Ketchup and other tomato sauces market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The market for ketchup and other tomato sauces in Hungary entered a period of steady expansion from 2018, with volume rising from 16.2 thousand tons to over 20.5 thousand tons by 2024. This growth was initially supported by investments in domestic tomato processing capacity, notably Univer Product Zrt.'s increased stake in Kecskeméti Konzervgyár Zrt., which revitalized local tomato cultivation and strengthened the supply base for sauce production.

Evolving consumer preferences further shaped the market, highlighted by the emergence of child-friendly ketchup variants and noticeable quality differences between major brands and private labels by 2020. Product diversification stimulated demand, contributing to market growth which continued into 2022 as manufacturers responded to rising input costs by optimizing processes and introducing innovations like portion-sized packaging and sugar-free options.

The trend toward local, seasonal, and ecological products provided additional momentum by 2024, even as producers faced higher operational costs from increased water and sewage fees. Ketchup solidified its status as Hungary's most popular condiment, reflecting strong underlying consumer preference that supported sustained market volume growth through the period.

Production ketchup and other tomato sauces in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's production of ketchup and other tomato sauces has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output value reached 11 130 thousand US dollars, marking a 3.8% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 11.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following two years of growth, ketchup and other tomato sauces production in Hungary saw a decline. In 2021, Hungary produced 7 669 tonnes, down 3.2% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production increased by 7.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 7 924 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 at 8.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports ketchup and other tomato sauces from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Hungary's exports of ketchup and other tomato sauces decreased. In 2021, exports totaled 3 064 tonnes, remaining essentially unchanged from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 15.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.9%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2020 at 3 067 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase happening in 2019 at 9.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Romania dominated Hungary's ketchup and tomato sauce exports in volume terms, accounting for 74.0% of total shipments. The export structure also featured numerous smaller trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's exports of ketchup and other tomato sauces have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export value reached 3 415 thousand US dollars, showing a modest 3.5% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 24.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Slovakia, and Croatia were the leading destinations for Hungary's ketchup and tomato sauce exports in value terms. Romania accounted for 62.9% of export value, Slovakia for 13.7%, and Croatia for 3.9%. Together, these three countries represented 80.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports ketchup and other tomato sauces to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of ketchup and other tomato sauces have risen for the second year running. In 2021, imports reached 12 764 tonnes, reflecting a slight 2.4% increase from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 11 411 tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year decline of 2.6%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020 with a 9.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Poland, and Italy were the main sources of Hungary's ketchup and tomato sauce imports in volume terms. Austria accounted for 27.1% of imports, Poland for 26.9%, and Italy for 18.9%. Combined, these three countries represented 73.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's imports of ketchup and other tomato sauces have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import value amounted to 15 966 thousand US dollars, representing a steady 9.9% gain compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 17.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.4%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 12 913 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest year-on-year decline of 5.3%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2020 with a 12.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Austria, Poland, and Italy led Hungary's ketchup and tomato sauce imports in value terms. Austria accounted for 23.7% of import value, Poland for 22.9%, and Italy for 18.0%. Together, these three countries represented 64.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021