Cauliflowers and broccoli market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh cauliflowers and broccoli in South America experienced a decline in volume from 412 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 315 thousand tonnes in 2021, followed by a strong recovery to 389 thousand tonnes by 2023. In value terms, the market reached $976 million in 2023 after a period of fluctuation. The rebound from 2022 was primarily driven by active promotion of consumption and the adoption of higher-yielding crop varieties.

International events held in Brazil and broader campaigns starting in 2021 raised awareness of the vegetable's health benefits, stimulating demand. Growers simultaneously introduced new hybrid varieties, such as the Fabulous cauliflower-broccoli, which offered better tolerance to mild climates and higher precocity, improving farm productivity and supporting volume growth.

A sustained shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, plant-based diets, particularly noted during 2020, provided a foundational boost to long-term demand. Production continued to be concentrated in efficient southern hubs like São José dos Pinhais, which helped consolidate supply and stabilize the market during its recovery phase.

Production cauliflowers and broccoli in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cauliflowers and broccoli, 2017-2020

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

South America's production of cauliflowers and broccoli declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 376.9 thousand tons, representing a 6.5% decrease from 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually increased by 22.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.9%. The peak production occurred in 2018, reaching 411.9 thousand tons, which marked the largest annual increase of 33.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, South America's production value for cauliflowers and broccoli declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 708.4 million US dollars, reflecting a 15.5% year-over-year decrease. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 838.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cauliflowers and broccoli from South America

Exports in kind, t

South America's exports of cauliflowers and broccoli increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 205.4 tons, showing a solid 15.8% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 4576.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 260.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, the export market for cauliflowers and broccoli in South America was quite diverse. Panama accounted for 10.5% of exports, Hong Kong for 9.3%, and the Marshall Islands for 9.1%, together making up 28.9% of total flows. The remaining 71.1% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of cauliflowers and broccoli exports from South America rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 386.0 thousand US dollars, a 4.6% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 3692.9%, with an average annual rate of 236.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the value-based export structure for cauliflowers and broccoli in South America showed moderate concentration. The Marshall Islands held 12.7% of export value, Panama 11.2%, and Hong Kong 10.8%, collectively accounting for 34.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cauliflowers and broccoli to South America

Imports in kind, t

South America imported 231.8 tons of cauliflowers and broccoli in 2020, a 21.1% decline from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 17.8%, with an average annual drop of 6.3%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 175.3 tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 293.9 tons. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 37.8%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 67.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017-2020, the United States was the leading source for South America's imports of cauliflowers and broccoli, accounting for 26.9% of the volume. Mexico contributed 2.8%, and Costa Rica 1.1%, together representing 30.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market for cauliflowers and broccoli in South America showed significant volatility in recent years. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with the 2019 level being twice as high as that of 2018. In 2020, imports amounted to 472.3 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 21.0% decrease year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 299.9 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 597.5 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 99.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated South America's imports of cauliflowers and broccoli in value terms, accounting for 68.9%. Mexico followed with 6.6%, and Costa Rica with 1.2%, together making up 76.8% of total import value.

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

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