Lettuce and chicory market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the fresh lettuce and chicory market in Guatemala increased from 49.1 thousand tons in 2018 to 57.3 thousand tons in 2020, supported by steady growth in domestic production.

Market volume dipped to 56.0 thousand tons in 2021 amid ongoing COVID-19-related supply chain adjustments and rising costs for agricultural inputs like fertilizers and fuel. A strong rebound followed in 2022, with volume reaching 62.5 thousand tons, driven by the diversification and expansion of hydroponic lettuce production—including regional market entry by companies such as Legumé Foods—and the implementation of high-tech hydroponic greenhouses like VeggiWell, which applied advanced technology to produce fresh lettuce varieties for retail and gourmet segments.

Volume stabilized at 62.9 thousand tons in 2023 as climatic variability moderated output growth, while institutional support for the agricultural sector continued through participation in international trade fairs. Regulatory developments also advanced, with the approval of Central American technical standards for food labeling and ongoing legislative discussions on front-of-pack nutrition warnings shaping the market environment.

Production lettuce and chicory in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala ranked 21st globally in lettuce and chicory production.

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Guatemala's lettuce and chicory production increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 90 645 tons, marking an 8.5% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 9.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 80 265 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 3.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of growth, Guatemala's lettuce and chicory production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 16 689 thousand US dollars, a 12.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 30.6%, translating to an annualized rate of 9.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 19 093 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 31.6%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Guatemala's lettuce and chicory export volumes rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 33 315 tons, showing a notable 11.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 5.7%, with an average annual rate of 1.9%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 29 797 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, El Salvador dominated Guatemala's lettuce and chicory exports in volume, accounting for 80.0% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Guatemala's lettuce and chicory export value declined. In 2020, exports totaled 6 134 thousand US dollars, a 10.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 26.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 812 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 20.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Guatemala's lettuce and chicory exports in value terms were El Salvador (59.7%), Nicaragua (16.6%), and the United States (15.4%), together accounting for 91.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

Guatemala's lettuce and chicory imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 ton, a 93.2% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 97.1%, with an average annual decline rate of 69.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Mexico and Nicaragua accounted for 97.8% of Guatemala's lettuce and chicory imports in volume, with the rest distributed among other destinations with smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Guatemala's lettuce and chicory import value declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 thousand US dollars, down 88.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 93.1%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 59.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico was the primary source for Guatemala's lettuce and chicory imports in value terms, making up 71.7% of the total, while other destinations played a much smaller role.

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

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