Garlic market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the European fresh garlic market experienced initial growth followed by a contraction. Strong import competition, particularly from China, Egypt, and Argentina, covered over half of the French market in 2018, while local producers capitalized on labeled segments like IGP and AOC for guaranteed traceability. Market volume rose to 918.6 thousand tonnes in 2019 amid stable European demand, though supply chain disruptions such as refrigerated container shortages in Asian ports affected import logistics and costs. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 doubled retail demand for fresh garlic due to its perceived health benefits but caused an 80–90% collapse in peeled garlic demand from the foodservice sector, leading to an overall market decline to 842.6 thousand tonnes.

The market showed a modest recovery to 854.8 thousand tonnes in 2021, as the European Union strengthened import controls to protect its domestic market, which supported prices. Meanwhile, organic garlic cultivation expanded significantly in Switzerland, reflecting a broader trend toward sustainable and labeled products. In 2022, volume fell sharply to 766.3 thousand tonnes, primarily due to production issues in France where the 'waxy breakdown' phenomenon affected garlic quality and yields in the southwest and southeast regions. Persistent shortages of refrigerated containers continued to hamper import logistics and costs throughout the year.

In 2023, the market rebounded strongly to 931.0 thousand tonnes. This surge coincided with increased French national production, supported by dynamic professional demand, and the growing valorization of segments with protected origins such as Cadours violet garlic, which holds a Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) status that enhances its market appeal through guaranteed quality and traceability.

Production garlic in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

Europe's garlic production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, European countries produced 880.9 thousand tonnes of garlic, showing a modest 1.0% increase compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 853.6 thousand tonnes, which represented a 3.1% decline from the previous year. However, production rebounded in 2019 with a 2.1% increase.

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

Exports garlic from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Europe's garlic exports showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2020, with a 2.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Europe exported 373.7 thousand tonnes of garlic, which was 35.2% higher than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 14.4% drop, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018 with an 87.9% surge.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, the United States, and Morocco were the largest buyers of European garlic, though none dominated the market. Brazil accounted for 6.5% of exports in volume, the United States for 6.3%, and Morocco for 5.5%. Together, these three countries represented 18.3% of total garlic exports from Europe, with the remainder spread across numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of garlic exports from Europe has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 698.3 million US dollars, marking a sharp 34.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 23.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 444.5 million US dollars, which represented a 21.2% decline from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, European garlic exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The United States accounted for 7.9% of export value, Brazil for 4.1%, and Morocco for 2.3%. Combined, these three countries represented just 14.3% of total export flows, indicating a highly diversified market.

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

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

Imports garlic to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Europe's garlic imports have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 335.4 thousand tonnes, showing a 3.8% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 26.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, garlic imports to Europe in volume terms were not heavily concentrated among a few key suppliers. China accounted for 33.6% of imports, Egypt for 4.4%, and Iran for 1.0%. Together, these three countries represented 39.0% of total import flows, with the rest coming from various other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of garlic imports into Europe has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value stood at 767.8 million US dollars, indicating a 40.0% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 23.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 7.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 515.5 million US dollars, which represented a 17.2% decline from the previous year.

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

During 2017-2020, China, Egypt, and Argentina were the main sources of garlic imports to Europe in value terms. China accounted for 24.7% of import value, Egypt for 3.1%, and Argentina for 1.2%. Together, these three countries formed a combined share of 29.1% of total import flows.

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

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