Leguminous vegetables market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables in Austria reached 29 891 t in 2019, expanding from 26 556 t the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by the establishment of a trend toward protein-rich, plant-based foods as alternatives to animal products, which increased the importance of pulses in both high-end cuisine and quick-service segments.

Market volume fell sharply to 22 354 t in 2020 but partially recovered to 23 156 t in 2021. The recovery was supported by sustained consumer trends favoring plant-based diets for health and environmental reasons, alongside a rich offering of legume products in Austrian supermarkets, including a high share of organic options. Despite continued consumer shifts toward plant-based proteins, the market contracted again to 20 014 t in 2022.

In 2023, the market stabilized at 19 791 t. Weather-related harvest reductions in neighboring Germany, a key influence on supply, constrained availability. Concurrently, demand for pulse ingredients in baked goods, snacks, pasta, and meat alternatives grew strongly, fueled by a significant rise in the vegan and vegetarian population. Market innovation focused on clean-label and functional food applications, with expanded processing capacities for pulse flours and protein isolates.

Production leguminous vegetables in Austria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

Austria's production of leguminous vegetables experienced a decline after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 25 110 tons. However, by 2020, it had dropped sharply to 17 660 tons, representing a 29.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 7.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.6%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 22.7%.

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

Exports leguminous vegetables from Austria

Exports in kind, t

The export market for leguminous vegetables from Austria showed considerable volatility during these years. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 316 tons, while the peak was recorded in 2018 at 1 054 tons, resulting in a 3.3-fold difference between these two years. By 2020, exports had recovered to 466 tons, marking a 47.8% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 70.1%, whereas the most substantial increase was in 2018, with a surge of 189.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Germany were the primary destinations for Austria's leguminous vegetable exports in terms of volume. Switzerland accounted for 31.7% of exports, Slovenia for 30.1%, and Germany for 17.3%. Together, these three countries represented 79.1% of total exports during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Austria's leguminous vegetable exports displayed notable volatility over the observed period. In 2017, exports reached their lowest point, while 2018 saw the peak at 1 635 thousand US dollars, showing a 1.9-fold fluctuation between these years. By 2020, exports had increased to 1 134 thousand US dollars, up by 22.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 43.5%, and the most significant increase was in 2018, with a rise of 94.6%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Germany, and Hungary were the leading markets for Austria's leguminous vegetable exports in value terms. Slovenia accounted for 44.1% of exports, Germany for 16.6%, and Hungary for 13.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 74.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports leguminous vegetables to Austria

Imports in kind, t

Austria's imports of leguminous vegetables continued to grow for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 5 160 tons, reflecting a modest increase of 1.2% compared to 2019. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 42.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, Germany, and Lithuania dominated Austria's imports of leguminous vegetables in terms of volume. Morocco contributed 22.8% of imports, Germany 22.3%, and Lithuania 12.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 57.3% of total import volume during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Austria's imports of leguminous vegetables in value terms declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 11 622 thousand US dollars, but by 2020, they had fallen to 10 445 thousand US dollars, marking a 10.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall imports increased by 20.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 33.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Morocco, Germany, and Italy were the key players in Austria's imports of leguminous vegetables in value terms. These three markets collectively accounted for 54.5% of total import value during this period.

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

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