Cucumbers and gherkins market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Hungarian market for fresh and chilled cucumbers expanded from 37 311 tonnes to 45 872 tonnes, with notable fluctuations. The initial growth until 2020 occurred despite a reported 40% reduction in domestic cultivation area, which lowered local output. This shortfall was offset by a sustained rise in imports, maintaining overall consumption levels.

After a slight increase in 2021, the market volume dipped in 2022 before a strong recovery in 2023. Underlying demand was supported by shifting consumer preferences towards health-conscious eating, particularly the growing popularity of fermented cucumbers due to their perceived benefits for gut health. This trend towards natural, minimally processed foods helped sustain interest in cucumber products. The ongoing activity of major processors like Szentmihályi Savanyúság Kft., which focused on sourcing domestic raw materials, contributed to supply-side stability during this period.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2018-2021

World map of production of cucumbers and gherkins, 2018-2021

Hungary's cucumber and gherkin production rebounded in 2021 after two consecutive years of decline. The country produced 26 050 tonnes, marking a 5.8% increase compared to 2020. However, looking at the broader 2018-2021 period, production fell by 12.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 24 620 tonnes, with the most significant drop occurring that same year at 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's cucumber and gherkin production value showed a modest recovery in 2021 following two years of contraction. The output was valued at 23 205 thousand US dollars, representing a 4.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, production value decreased by 10.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 22 136 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline occurring that same year at 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's cucumber and gherkin exports saw a slight uptick in 2021 after two years of decline. The country exported 5 415 tonnes, representing a 4.3% year-over-year increase. However, exports decreased significantly by 31.9% between 2018 and 2021, averaging an annual decline of 12.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 5 193 tonnes, with the most substantial drop occurring in 2019 at 23.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, three key markets dominated Hungary's cucumber and gherkin exports by volume: Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland. Together, these countries accounted for 63.4% of Hungary's total exports in this category.

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

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's cucumber and gherkin export value increased slightly in 2021 after two years of decline. Exports totaled 4 824 thousand US dollars, showing a 3.3% improvement compared to the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, export value fell by 30.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 4 669 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 19.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three countries were the primary destinations for Hungary's cucumber and gherkin exports by value: Czechia (31.0%), Slovakia (20.7%), and Austria (10.1%). Together, these markets accounted for 61.8% of Hungary's total export value in this category.

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

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's cucumber and gherkin imports declined in 2021 after two years of growth. The country imported 25 070 tonnes, representing a 3.6% decrease compared to the previous year. However, imports increased substantially by 56% between 2018 and 2021, averaging an annual growth rate of 16.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 25 070 tonnes, with the most significant increase occurring in 2019 at 35.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain (33.5%), Germany (28.6%), and Romania (8.9%) were the main sources of Hungary's cucumber and gherkin imports by volume. Together, these three countries accounted for 71.0% of Hungary's total imports in this category.

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

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's cucumber and gherkin import value decreased in 2021 after two years of increase. Imports amounted to 18 955 thousand US dollars, showing a 5.6% decline from 2020. However, import value grew significantly by 56.6% between 2018 and 2021, averaging an annual growth rate of 16.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 20 090 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring that same year at 32.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain (41.2%), Germany (21.8%), and Romania (7.6%) were the primary sources of Hungary's cucumber and gherkin imports by value. Together, these three countries represented 70.6% of Hungary's total import value in this category.

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

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021