Lettuce and chicory market in Australia and New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the lettuce and chicory market in Australia and New Zealand experienced notable fluctuations in both volume and value. In physical terms, market volume declined from 185.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 161.4 thousand tons in 2020, then recovered to 180.0 thousand tons in 2021, fell again to 159.2 thousand tons in 2022, and rose to 170.5 thousand tons in 2023. In value terms, the market contracted from $803.4 million in 2018 to $690.0 million in 2020, surged to $907.4 million in 2021 largely due to price increases, and then dropped to $738.7 million in 2022 and $657.0 million in 2023.

The volume growth in 2023 aligns with broader consumer trends that boosted demand. These include a sustained shift toward vegan and vegetarian diets, greater awareness of the health benefits of lettuce and chicory, and the continued popularity of salad kits and organic offerings. Innovations in smart packaging that reduce food waste and enhance consumer confidence also supported the market during this period.

While the market faced downturns in 2022, the underlying drivers such as health-conscious consumption and investment in sustainable production methods have helped stabilize and grow the sector over the full period. The expansion of organic production and the adoption of eco-friendly packaging reflect ongoing industry adaptations to consumer preferences.

Production lettuce and chicory in Australia and New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2018-2021

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2018-2021

Following two consecutive years of decline, lettuce and chicory production in Australia and New Zealand rebounded in 2021. Output reached 181.3 thousand tonnes, marking an 11.3% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 3.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 162.9 thousand tonnes, while the sharpest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two years of contraction, the value of lettuce and chicory production in Australia and New Zealand recovered in 2021. The output was valued at 914.2 million US dollars, representing a significant 31.2% year-over-year increase. Between 2018 and 2021, production value grew by 12.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 697.0 million US dollars, while the most substantial annual decline occurred in 2019 at 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports lettuce and chicory from Australia and New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

Lettuce and chicory exports from Australia and New Zealand declined for the second consecutive year in 2021. Export volume stood at 1 372 tonnes, reflecting an 18.6% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 36.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 14.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 201 tonnes. The most significant annual decline occurred in 2020 at 23.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia were the primary destinations for lettuce and chicory exports from Australia and New Zealand. Singapore accounted for 51.2% of export volume, Hong Kong for 20.1%, and Malaysia for 5.5%. Together, these three markets represented 76.8% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of lettuce and chicory exports from Australia and New Zealand declined for the second straight year in 2021. Export value reached 6 916 thousand US dollars, representing a 4.1% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value fell by 26%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 9.6%. The peak export value was recorded in 2019 at 9 373 thousand US dollars. The most substantial annual decline occurred in 2020 at 23.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 0.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand dominated the value structure of lettuce and chicory exports from Australia and New Zealand. Singapore accounted for 48.4% of export value, Hong Kong for 25.1%, and Thailand for 5.0%. Collectively, these three markets represented 78.5% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports lettuce and chicory to Australia and New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

Lettuce and chicory import volumes into Australia and New Zealand showed notable fluctuations during the period. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2021, representing a 5.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, import volume totaled 63 tonnes, marking a 38.4% decrease from 2020. The most significant annual decline occurred in 2019 at 80.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 41.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Chile, and the Netherlands were the principal suppliers of lettuce and chicory to Australia and New Zealand. The United States accounted for 2.3% of import volume, Chile for 2.2%, and the Netherlands for 1.3%. Together, these three countries represented 5.8% of total import volume.

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

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of lettuce and chicory imports into Australia and New Zealand exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import value peaked in 2018 and fell to its lowest point in 2021, representing a 5.6-fold swing. In 2021, import value was recorded at 111 thousand US dollars, constituting a steep 43.9% year-over-year decline. The most substantial annual decline occurred in 2019 at 78.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 47.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States, the Netherlands, and Chile formed the main group of suppliers for lettuce and chicory imports into Australia and New Zealand by value. The United States accounted for 4.0% of import value, the Netherlands for 1.4%, and Chile for 1.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 6.7% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021