Cauliflowers and broccoli market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French cauliflower and broccoli market underwent a substantial reduction in domestic supply from 2018, with production falling from 287 thousand tons to 209 thousand tons by 2023. This decline was principally caused by a long-term contraction in the area dedicated to growing cauliflower, a trend that began before 2018 and continued throughout the period. Severe drought in 2022 sharply exacerbated the situation, causing national production to drop by an estimated 23% and further restricting the volume available for the domestic market.

Consumer demand for cauliflower and broccoli reportedly grew by 15.6% in 2019, yet the overall volume of the market shrank as a significant rise in exports and the ongoing drop in production limited domestic availability. The market became characterized by pronounced price swings, reaching record levels during periods of tight supply, as seen in late 2022, only to crash when milder weather conditions led to oversupply and market gluts in early 2023 and again in late 2024.

By 2024, the market remained unbalanced, with an abundant early-season harvest leading to a 74% price drop in November compared to the previous year, despite a continued forecast for below-average production. French exports diversified to several European destinations, while imports were overwhelmingly sourced from Spain.

Production cauliflowers and broccoli in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, France ranked as the 10th largest global producer of cauliflowers and broccoli by volume.

Top producers of cauliflowers and broccoli, 2017-2020

World map of production of cauliflowers and broccoli, 2017-2020

France's production of cauliflowers and broccoli declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 253.8 thousand tonnes, marking a 1.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 13.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.8%.

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

Exports cauliflowers and broccoli from France

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, France exported 108.9 thousand tonnes of cauliflowers and broccoli, representing a significant 10.1% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 25.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 76.7 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 47.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 57.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium were the primary buyers of French cauliflowers and broccoli by volume, accounting for 33.5%, 10.7%, and 10.2% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 54.3% of France's total exports in kind.

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, M $ US

France's export value of cauliflowers and broccoli increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 118.7 million US dollars, showing a 14.6% year-over-year gain. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 90.9 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 17.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium were the main buyers of French cauliflowers and broccoli by value, with shares of 32.0%, 12.5%, and 9.6% of exports, respectively. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 54.1% of France's total export value.

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

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

Imports cauliflowers and broccoli to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's import volume of cauliflowers and broccoli increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 51.9 thousand tonnes, indicating a slight 2.7% rise compared to 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 41.8 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 20.8%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest increase of 21.0%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Spain dominated France's import structure for cauliflowers and broccoli by volume, holding a 78.4% share of total imports. Other markets contributed relatively modest shares.

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, M $ US

France's import value of cauliflowers and broccoli rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 73.1 million US dollars, representing a 22.8% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 19.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 53.8 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was the dominant source for France's imports of cauliflowers and broccoli by value, accounting for 84.7% of total imports. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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