Carrots and turnips market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French carrot and turnip market volume grew from 617.1 thousand tons in 2018 to 790.0 thousand tons in 2021. This expansion was driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient and healthy options, notably reflected in the rising importance of the aperitif as a consumption occasion and the growth of processed and ready-to-use vegetable products, with brands like Priméale launching new references. Concurrently, the sustained revenue growth of the market leader Vilmorin&Cie indicated robust activity among major producers, supporting overall market growth.

Market volume contracted to 742.0 thousand tons in 2022 and further to 713.8 thousand tons in 2023. This downturn was primarily caused by adverse weather conditions disrupting production. Heavy winter rainfall during the 2023-2024 campaign significantly impacted carrot yields, particularly for early varieties in the South-West region, leading to smaller harvests and contributing to the market's decline.

In 2024, unfavorable spring weather conditions, including cool temperatures, insufficient sunshine, and heavy rains, continued to hinder the growth of early carrots, affecting both yield and quality. To mitigate this, planting areas were expanded in the western production basins. Despite these challenges, prices in September 2024 remained 29% above the 2019-2023 average, reflecting a tight market supply relative to demand.

Production carrots and turnips in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France ranked 14th globally in carrot and turnip production.

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

World map of production of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

After a two-year decline, France's carrot and turnip production volume increased. In 2020, France produced 650.7 K t of carrots and turnips, marking a significant 21.8% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 11.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 534.2 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 8.2% drop.

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

Exports carrots and turnips from France

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, carrot and turnip exports from France totaled 73.7 K t, down 6.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 14.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 46.6 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 46.2%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 69.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium (41.0% of export volume), Spain (16.4%), and the United Kingdom (10.5%) were the main markets for French carrot and turnip exports, together accounting for 68.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, France's carrot and turnip export value reached 28 076 K $ US, showing a modest 8.4% decline compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 15.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 10.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 3.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium (30.2% of export value), the United Kingdom (16.5%), and Spain (12.4%) consistently led in France's carrot and turnip export structure by value, jointly representing 59.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports carrots and turnips to France

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign carrot and turnip supplies to France increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 165.1 K t, a 6.9% gain from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 6.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 128.5 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 16.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 20.3% rise.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Belgium (45.7% of import volume), Spain (20.0%), and the Netherlands (9.4%) formed the key group of partners for carrot and turnip imports to France, jointly representing 75.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

France imported 96 200 K $ US worth of carrots and turnips in 2020, up 20.3% from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 35.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 11.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 26.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium (35.8% of import value), Spain (26.3%), and Italy (10.8%) formed the main cluster of markets for France's carrot and turnip imports by value, with a combined share of 72.9% of total flows.

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

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