Cauliflowers and broccoli market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh cauliflower and broccoli in Northern Europe reached its peak volume of 407 thousand tons in 2020, driven by an 18% surge in domestic production to 231 thousand tons. This increase in local output partially offset a concurrent decline in imports, as the region remains structurally dependent on supplies from Spain, the continent's dominant exporter. In 2018, an average import tariff of 19.8% had already been influencing trade costs and dynamics within the European market.

Following the 2020 peak, the market volume contracted for three consecutive years, falling to 352 thousand tons by 2023. This period of decline coincided with significant volatility in global wholesale and import prices for cauliflower and broccoli, which created instability and likely dampened consumption in Northern Europe. Spain maintained its position as the leading global exporter, but overall import volumes into the region decreased during these years.

By 2024, shifting consumer preferences towards fresh, convenient, and healthy options began stimulating demand for new product formats like pre-cut florets and fresh salads containing broccoli, particularly in key markets such as France. European production showed signs of recovery, reaching 1.9 million tons, although the overall market value experienced a slight correction.

Production cauliflowers and broccoli in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cauliflowers and broccoli, 2017-2020

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

Northern Europe's production of cauliflowers and broccoli has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 230.6 thousand tons, marking a 17.9% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 12.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest production level was in 2018, at 190.4 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 7.0%.

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

Exports cauliflowers and broccoli from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Northern Europe's exports of cauliflowers and broccoli have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 16.2 thousand tons, down 1.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 30.6%, translating to an average annual decrease of 11.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Northern Europe's exports of cauliflowers and broccoli were not heavily concentrated in a few key markets. Belarus accounted for 32.0% of exports, the Netherlands for 10.2%, and Poland for 5.4%, with these three countries together making up just 47.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Northern Europe's exports of cauliflowers and broccoli in value terms declined. In 2020, exports were recorded at 20.2 million US dollars, reflecting a modest decrease of 5.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 24.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. The peak value was in 2019, at 21.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 18.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Northern Europe's exports of cauliflowers and broccoli in value terms were spread across a diverse range of partner countries. The Netherlands accounted for 13.4% of exports, Belarus for 9.6%, and Norway for 4.1%, with these three together representing only 27.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cauliflowers and broccoli to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Northern Europe's imports of cauliflowers and broccoli have decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 192.4 thousand tons, an 8.2% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 10.6%, with an average annual decline of 3.7%. The highest import volume was in 2018, at 221.2 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest increase of 2.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Spain, the Netherlands, and France—collectively accounted for 82.5% of Northern Europe's total imports of cauliflowers and broccoli in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Northern Europe's imports of cauliflowers and broccoli in value terms have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 342.7 million US dollars, up 6.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 14.6%, equating to an average annual increase of 4.6%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Spain, Kenya, and the Netherlands were the primary sources in the geographical breakdown of Northern Europe's imports of cauliflowers and broccoli in value terms. Spain accounted for 66.1% of imports, Kenya for 6.8%, and the Netherlands for 6.5%, with these three countries together making up 79.5% of total import flows.

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

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