Cucumbers and gherkins market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for fresh or chilled cucumbers and gherkins expanded significantly in volume from 62 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 82 thousand tonnes in 2023. This growth was not linear, with a notable increase in 2019 followed by a slight dip in 2020 before resuming an upward trajectory through 2021 and 2022. In value terms, the market rose from $78.1 million to $119.5 million over the same period, despite a temporary decline in 2019 when lower prices offset higher physical volumes.

In 2023, the market volume increased by 11% to reach 82.2 thousand tonnes. This growth occurred against a backdrop of a general 6.2% decline in overall vegetable consumption in Italy, with cucumbers being one of the few varieties to record higher purchase volumes. Average vegetable prices rose by 11.6% in 2023, contributing to the market's value growth to $119.5 million. Regional variations were observed, with Southern Italy and Sicily experiencing a 7% drop in volume compared to 2022, but this was offset by stronger performance in other parts of the country.

Infrastructure improvements in cold chain logistics, including a 19% increase in refrigerated transport and a 13% reduction in spoilage, are enhancing the preservation and distribution of fresh cucumbers. Concurrently, consumer trends favoring fresh, healthy foods with fewer preservatives are supporting demand. The integration of QR codes on packaging for better traceability and nutritional information access also aligns with these evolving market dynamics.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

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

Italy's production of cucumbers and gherkins has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 60 690 tonnes, showing no significant change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 54 090 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 0.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 12.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of decline, Italy's production of cucumbers and gherkins has rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 79 107 thousand US dollars, marking a 20.0% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 11.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 65 905 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of cucumbers and gherkins have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 8 155 tonnes, reflecting a significant drop of 16.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 23.9%, with an average annual decline rate of 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Czechia, and Germany were the core markets for Italy's exports of cucumbers and gherkins in volume terms. Austria accounted for 27.0% of exports, Czechia for 19.0%, and Germany for 15.0%, together representing 61.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Italy's exports of cucumbers and gherkins in value terms have shown an uptick. In 2020, exports amounted to 10 630 thousand US dollars, experiencing little to no change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 24.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 8.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 598 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 17.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Germany, and Czechia were the main markets for Italy's exports of cucumbers and gherkins in value terms. Austria accounted for 27.6% of exports, Germany for 20.5%, and Czechia for 18.4%, together making up 66.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy imported approximately 14 701 tonnes of cucumbers and gherkins in 2020, corresponding to a strong decline of 19.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 20.6%, with an average annual decline rate of 7.4%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 3.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and Greece formed the main cluster of markets for Italy's imports of cucumbers and gherkins in volume terms. Spain accounted for 53.8% of imports, Germany for 18.8%, and Greece for 7.4%, together representing 79.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Italy's imports of cucumbers and gherkins in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 15 754 thousand US dollars, down by 13.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 26%, with an average annual decline rate of 9.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and Greece were the main markets for Italy's imports of cucumbers and gherkins in value terms. Spain accounted for 53.6% of imports, Germany for 15.9%, and Greece for 11.3%, together accounting for 80.8% of total import flows.

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

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