Chicory market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European chicory market volume expanded from 4 993 т in 2018 to 7 647 т in 2020. This growth was primarily driven by increasing consumer awareness of chicory's health benefits, such as its prebiotic properties and high inulin content. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated demand for healthy and plant-based foods, stimulating chicory consumption.

After a brief dip in 2021, the market volume surged to 8 936 т in 2022 and reached 10 375 т in 2023. The continued rise was supported by a strong trend towards organic, local, and sustainable products, with brands like Leroux in France expanding their certified organic ranges. Product innovation, including new chicory-based ingredients launched by Cosucra in Belgium and diversified offerings like infusions, breads, and capsules, helped attract a broader consumer base.

Key players such as Leroux invested in new processing infrastructure, while Italian production increased, confirming Europe's sustained cultivation. The market's growth was further fueled by chicory's positioning as a natural, gluten-free ingredient and the only 100% French hot drink, appealing to young consumers through modern packaging and distribution in coffee shops and organic stores.

Production chicory in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chicory, 2017-2020

World map of production of chicory, 2017-2020

Europe's chicory production has been declining for three years in a row. In 2019, production stood at 9.9 thousand tonnes, but by 2020 it had dropped to 9.8 thousand tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 0.7%. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by a substantial 98%, which translates to an average annual decline of 72.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The chicory market in Europe experienced significant volatility during this period. Production value hit its lowest point in 2019 at 14.9 million US dollars, then peaked in 2017, with a 52-fold difference between these years. In 2020, output rebounded to 18.6 million US dollars, showing a year-on-year increase of 24.9%. The sharpest decline occurred in 2018, when the value dropped by 97.9%.

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

Exports chicory from Europe

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Europe's chicory exports started to decline. In 2019, exports reached their highest level at 8 432 tonnes, but in 2020 they fell to 5 924 tonnes, a significant drop of 29.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.3%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 14.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the leading destination for Europe's chicory exports in volume terms, accounting for 0.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Europe's chicory exports in value terms have declined for two consecutive years. In 2018, exports peaked at 12 853 thousand US dollars, but by 2020 they had dropped to 11 250 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 11.7% from the previous year. The largest increase was also recorded in 2018, at 14.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main markets for Europe's chicory exports in value terms were Switzerland, with a 1.1% share, Norway at 0.7%, and the United States at 0.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 2.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports chicory to Europe

Imports in kind, t

Europe's chicory imports have been rising for two years in a row. In 2018, imports were at their lowest point with 3 011 tonnes, but by 2020 they had increased to 3 764 tonnes, a modest rise of 1.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 14.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 8.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 23.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India was the primary source for Europe's chicory imports in volume terms, holding a 31.6% share of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Europe's chicory imports in value terms have increased for two consecutive years. In 2018, imports were at their lowest at 3 898 thousand US dollars, but by 2020 they had surged to 6 278 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 43.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 57.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 1.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India was the main partner for Europe's chicory imports in value terms, accounting for 20.3% of total import flows.

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

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