Cucumbers and gherkins market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh cucumbers and gherkins in the CIS showed steady growth from 3.8 million tons in 2018 to 4.1 million tons in 2023. This expansion was primarily supported by state subsidies and preferential investment loans for greenhouse vegetable growing, which encouraged new investments and increased domestic production capacity. The trend toward healthier lifestyles and balanced nutrition also boosted consumer demand, particularly for greenhouse-grown produce.

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reversed growth in 2020, causing a market contraction as consumer behavior shifted and supply chains faced disruptions. However, continued government backing helped the market recover from 2021 onward. In later years, regulatory changes such as stricter labeling and traceability requirements for fresh vegetables influenced market operations, while geopolitical tensions and sanctions created external challenges that were offset by resilient domestic production growth.

Despite climatic and economic headwinds in 2023, the market continued to expand, aided by the ongoing development of the greenhouse segment. Rising production costs and subsequent price increases did not halt volume growth, as underlying demand for fresh cucumbers remained robust. Factors like tightening packaging rules and evolving consumer preferences toward organic and healthy products further shaped the market's trajectory through the period.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

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

CIS production of cucumbers and gherkins declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 3,910 thousand tons, but by 2020 it had fallen to 3,886 thousand tons, representing a slight decrease of 0.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 5.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

CIS production of cucumbers and gherkins in monetary terms declined after two years of growth. In 2019, the value peaked at $4,377 million, but by 2020 it had dropped to $4,029 million, marking an 8.0% decrease. From 2017 to 2020, the overall value increased by 20.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019, when the value surged by 24.2%.

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

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

CIS exports of cucumbers and gherkins in volume terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 57.3 thousand tons, but by 2020 they had risen to 64.0 thousand tons, reflecting a moderate growth of 9.6% compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, when exports fell by 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine and Poland were the key buyers of cucumbers and gherkins from CIS, together accounting for 16.8% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

CIS exports of cucumbers and gherkins in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their minimum at $53.5 million, but by 2020 they had grown to $66.4 million, showing a slight rise of 1.5% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 11.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The largest decline was in 2018, when exports dropped by 10.2%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a 22.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine and Poland remained the principal buyers of cucumbers and gherkins from CIS in value terms, together forming 10.9% of total exports.

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

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

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

CIS imports of cucumbers and gherkins in volume terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2019, imports were higher, but by 2020 they had fallen to 39.7 thousand tons, down by 49.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 65.2%, equating to an annualized reduction rate of 29.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, China, and Turkey were the three largest markets for CIS imports of cucumbers and gherkins in volume terms, together accounting for 57.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

CIS imports of cucumbers and gherkins in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2019, imports were higher, but by 2020 they had dropped to $66.7 million, reflecting a fall of 46.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 60.6%, with a compound annual reduction rate of 26.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, China, and Turkey continued to lead as the top suppliers of cucumbers and gherkins to CIS in value terms. Iran accounted for 33.3% of imports, China for 22.2%, and Turkey for 10.1%, jointly representing 65.7% of total imports.

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

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