Lettuce and chicory market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the fresh lettuce and chicory market in Czechia showed relative stability. In 2018, the market volume reached 28 951 t, with various types available, including imported ones from Italy, which broadened the assortment. In 2019, as consumers paid more attention to quality, freshness, and healthier options without additives, compliance with Czech standards became key for producers, while the market volume slightly declined to 28 280 t. By 2020, the market stabilized at 28 353 t.

After 2020, the market experienced significant fluctuations. In 2021, market volume grew by 17% to 33 237 t. However, in 2022, it sharply fell by 26% to 24 498 t. In 2023, growing interest in a healthy lifestyle and changes in eating habits supported market recovery to 27 903 t, increasing household spending on chilled products, including fresh salads. In 2024, the market saw a record entry of new brands focused on healthy meals and salads, enhancing competition and offer diversity.

Production lettuce and chicory in Czechia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Czechia's lettuce and chicory production increased for the second year in a row. In 2019, production remained relatively stable, and in 2020, it reached 15 490 tonnes. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 29.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 11.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 11 160 tonnes, marking the largest drop of 49.5% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase of 38.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of lettuce and chicory production in Czechia was 22 741 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate decrease of 8.2% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 33.5%, with an average annual rate of 12.7%. The lowest value occurred in 2018 at 21 129 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 38.2%. The most significant increase was in 2019, with a rise of 17.3%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Czechia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Czechia exported 2 385 tonnes of lettuce and chicory, a decrease of 7.5% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 18.4%, averaging 6.5% per year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 14.0%, while 2019 experienced the biggest increase of 2.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia's lettuce and chicory exports in volume were heavily concentrated on Slovakia, which accounted for 73.7% of total flows, with other countries making up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Lettuce and chicory exports from Czechia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 502 thousand US dollars, representing a significant reduction of 15.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 22.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 760 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, the export structure in value terms was dominated by Slovakia, with a share of 72.5% of total flows, while other markets played a smaller role.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Czechia

Imports in kind, t

Lettuce and chicory imports into Czechia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume was 15 249 tonnes, down 1.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 15.4%, averaging 5.4% per year. The highest volume was in 2018 at 20 305 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 12.6%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 24.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main suppliers of lettuce and chicory to Czechia in volume terms were Spain (56.1% of imports), Germany (17.4%), and Italy (7.9%), together accounting for 81.3% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Czechia imported lettuce and chicory worth 28 352 thousand US dollars, indicating a gradual increase of 4.2% compared to the prior year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports rose by 3.4%, with an average annual rate of 1.1%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 27 201 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.5%. The highest value was in 2018 at 30 053 thousand US dollars, marking the biggest increase of 9.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary suppliers of lettuce and chicory to Czechia in value terms were Germany (33.4% of imports), Spain (32.7%), and Italy (14.8%), collectively making up 80.9% of total imports.

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

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