Lettuce and chicory market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for fresh or chilled lettuce and chicory in Denmark experienced initial contraction followed by a partial recovery. Volume declined from 42 250 t in 2018 to 39 365 t in 2019, then rose to 40 107 t in 2020, with similar trends in value. During this period, Danish consumer preferences showed interest in chicory salads due to their frost tolerance and distinct taste, while cultivation methods like dark forcing were used to improve product quality by reducing bitterness. The market recovery in 2020 coincided with heightened consumer focus on freshness and food quality, which supported demand.

From 2021 to 2023, the market entered a phase of pronounced decline. Volume dropped sharply to 31 487 t in 2021, saw a modest rebound to 32 442 t in 2022, and then fell further to 26 055 t in 2023. In value terms, the contraction was even more significant, falling from $101.5 million in 2020 to $60.8 million in 2023. Consumer trends continued to emphasize organic produce and freshness throughout these years, but these preferences did not offset the broader market contraction in volume and value.

Production lettuce and chicory in Denmark

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2018-2021

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

In 2021, Denmark produced 13 450 tons of lettuce and chicory, marking a significant 44.8% decrease compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 47.7%, with an annualized decline of 19.4%. The only notable increase during this timeframe occurred in 2020, when production rose by 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the value of lettuce and chicory production in Denmark stood at 36 972 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 47.7% drop from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production value decreased by 46.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 18.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 70 656 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 19.3%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Denmark exported 4 299 tons of lettuce and chicory in 2021, showing a strong 24.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 8.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 3 441 tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 17.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Italy, and Norway were the primary destinations for Denmark's lettuce and chicory exports by volume. Sweden accounted for 43.8% of exports, Italy for 20.5%, and Norway for 19.5%, together making up 83.8% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, Denmark's lettuce and chicory exports rebounded in value. In 2021, exports reached 11 817 thousand US dollars, an 18.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value rose by 10.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 3.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 9 976 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 4.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden, Norway, and Germany were the key markets for Denmark's lettuce and chicory exports by value. Sweden led with 56.6% of export value, followed by Norway at 18.3% and Germany at 8.2%, collectively accounting for 83.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports lettuce and chicory to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, Denmark's lettuce and chicory imports rose in volume. In 2021, imports totaled 22 336 tons, up 16.5% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 9%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 19 178 tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 4.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and Italy were the main sources of Denmark's lettuce and chicory imports by volume. Spain contributed 53.2% of imports, Germany 13.7%, and Italy 9.8%, together representing 76.8% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year drop, Denmark's lettuce and chicory imports recovered in value. In 2021, imports amounted to approximately 53 769 thousand US dollars, a substantial 31.7% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value grew by 26.2%, with an annualized rate of 8.1%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 40 826 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 2.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Sweden, and Italy formed the core markets for Denmark's lettuce and chicory imports by value. Spain accounted for 40.0% of import value, Sweden for 18.8%, and Italy for 15.4%, with a combined share of 74.2% of total import flows.

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

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