Cucumbers and gherkins market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh cucumbers and gherkins in Portugal expanded from 15 347 t in 2018 to 19 027 t in 2021. This growth was supported by rising consumer demand for fresh produce, which increased the number of weekly buyers and diversified consumption patterns. At the same time, the adoption of innovative cultivation techniques, such as hydroponics for greenhouse cucumbers, improved yields and product quality. Portugal's favorable climate and differentiated production processes further enhanced the competitiveness of domestic output, contributing to the market's expansion.

After reaching a peak in 2021, the market volume experienced a slight contraction to 18 560 t in 2022, primarily due to a drop in domestic production. By 2023, the market recovered to 19 805 t, driven largely by a substantial rise in import volumes. Throughout the period, maintaining the cold chain and adequate logistical packaging remained critical to preserving product freshness and safety, aligning with both European regulations and evolving consumer preferences for quality fresh goods.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2018-2021

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

Portugal's production of cucumbers and gherkins has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 14 050 tonnes, marking a 1.2% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 52.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.0%.

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

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

The export data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Portugal exported 486 tonnes of cucumbers and gherkins, which is 43.9% lower than in 2020. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 866 tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase of 84.1% also occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands were the primary destinations for Portugal's cucumber and gherkin exports by volume. Spain accounted for 58.8% of exports, Germany for 12.9%, and the Netherlands for 9.9%, together making up 81.6% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Export values hit their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 1.9 times. In 2021, Portugal exported 475 thousand US dollars' worth of cucumbers and gherkins, showing a sharp decrease of 34.5% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 382 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2020 at 726 thousand US dollars. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2020, at 90.0%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany remained the key export markets by value. Spain held a 44.1% share of export value, the Netherlands 15.0%, and Germany 13.8%, collectively accounting for 72.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Portugal's imports of cucumbers and gherkins increased in 2021. The import volume totaled 5 463 tonnes, reflecting a robust rise of 14.5% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 16.4%, with an average annual decline of 5.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 769 tonnes, with the largest year-over-year drop of 16.1% also occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, nearly all of Portugal's cucumber and gherkin imports by volume came from Spain, which accounted for 90.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's imports of cucumbers and gherkins amounted to 5 665 thousand US dollars, indicating a rise of 33.7% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 2.7%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 0.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 4 236 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-over-year decline of 23.5% also in 2020.

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

During 2018 to 2021, Spain and Germany were the main suppliers of cucumbers and gherkins to Portugal by value, with their combined share reaching 99.8% of total imports.

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

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