Leguminous vegetables market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Hungarian market for fresh leguminous vegetables showed initial stability, with volumes hovering around 104 thousand tons. Adequate supply was supported by favorable weather conditions in 2018, which prevented shortages despite the relatively low share of legume cultivation in the country's crop structure. Consumer preference for seasonal and locally grown produce, noted in 2020, underscored a broader trend toward fresh vegetables.

Market volume contracted to 99.4 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 93.1 thousand tons in 2022, driven chiefly by a decline in domestic production, which fell from 105.1 thousand tons in 2019 to 92.1 thousand tons in 2022. Although imports increased, they could not fully offset the production drop. A recovery followed in 2023, with market volume rebounding to 104.4 thousand tons as production rose to 103.6 thousand tons. During this period, consumer surveys highlighted a strong preference for fresh vegetables over frozen or canned alternatives, which helped sustain underlying demand despite temporary supply reductions.

Production leguminous vegetables in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Hungary was among the world's leading producers of leguminous vegetables from 2018 to 2021, ranking 27th globally by production volume.

Top producers of leguminous vegetables, 2018-2021

World map of production of leguminous vegetables, 2018-2021

Hungary's leguminous vegetables production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 99.6 K t of leguminous vegetables, which is 4.3% lower than in 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 5.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output of leguminous vegetables in Hungary was valued at 47 402 K $ US, reflecting a substantial year-over-year loss of 17.7%. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 7.1%, with an annualized rate of 2.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 57 594 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 17.2%.

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

Exports leguminous vegetables from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Volumes dropped to a minimum in 2020 and climbed to their maximum in 2021, showing a 2.2-fold shift. In 2021, leguminous vegetables exports from Hungary amounted to 1 701 t, representing an increase of 122.2% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 766 t, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 34.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland formed the key group of partners for Hungary's leguminous vegetables exports in kind. Austria accounted for 51.3% of exports, Germany for 23.9%, and Switzerland for 19.2%, jointly representing 94.4% of total flows.

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

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest exports were registered in 2020, with the highest in 2021, reflecting a 1.9-fold gap. In 2021, Hungary exported 809.3 K $ US of leguminous vegetables, indicating a gain of 91.1% over the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 423.5 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 36.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany formed the main group of destinations for Hungary's leguminous vegetables exports in value terms. Austria accounted for 47.8% of exports, Switzerland for 22.9%, and Germany for 18.9%, with a combined share of 89.6% of total 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 leguminous vegetables to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's leguminous vegetables imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 1 433 t, representing a steep uptick of 186.4% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 757.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 104.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia, Czechia, and Poland continued to be the main suppliers of leguminous vegetables to Hungary in kind. Slovakia accounted for 54.1% of imports, Czechia for 18.2%, and Poland for 6.8%, jointly forming 79.1% of total imports.

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

Leguminous vegetables shipments to Hungary from abroad increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume amounted to 776.6 K $ US, constituting an abrupt gain of 42.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 120.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia, Czechia, and Poland headed the ranking of suppliers of leguminous vegetables to Hungary in value terms. Slovakia accounted for 18.0% of imports, Czechia for 17.9%, and Poland for 15.3%, with their combined share reaching 51.2% of total imports.

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

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