Lettuce and chicory market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The Austrian market for fresh lettuce and chicory grew from 61 788 t in 2018 to 78 213 t in 2023. The increase to 68 539 t in 2019 coincided with a culinary shift that, despite a more relaxed eating style, maintained consumer focus on fresh and balanced meals, supporting demand for salads.

After a contraction to 65 896 t in 2020, the market recovered to 68 498 t in 2021. This rebound aligned with food trends promoting greater variety in salad products and innovative preparation methods, which expanded options for consumers. Volume then stabilized at 68 539 t in 2022.

A sharp rise followed in 2023, with the market reaching 78 213 t, a 14.1% increase from the previous year, reflecting stronger consumption supported by higher domestic production and import volumes.

Production lettuce and chicory in Austria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

Austria's lettuce and chicory production has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 43 380 tonnes, which is 5.1% more than in 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 8.2%, averaging a 2.8% annual decline. The lowest production level was in 2018, at 35 200 tonnes. That year also saw the biggest drop, with a 25.5% decrease. In contrast, 2019 recorded the largest increase, with production rising by 17.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Austria's lettuce and chicory output was 72 197 thousand US dollars, down 10.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the production value decreased by 5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.7%. The lowest value was in 2018, at 59 753 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019, at 80 818 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 21.4% decrease, whereas 2019 saw the largest rise, with a 35.3% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports lettuce and chicory from Austria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Austria exported 3 630 tonnes of lettuce and chicory, showing a moderate year-over-year growth of 4.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 8.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The peak export volume was in 2018, at 4 108 tonnes. The largest decline happened in 2019, with a 15.7% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with a 22.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Slovenia, Hungary, and Germany—collectively made up 80.1% of Austria's total lettuce and chicory exports by volume.

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

Austria's lettuce and chicory export value has fallen for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 6 042 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 10.9% compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 12.1%, averaging 3.9% growth per year. The highest value was recorded in 2018, at 6 973 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase, with a 29.3% jump.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovenia, Hungary, and Germany dominated Austria's lettuce and chicory export value. Slovenia accounted for 41.0%, Hungary for 24.9%, and Germany for 15.9%, together representing 81.8% 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 lettuce and chicory to Austria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Austria imported 26 147 tonnes of lettuce and chicory, a 14.9% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 16.1%, with an average annual decrease of 5.7%. The largest increase was in 2019, though it was minimal at just 0.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy and Spain were the primary sources for Austria's lettuce and chicory imports by volume, together accounting for 81.3% of total imports, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

In 2020, the value of Austria's lettuce and chicory imports was 55 110 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 14.7% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 16.3%, averaging a 5.7% annual decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a modest 2.2% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy and Spain remained the key partners for Austria's lettuce and chicory imports by value, jointly holding an 81.1% share of total imports, while other countries accounted for the rest.

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

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