Lettuce and chicory market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Hungarian lettuce and chicory market volume experienced fluctuations, peaking at 19 382 t in 2023. The market expanded in 2019, driven by sustained health-conscious consumer preferences that increased demand for fresh, low-calorie vegetables. This growth was interrupted in 2020 when COVID-19 pandemic-related supply chain disruptions severely constrained import and domestic logistics, causing volume to drop to 15 801 t. Recovery followed in 2021 as demand rebounded, though rising energy and raw material prices began to pressure production costs.

Market volume stabilized in 2022 at 17 402 t amid import risks and higher costs for imported chicory due to the war in Ukraine, which were offset by increased domestic production. A significant rise to 19 382 t occurred in 2023, facilitated by new regulatory rules that eased market access for small producers selling chilled lettuce and chicory, boosting supply. Concurrently, escalating energy and input costs throughout 2021-2023 contributed to a steady increase in market value, which reached USD 25.4 million by 2023.

Production lettuce and chicory in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2018-2021

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

Hungary's lettuce and chicory production saw a two-year decline before increasing in 2021. That year, production reached 8 450 tonnes, marking an 8.3% rise from 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 3.2%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 7 800 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year drop of 8.3% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, Hungary's lettuce and chicory production value increased in 2021. The output was valued at 12 827 thousand US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value decreased by 36.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 12 788 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 25.1% compared to the previous year.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decrease, Hungary's lettuce and chicory exports increased in 2021. Exports reached 6 109 tonnes, showing no significant change from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 10.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 6 086 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 8.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, three key markets—Romania, Austria, and Czechia—collectively accounted for 85.4% of Hungary's total lettuce and chicory exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's lettuce and chicory export value declined for the third consecutive year in 2021. Exports totaled 9 273 thousand US dollars, representing a modest year-on-year decrease of 7.1%. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value fell by 41.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Romania, Austria, and Czechia—together absorbed 80.8% of Hungary's total lettuce and chicory export value.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary imported 15 064 tonnes of lettuce and chicory in 2021, a 7.0% increase from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 14 087 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 16 991 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 17.1% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 14.6% rise.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain (51.8% of import volume), Germany (21.8%), and Austria (11.3%) consistently remained the top sources for Hungary's lettuce and chicory imports, together accounting for 85.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary imported 18 933 thousand US dollars worth of lettuce and chicory in 2021, a 15.2% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, import value grew by 3.7%, equating to an average annual rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 16 429 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 13.1%.

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

During 2018-2021, three principal markets—Spain, Germany, and Austria—together accounted for 79.9% of Hungary's total lettuce and chicory import value.

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

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