Cucumbers and gherkins market in Americas

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh cucumbers and gherkins in the Americas expanded through 2019, supported by growing consumer demand for fresh and healthy produce and the entry of new players like Southern Valley. This demand was met by increased local production and the adoption of advanced agricultural techniques, such as protected agriculture, particularly in key regions like Mexico and the United States.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused significant supply chain disruptions, directly affecting the availability and distribution of fresh cucumbers. While consumer demand for healthy, convenient foods remained strong, logistical challenges impacted domestic market volumes. This period also saw increased governmental support for local production and facility modernization to secure supply, alongside a continued shift in consumer preferences toward organic and convenient pre-cut products.

From 2022, the market's size continued to contract as a significant portion of production was redirected to international exports. A sharp rise in exports, notably a 63% increase in Canadian shipments to the U.S. since 2020, became a primary driver. This export growth was supported by ongoing investments in greenhouse production efficiency and technology, as well as Mexico's consolidated position as a leading global exporter from states like Sinaloa and Sonora. Innovations in packaging for freshness and convenience, alongside new food safety and labeling regulations, shaped the commercial landscape but did not reverse the overall decline in domestic market volume.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in Americas

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

World map of production of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

In 2019, cucumber and gherkin production in the Americas reached its highest level at 2,242 thousand tonnes. However, by 2020, output had declined to 2,094 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate year-over-year decrease of 6.6%. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 6.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.1%. The most significant production increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 4.4%.

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

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from Americas

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for cucumbers and gherkins from the Americas showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 252.1 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp decline of 64.1% that year. By 2020, however, exports surged to 892.1 thousand tonnes, a dramatic increase of 202.8% compared to 2019. This created a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.5 times between 2018 and 2020.

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

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of cucumber and gherkin exports from the Americas grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 957.4 million US dollars. This represented a 12.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 29.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%.

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

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

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

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to Americas

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of cucumbers and gherkins into the Americas experienced significant fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, imports recorded their largest decline of 97.5%. The following year, 2019, saw the biggest increase at 18.2%. By 2020, import volumes had fallen to 2.1 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 44.5% compared to 2019. The overall period showed a remarkable peak-to-trough amplitude of 61 times.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain and Jordan together accounted for 2.5% of total cucumber and gherkin imports into the Americas by volume, establishing them as the primary source markets during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of cucumber and gherkin imports into the Americas declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, dropping to 64.5 million US dollars. This represented an 8.6% decrease year-over-year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 70.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 0.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 8.2%, with a compound annual decline rate of 2.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain (3.1% of import value), Jordan (1.3%), and the Netherlands (0.7%) formed the core group of source markets for cucumber and gherkin imports into the Americas by value. Together, these three countries accounted for 5.1% of total import flows during this period.

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

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