Carrots and turnips market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh carrots and turnips in Germany experienced considerable movement between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 811 thousand tons in 2018, market volume grew strongly to surpass 1 million tons in 2019 and reached a peak of 1,147 thousand tons in 2021, driven by simultaneous increases in domestic production and imports during the initial period.

Following the 2021 peak, the total market volume contracted to 964 thousand tons in 2022 and saw a further slight reduction to 941 thousand tons in 2023. This decline coincided with a significant drop in domestic production in 2022 and a sharp rise in exports during 2023, which removed more product from the domestic supply.

By 2024, developments in the carrot sector included an expansion of cultivation areas in key states like North Rhine-Westphalia and a 34% increase in the harvest due to optimal growing conditions. The mini and snack carrot segment solidified its position in retail with a 13% sales increase, reflecting shifting consumer preferences towards convenient formats, while EU marketing standards continued to ensure quality and reduce food waste.

Production carrots and turnips in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany ranked 8th globally in carrot and turnip production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

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

Germany's carrot and turnip production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 802.2 K t, showing a slight year-on-year increase of 1.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 9.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 625.4 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 14.8%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the biggest increase of 26.5%.

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

Exports carrots and turnips from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes for carrots and turnips showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest point was in 2017, while exports peaked in 2018, with a 2.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Germany exported 43.7 K t, marking a substantial decline of 21.8% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was in 2018 at 63.7 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 121.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland were the primary buyers of German carrots and turnips, accounting for 67.6%, 8.4%, and 5.7% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 81.7% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of carrot and turnip exports from Germany fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 17.0 M $ US, down 9.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 13.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The peak was in 2018 at 21.3 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 42.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 12.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and Italy emerged as the main markets for German carrot and turnip exports in value terms, representing 34.7%, 21.2%, and 9.2% of total export value, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 65.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports carrots and turnips to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, carrot and turnip imports into Germany declined. In 2020, imports stood at 252.0 K t, reflecting a modest year-on-year decrease of 8.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 5.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 274.8 K t, which also recorded the largest increase of 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain were the leading sources of carrot and turnip imports into Germany, making up 49.1%, 13.2%, and 11.4% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they absorbed 73.7% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Carrot and turnip import values into Germany dropped for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 161.5 M $ US, indicating a slight decrease of 6.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 18.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.8%. The maximum value was in 2018 at 182.8 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 34.0%.

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

In 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Italy dominated the import structure in value terms, accounting for 30.1%, 21.1%, and 19.0% of total import value, respectively. Together, they represented 70.1% of total flows.

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

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