Cucumbers and gherkins market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh and chilled cucumbers and gherkins in Poland experienced a shift toward higher value from 2018 to 2023, with the market size in monetary terms rising from $584.5 million to $688.9 million despite a decline in physical volume from 580.9 thousand tons to 511.1 thousand tons. This growth was supported by evolving consumer preferences, including increased demand for organic, certified, and naturally fermented products, as well as a growing interest in premium and artisanal offerings based on local recipes and traditions.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated changes in distribution, notably boosting e-commerce and multi-channel retail sales to maintain market access amid supply chain adjustments. Product innovation intensified thereafter, with the introduction of new flavor variants inspired by global cuisines and the expansion of convenience formats like mini jars. The rising importance of private label production for retail chains also contributed to sales volumes and supported market value, even as domestic production in kind declined.

Health and transparency trends continued to shape the market, with consumers showing preference for products with reduced salt content, natural spices, and clear labeling. Growing interest in regional and geographical indication products allowed for premium pricing in niche segments, while ongoing investments in processing technology, such as automated sorting lines, aimed to improve quality and production efficiency throughout the period.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in Poland

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland ranked 12th globally in cucumber and gherkin production.

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

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

Poland's cucumber and gherkin production rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, output reached 526.5 thousand tonnes, marking a slight increase of 1.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 3.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 519.4 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 3.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of cucumber and gherkin production in Poland was 571.9 million US dollars, showing a strong rise of 11.8% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 18.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.3%.

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

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from Poland

Exports in kind, t

Poland's cucumber and gherkin export volume declined after a two-year rise. In 2020, exports totaled 17,369 tonnes, representing a 2.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 21.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.7%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 17,720 tonnes, while the largest increase of 23.6% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Lithuania, and Latvia were the main buyers of Polish cucumbers and gherkins in volume terms, accounting for 40.0%, 21.0%, and 8.0% of exports respectively. Together, these three countries comprised 69.0% of total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Poland's cucumber and gherkin exports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 18,867 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate advance of 8.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 49.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Lithuania, and Latvia were the primary buyers of Polish cucumbers and gherkins in value terms, representing 29.7%, 23.6%, and 10.6% of exports respectively. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 63.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to Poland

Imports in kind, t

Poland's cucumber and gherkin import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 66,322 tonnes, representing a 4.5% rise relative to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 22.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands were the leading sources of cucumber and gherkin imports to Poland in volume terms, accounting for 49.1%, 11.7%, and 11.4% of imports respectively. Together, these three countries supplied 72.3% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Poland's cucumber and gherkin import value stood at 76,915 thousand US dollars, reflecting a robust increase of 20.3% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 25.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands were the largest suppliers of cucumbers and gherkins to Poland in value terms, representing 51.8%, 14.3%, and 10.4% of imports respectively. Together, these three countries formed 76.5% of total import value.

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

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