Cucumbers and gherkins market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh cucumbers and gherkins in Ukraine showed steady growth from 993 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 099 thousand tons in 2021, despite a minor contraction in 2020. During this period, rising consumer preference for frozen vegetables, including cucumbers, contributed to increased overall cucumber consumption. The industry also saw focused attention with a comprehensive study on the preserved fruit and vegetable market in 2020.

The full-scale invasion in 2022 severely disrupted the market: the occupation of the Kherson region, a major vegetable-producing area, reduced production by 60–70%, while import constraints further limited supply. As a result, market volume dropped to 863 thousand tons. Government grant support for greenhouse expansion and the arrival of new players in the greenhouse vegetable sector helped initiate a rebound. By 2023, volume recovered to 902 thousand tons, supported by expanded vegetable planting areas, though import shortages and colder weather kept prices high. That year, Ukraine ranked third globally in cucumber revenue, highlighting the market's scale.

In 2024, market conditions remain shaped by high prices and subdued sales of local cucumbers, alongside the introduction of new cucumber varieties with enhanced yield and quality characteristics.

Production cucumbers and gherkins Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Ukraine ranked as the 6th largest producer of cucumbers and gherkins from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

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

Ukraine's production of cucumbers and gherkins experienced a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, the country produced 1 013 thousand tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 2.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.1%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 1 034 thousand tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 9.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of cucumbers and gherkins produced in Ukraine was 1 094 million US dollars, reflecting a 4.7% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 15.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 179 million US dollars. The most significant decline took place in 2019 with an 11.4% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 24.2%.

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

Exports cucumbers and gherkins to Ukraine

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Ukraine exported 4 211 tonnes of cucumbers and gherkins, which represents a 10.6% increase compared to 2019. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 3 806 tonnes, and the highest was in 2018 at 4 350 tonnes. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Belarus, and Estonia were the primary markets for Ukraine's exports of cucumbers and gherkins in volume terms. Poland accounted for 51.4% of exports, Belarus for 19.9%, and Estonia for 18.3%. Together, these three countries represented 89.5% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Ukraine's exports of cucumbers and gherkins in value terms reached 4 549 thousand US dollars, an 18.3% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 2.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 844 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 at 5 204 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 26.1% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, Belarus, and Estonia were the main markets for Ukraine's exports of cucumbers and gherkins in value terms. Poland held a 63.3% share, Belarus 15.3%, and Estonia 14.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 93.1% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in value, 2017-2020

Imports cucumbers and gherkins in Ukraine

Imports in kind, t

Ukraine's imports of cucumbers and gherkins increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 20 636 tonnes. This represents a strong growth of 17.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 124.5%, averaging an annual increase of 30.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the dominant source for Ukraine's imports of cucumbers and gherkins in volume terms, accounting for 87.3% of total flows. The remaining imports were spread across various other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Ukraine's imports of cucumbers and gherkins in value terms grew for the third year in a row in 2020, totaling 18 273 thousand US dollars. This marked a significant increase of 33.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 180.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 41.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey clearly dominated Ukraine's imports of cucumbers and gherkins in value terms, capturing 84.5% of total flows. Other countries each held considerably smaller shares.

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

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