Cauliflowers and broccoli market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

The UK market for fresh or chilled cauliflowers and broccoli experienced notable shifts from 2018 to 2023. Market volume reached a high of 297.6 thousand tons in 2020, following a rise from 284.5 thousand tons in 2018, supported by growing domestic production which peaked that year.

A significant downturn occurred in 2021, with market size dropping to 269.1 thousand tons as production fell sharply. During this period, the UK emerged as one of the fastest-growing importers in value terms, with import spending increasing by $29.9 million, reflecting sustained consumer demand despite the volume contraction. The market then stabilized near 269 thousand tons in 2022 before declining further to 257.5 thousand tons in 2023.

Trade data for 2024 and 2025 indicates continued import levels above 130 thousand tons and export activity, suggesting ongoing market engagement even as overall volume receded from earlier peaks.

Production cauliflowers and broccoli in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom maintained the 16th position globally in terms of cauliflower and broccoli production volume.

Top producers of cauliflowers and broccoli, 2018-2021

World map of production of cauliflowers and broccoli, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, cauliflower and broccoli production in the United Kingdom declined. In 2021, production reached 171.1 thousand tonnes, down 7.6% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, overall production increased by 16.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.2%. The peak was recorded in 2020 at 185.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 20.2% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports cauliflowers and broccoli from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, the United Kingdom's exports of cauliflower and broccoli declined. In 2021, exports fell to 5.3 thousand tonnes, a sharp decrease of 49.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports dropped by 24.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.9%. The highest export volume was in 2020 at 10.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 27.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Poland were the primary buyers of cauliflower and broccoli from the United Kingdom, accounting for 47.1%, 20.0%, and 8.1% of exports in volume, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 75.2% of total exports.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The United Kingdom's export value of cauliflower and broccoli declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 9.6 million US dollars, a significant drop of 33.3% from the year before. From 2018 to 2021, export value decreased by 17.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -6.1%. The peak was in 2019 at 15.1 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 30.1% also recorded that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Italy were the key destinations for the United Kingdom's cauliflower and broccoli exports in value terms, accounting for 57.0%, 19.7%, and 5.1% of total export value, respectively. Combined, these three markets made up 81.9% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports cauliflowers and broccoli to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, K t

The United Kingdom's imports of cauliflower and broccoli declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 208.4 thousand tonnes, marking a significant contraction of 16.0% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 28.6%, which corresponds to an annualized decrease of 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout 2018-2021, Spain remained the main source for the United Kingdom's cauliflower and broccoli imports in volume, accounting for 78.0% of total imports. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the United Kingdom's import value of cauliflower and broccoli totaled 208.4 million US dollars, showing a gradual decline of 6.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 222.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain consistently accounted for 70.0% of the United Kingdom's total cauliflower and broccoli import value, indicating a high concentration on this market. The remaining 30.0% was shared among other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021