Cucumbers and gherkins market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

The UK market for fresh or chilled cucumbers and gherkins grew from 223.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 252.7 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was driven by the country's heavy reliance on imports to meet strong consumer demand, which was further amplified by a shift toward healthier diets and increasing consumption of pickled products. Innovations in packaging that improved freshness and supported farm‑to‑table concepts also played a role in strengthening market volumes during these years.

After a decline to 224.3 thousand tons in 2021, the market recovered to 245.9 thousand tons in 2022. This rebound coincided with a pronounced consumer focus on healthy, sustainable food choices and the rapid growth of e‑commerce grocery shopping, which widened access to fresh produce. Although the market contracted again to 232.6 thousand tons in 2023, underlying import values remained stable, and retail expansion continued to improve product availability. Throughout the period, trends such as organic farming practices and rising demand for locally sourced cucumbers and gherkins maintained their influence on purchasing behavior.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2018-2021

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

Cucumber and gherkin production in the United Kingdom saw a two-year period of growth before declining. In 2021, production reached 54 992 tonnes, marking a gradual decrease of 5.9% from the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 58 410 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 at 5.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following two years of contraction, the value of cucumber and gherkin production in the United Kingdom rebounded. In 2021, output was valued at 116.0 million US dollars, representing an 11.1% increase from 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 104.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes showed significant volatility during this period. In 2021, the United Kingdom exported 0.3 thousand tonnes of cucumbers and gherkins, a sharp decline of 74.2% from the previous year. The peak was reached in 2019 with 1.7 thousand tonnes, which also recorded the largest increase of 12.0%. The difference between the 2019 peak and 2021 trough was 5.3 times.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Ireland, Spain, and Italy were the primary markets for UK cucumber and gherkin exports by volume. Ireland accounted for 53.2% of exports, Spain for 13.1%, and Italy for 8.4%. Together, these three countries represented 74.7% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of cucumber and gherkin exports from the United Kingdom declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 0.7 million US dollars, a sudden drop of 69.5% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 79.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 40.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, Ireland, Spain, and France remained the key partners for UK cucumber and gherkin exports by value. Ireland accounted for 65.4% of export value, Spain for 7.9%, and France for 6.2%. Collectively, these three markets represented 79.5% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, cucumber and gherkin import volumes to the United Kingdom declined. In 2021, imports reached 169.6 thousand tonnes, showing a robust decrease of 13.3% compared to the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 195.5 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands and Spain were the principal sources for UK cucumber and gherkin imports by volume, jointly accounting for 92.5% of total flows. Other partners each held significantly smaller market shares.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of cucumber and gherkin imports to the United Kingdom reached 215.6 million US dollars, representing an 8.3% decrease year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 235.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands and Spain together accounted for 88.0% of the total value of cucumber and gherkin imports to the United Kingdom. The remaining volume was distributed across smaller markets.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021