Cucumbers and gherkins market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh cucumbers and gherkins in Western Europe fluctuated between 1.1 million tons and 1.5 million tons from 2018 to 2023. After a sharp increase to 1 464.5 thousand tons in 2019, volume dipped in 2020, partially recovered in 2021, fell again in 2022, and rose to 1 369.3 thousand tons in 2023.

In value terms, the market followed a different pattern, declining to 3 371 million USD in 2019 before entering a period of steady growth that lifted it to 4 759 million USD by 2023. This consistent increase in market value occurred alongside the physical volume fluctuations, suggesting underlying shifts in pricing or consumption patterns.

By 2024, the market environment was shaped by several key developments. Production in major countries like France showed growth, while cultivation areas in the Netherlands remained stable. Rising consumer demand for fresh, organic, and non-GMO produce supported the market, as did the growing popularity of gherkins as a snack. Innovations in disease-resistant varieties and hydroponic systems, alongside investments in technology by large companies, contributed to greater production efficiency and sustainability.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

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

In Western Europe, cucumber and gherkin production reached 949.2 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 7.3% year-on-year increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 885.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 1.5% occurring that same year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of cucumber and gherkin output in Western Europe stood at 3 675 million US dollars in 2020, showing a significant improvement of 20.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 25.2%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 7.8%. The most substantial decline was observed in 2019, when it fell by 8.7%.

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

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the analyzed period. In 2019, cucumber and gherkin shipments from Western Europe reached their lowest point at 235.2 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 598.9 thousand tonnes, resulting in a 2.5-fold difference between these years. By 2020, exports had rebounded to 592.1 thousand tonnes, representing a dramatic 151.7% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when exports dropped by 60.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across numerous markets. The United Kingdom accounted for 15.5% of exports, Czechia for 3.6%, and Sweden for 2.6%, together making up just 21.7% of total flows. The remaining 78.3% was distributed among various other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Western Europe exported cucumbers and gherkins worth 654 million US dollars, showing a 7.5% improvement compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 12.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 678 million US dollars, while the largest decline of 10.3% occurred in 2019. The most significant increase of 17.0% was also observed in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market base for export value from 2017 to 2020 was quite diverse. The United Kingdom represented 17.2% of exports, Sweden 2.6%, and Czechia 2.3%, together accounting for only 22.1% of total flows. The remaining 77.9% was shared among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Western Europe imported 888.6 thousand tonnes of cucumbers and gherkins in 2020, reflecting a gradual uptick of 9.1% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when imports fell by 0.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, cucumber and gherkin imports into Western Europe were characterized by a broad spread across markets. Spain accounted for 45.9% of imports, Serbia for 2.0%, and Czechia for 1.3%, together making up 49.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, foreign cucumber and gherkin supplies to Western Europe totaled 1 048 million US dollars, which is 14.2% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 13.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 917 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 9.5% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was the principal destination for imports in value terms, accounting for 52.7% of the total. Serbia and Turkey each represented 0.9%, bringing their combined share to 54.5% of total flows.

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

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