collectively accounted for the remainder.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in value, 2017-2020

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits in Ukraine

Imports in kind, t

Foreign supplies of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Ukraine increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 14 900 t, reflecting a gradual increase of 7.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 144.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 34.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (45.1% of imports in kind), Spain (26.7% of imports in kind), and the Netherlands (13.3% of imports in kind) led the ranking of suppliers to Ukraine, with their combined share reaching 85.1% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Ukraine increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Ukraine imported capsicum and pimenta fruits valued at 201 K $ US, reflecting a moderate gain of 8.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 154.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 36.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (39.4% of imports in value terms), Spain (29.5% of imports in value terms), and the Netherlands (14.7% of imports in value terms) consistently held leading positions in the country structure of imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 83.7% of total flows.

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

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