Edible brassicas market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

Domestic production of fresh or chilled edible brassicas in Slovakia fell from 15 930 t in 2018 to 7 770 t in 2023. This sustained decline was initially driven by drought conditions in 2018 and 2019, which reduced yields. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted farming operations and supply chains, while in later years persistent challenges like insufficient irrigation and labor shortages continued to limit output.

To compensate, imports grew from 42 028 t to 47 762 t over the same period, supporting the overall market volume which fluctuated between 55 540 t and 59 802 t. The 2020 peak was linked to pandemic-related demand shifts. From 2022, new legislation on the transport of perishable foods improved logistics for imports, facilitating market growth despite falling local production.

Market structure was influenced by the formal recognition of producer organizations like Zeleninárska and the activity of large, state-supported growers. Retail initiatives, notably Kaufland's commitment to sourcing over 100 000 t of fresh produce with GLOBALG.A.P. certification from domestic farmers, aligned with rising consumer preference for local vegetables. However, structural constraints such as limited storage capacity and low subsidies prevented local production from meeting demand.

Production edible brassicas in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

Slovakia's production of edible brassicas has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, the country produced 10,960 tonnes, marking a 24.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 41.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 16.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports edible brassicas from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for edible brassicas from Slovakia showed significant volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports dropped sharply to 708 tonnes, representing a 70.8% decrease year-over-year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2,424 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 135.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia and Hungary were the primary markets for Slovakia's edible brassicas exports, together accounting for 83.6% of total export volumes. Other destinations had relatively smaller shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of edible brassicas exports from Slovakia experienced notable fluctuations. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, showing a 5.5-fold increase between these years. In 2020, exports amounted to 1,105 thousand US dollars, down by 26.9% compared to 2019. The peak value was 1,512 thousand US dollars in 2019, and the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 262.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Czechia, Bulgaria, and Hungary were the leading destinations for Slovakia's edible brassicas exports in value terms. Czechia accounted for 61.8% of export value, Bulgaria for 14.5%, and Hungary for 13.0%, together making up 89.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports edible brassicas to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

Slovakia's imports of edible brassicas increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 49,550 tonnes, showing a significant rise of 14.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 20.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Germany, and Italy were the main sources of edible brassicas imports to Slovakia in volume terms. Poland contributed 38.9% of imports, Germany 15.9%, and Italy 9.6%, collectively representing 64.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After rising for two years, Slovakia's imports of edible brassicas in value terms declined in 2020. Imports stood at 31,008 thousand US dollars, a slight decrease of 2.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 34.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 10.4%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 31,744 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 22.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, Poland, Germany, and Italy remained the top suppliers of edible brassicas to Slovakia in value terms. Poland accounted for 23.7% of import value, Germany for 16.9%, and Italy for 15.8%, together comprising 56.4% of total imports.

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

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