Carrots and turnips market in Iceland

Earlier Report Observations

The Icelandic market for fresh carrots and turnips expanded sharply in 2019, with volume rising by over 700 tonnes. This growth was primarily driven by increasing consumer preference for organic and health-conscious foods, which boosted demand. High import tariffs of 231% on products from outside the EU likely encouraged domestic production, which increased significantly that year.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a substantial market contraction as food service closures reduced demand and global supply chain disruptions curtailed imports. Recovery began in 2021, supported by the enduring trend toward healthy eating and a rebound in import volumes, though domestic output remained limited by Iceland's harsh climate.

The market stabilized from 2022 onward, with volume showing little net change. Persistent consumer interest in fresh produce supported demand, while ongoing global supply chain challenges and consistently high tariffs influenced import levels. Strict labeling regulations requiring country-of-origin information remained a defining feature of the market throughout the period.

Production carrots and turnips in Iceland

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2018-2021

World map of production of carrots and turnips, 2018-2021

Iceland's production of carrots and turnips declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 1 442 tonnes, marking a 14.1% decrease from the previous year. Looking back to 2018, production has actually grown by 36% over the four-year period, which translates to an average annual increase of 10.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 795 tonnes, with that year also seeing the largest annual increase of 69.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Iceland in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports carrots and turnips from Iceland

Exports in kind, t

The export market for carrots and turnips from Iceland showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2021, with an 8.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, exports stood at 7.6 tonnes, representing a dramatic increase of 695.4% compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020, when exports fell by 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Iceland in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, virtually all of Iceland's carrot and turnip exports in volume terms went to Greenland, which accounted for 100.0% of the total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Iceland in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Iceland's carrot and turnip exports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 5 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 29.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 26.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 18.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Iceland in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Greenland dominated Iceland's carrot and turnip exports in value terms, holding a 100.0% share of the total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Iceland in value, 2018-2021

Imports carrots and turnips to Iceland

Imports in kind, t

Iceland's import market for carrots and turnips in volume terms exhibited significant volatility. Imports hit their lowest point in 2020 at 562.9 tonnes and peaked in 2021 at 988.3 tonnes, representing a 1.8-fold difference. The 2021 figure was 75.6% higher than the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with imports dropping by 42.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Iceland in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Spain were the key sources for Iceland's carrot and turnip imports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 48.1% of imports, Denmark for 23.0%, and Spain for 7.6%, together making up 78.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Iceland in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Iceland's carrot and turnip imports in value terms increased in 2021. Imports stood at 741 thousand US dollars, a substantial rise of 15.9% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 32.7%, which equates to an average annual decline of 12.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 639 thousand US dollars, with that year also experiencing the largest decline of 35.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Iceland in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States were the primary suppliers of carrots and turnips to Iceland in value terms. The Netherlands held a 36.2% share, Denmark 24.1%, and the United States 11.2%, collectively accounting for 71.5% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Iceland in value, 2018-2021