Cucumbers and gherkins market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Costa Rican market for fresh cucumbers and gherkins showed moderate fluctuations, with the total market volume reaching 1 853 t in 2019 before declining to 1 690 t in 2021. Domestic production remained stable at around 1 660–1 697 t per year, while imports varied significantly, dropping to just 20 t in 2021.

In 2022, the market volume stabilized at 1 710 t. During this year, stricter food safety norms requiring laboratory testing for pesticide residues and contaminants were enforced, affecting production and import practices for fresh produce. Concurrently, a growing consumer preference for nutritious and sustainably produced fresh foods, alongside industry moves to reduce plastic packaging, began to shape market dynamics.

The market expanded sharply to 2 414 t in 2023, driven primarily by an 18-fold increase in imports to 731 t. This surge was supported by Costa Rica's position as a key import destination for cucumbers, mainly from Mexico, reflecting stronger international trade flows. Consumer trends emphasizing sustainability, nutritional value, and reduced plastic packaging continued to influence demand through 2024, a year in which imports remained elevated at 502 t.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

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

Costa Rica's cucumber and gherkin production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1,697 tonnes, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 1.1%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production rose by 3.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

Costa Rica's cucumber and gherkin export volumes have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 18.6 tonnes, showing a sharp year-over-year gain of 59.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 1,327%, with an average annual growth rate of 142.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador were the main buyers of Costa Rican cucumbers and gherkins by volume. Honduras accounted for 39.8% of exports, Nicaragua for 24.7%, and El Salvador for 18.2%. Together, these three countries made up 82.7% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 0.4 thousand US dollars, while the highest occurred in 2020 at 12.3 thousand US dollars, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 31 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of cucumbers and gherkins from Costa Rica amounted to 12.3 thousand US dollars, up 200.1% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 77.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 933.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador led as the top buyers of Costa Rican cucumbers and gherkins by value. Honduras held 45.5% of export value, Nicaragua 15.7%, and El Salvador 11.1%. Their combined share reached 72.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import levels fluctuated, with the highest volume in 2017 and the lowest in 2020, showing a 2.9-fold difference. In 2020, Costa Rica's cucumber and gherkin imports totaled 83.1 tonnes, down 55.2% from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 74.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of cucumbers and gherkins to Costa Rica were largely oriented towards Mexico and Honduras. Together, these two countries accounted for 87.1% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest value was in 2020, while the peak hit in 2019, with a 2.8-fold gap between them. In 2020, Costa Rica's cucumber and gherkin imports from abroad amounted to 85.4 thousand US dollars, indicating a sudden decrease of 64.1% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 237.6 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 122.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two countries—Mexico and Honduras—concentrated the majority of imports by value, with a combined share of 92.1% of total flows.

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

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