Cucumbers and gherkins market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. market for fresh cucumbers and gherkins showed stable volume around 1 600 thousand tons in 2018-2019, then dipped to 1 514 thousand tons in 2020 as domestic production declined. During this period, imports from Canada increased, supported by growing greenhouse cucumber production there which responded to U.S. demand.

Market volume recovered from 2021, reaching 1 758 thousand tons by 2023, while market value rose sharply to 2 297 million USD. This expansion was driven by rising consumer preference for healthy, low-calorie snacks and plant-based diets, alongside packaging innovations that improved freshness and convenience. Additionally, imports from Canada grew substantially, with their export value to the U.S. increasing 63% from 2020 to 2023, supplementing domestic supply.

The market landscape includes major companies like Sysco Corporation and Kraft Heinz, and a trend toward organic farming reflects shifting consumer expectations. Food safety and environmental regulations also influence production practices.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked 9th globally in terms of cucumber and gherkin production volume.

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

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

Cucumber and gherkin production in the United States declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 567.2 thousand tonnes, marking a 15.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 33.9%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 12.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of cucumber and gherkin production in the United States dropped for the third year in a row. In 2020, production was valued at 733 million US dollars, down 18.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, the value decreased by 33%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -12.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, the United States exported 47.9 thousand tonnes of cucumbers and gherkins, remaining nearly unchanged from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 2.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 46.4 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 48.1 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 0.6% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 3.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the almost exclusive buyer of cucumbers and gherkins from the United States, accounting for 99.7% of total exports in volume terms.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of cucumber and gherkin exports from the United States declined. In 2020, exports totaled 61.9 million US dollars, down 3.7% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 4.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 64.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 7.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Canada dominated the export structure in value terms, holding a 99.7% share of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of cucumbers and gherkins into the United States rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 994.9 thousand tonnes, up 2.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico remained the dominant partner for cucumber and gherkin imports into the United States in volume terms, with a 79.7% share of total flows, while other markets contributed the remainder.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of cucumber and gherkin imports into the United States increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 958.2 million US dollars, showing an 8.9% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 31%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2017 to 2020, Mexico and Canada played leading roles in import value, together accounting for 95.9% of total flows, with the rest distributed among other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020