Lettuce and chicory market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the European lettuce and chicory market volume expanded from 3.8 million tonnes to 4.3 million tonnes, driven largely by growing consumer awareness of chicory's health benefits and sustainability, which boosted demand. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and altered consumption patterns, leading to a contraction in market volume to 4.0 million tonnes.

The market recovered in 2021, reaching 4.3 million tonnes, as consumer preferences shifted decisively toward healthier and more sustainable products, supported by technological advances in chicory production. A sharp decline followed in 2022, with volume falling to 3.4 million tonnes amid broader market adjustments, even as new players entered and product innovations aimed at gourmet segments emerged.

Market volume continued to ease in 2023, settling at 3.2 million tonnes, while the industry increasingly adopted sustainable practices such as biodegradable packaging, hydroponic production, and supply-chain digitalization. The development of ready-to-eat salad mixes and a focus on traceability shaped evolving consumer offerings.

Production lettuce and chicory in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Europe's lettuce and chicory production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, production reached 3,871 thousand tonnes, which was 1.0% lower than in 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 27.3%, averaging an annual increase of 8.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 4,038 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 32.8% also occurring that year. In contrast, the biggest decline happened in 2019, when production fell by 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

In 2020, the value of lettuce and chicory production in Europe was $111.8 billion, showing a moderate increase of 6.5% compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 32.7%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 9.9%. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, when value jumped by 26.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Exports lettuce and chicory from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Europe's lettuce and chicory export volumes fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 465 thousand tonnes, down 24.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 50.1%, averaging an annual decline of 20.7%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 1,058 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 13.5% that year. The most substantial drop occurred in 2019, with exports falling by 42.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Norway were the leading destinations for Europe's lettuce and chicory exports in volume terms. Switzerland accounted for 2.1% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 0.8%, and Norway for 0.7%, together making up 3.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Europe's lettuce and chicory export value declined for the second year running. In 2020, exports were valued at $1,683 million, marking a modest decrease of 4.9% compared to 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at $1,789 million, which also experienced the largest increase of 8.0% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three main markets for Europe's lettuce and chicory exports in value terms were Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Norway. Together, they accounted for 4.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After increasing for two years, Europe's lettuce and chicory import volumes declined. In 2020, imports stood at 641 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 33.0% reduction from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 15.6%, with an average annual decline of 5.5%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 956 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 19.1% that year.

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

During 2017–2020, Iran and Egypt were the key sources for Europe's lettuce and chicory imports in volume terms, together accounting for 1.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Europe's lettuce and chicory import value fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at $1,680 million, which is 3.2% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 3.0%, averaging an annual decline of 1.0%. The peak import value was in 2018 at $1,782 million, with the largest increase of 2.9% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Iran was the primary source for lettuce and chicory imports to Europe in value terms, absorbing 0.5% of total import value.

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

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