Fresh grapes market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

The Slovak fresh grapes market volume declined from 68.7 thousand t in 2018 to 58.4 thousand t in 2019, driven by a continuous reduction in vineyard area and low purchase prices that often fell below production costs, discouraging grape growers. Simultaneously, high imports of cheap grapes and wine, particularly from Hungary, created unfair competition for domestic producers, further squeezing local production.

A rebound to 62.5 thousand t occurred in 2020, primarily due to the highest hectare yield of grapes recorded in the period, which boosted domestic output despite the ongoing economic unprofitability of cultivation. The COVID-19 pandemic indirectly affected labor and consumer behavior, while subsequent years saw pressure from imports and a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and more unique products, including organic and special wine segments, influencing demand for fresh grapes.

By 2022, amendments to the Food Act allowing the sale of products past their minimum durability date and continued strong imports supported a market increase to 63.1 thousand t. However, in 2023, the market contracted to 58.3 thousand t as declining wine consumption in Slovakia, fueled by growing health awareness and changing tastes, reduced demand for grapes. Legislative changes concerning food labeling and market placement, along with the consolidation of producer and grower associations, shaped the regulatory environment throughout the latter part of the period.

Production fresh grapes in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

In 2019, Slovakia produced 43 040 tonnes of fresh grapes, the lowest level in recent years. Production then rebounded in 2020 to 46 920 tonnes, marking a 9.0% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 2.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 52 420 tonnes, which represented a 14.3% increase from 2017. However, 2019 saw the largest decline of 17.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of fresh grapes produced in Slovakia was 102.6 million US dollars, a significant 26.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, the value increased by 35.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 104.3 million US dollars, which was a 37.4% increase from 2017. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 22.3%.

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

Exports fresh grapes from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

Slovakia's fresh grapes export volume has declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports totaled 1 151 tonnes, showing a sharp decrease of 39.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 48.5%, with an average annual decline of 19.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary and Czechia consistently made up 93.1% of Slovakia's total fresh grapes exports by volume, indicating a highly concentrated market with many smaller destinations playing minor roles.

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

Fresh grapes exports from Slovakia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 2 516 thousand US dollars, a sharp 29.6% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 32%, with an average annual decline of 12.0%. The peak was in 2018 at 4 095 thousand US dollars, which saw a 10.7% increase from 2017.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary and Czechia dominated Slovakia's fresh grapes exports in value terms, while other markets contributed individually smaller shares.

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

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

Imports fresh grapes to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

Fresh grapes imports into Slovakia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 16 766 tonnes, a moderate 3.1% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 6.5%, with an average annual decline of 2.2%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 18 369 tonnes, which increased by 2.4% from 2017. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and Hungary were the main sources for Slovakia's fresh grapes imports by volume, accounting for 33.8%, 19.7%, and 12.5% respectively. Together, they represented 66.0% of total imports.

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

In 2020, Slovakia's fresh grapes imports were valued at 30 670 thousand US dollars, a 9.7% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 8.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 27 959 thousand US dollars, which saw a 6.6% decline from 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Germany, and South Africa were the primary sources for Slovakia's fresh grapes imports by value, with shares of 31.5%, 21.8%, and 8.6% respectively. Combined, they accounted for 61.9% of total import value.

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

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