Lettuce and chicory market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled lettuce and chicory in Japan gradually declined from 606.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 553.4 thousand tons in 2023. During this period, the plant factory lettuce segment expanded significantly, driven by technological improvements and cost reductions that began in 2018. The plant factory lettuce market grew from JPY 5.97 billion in 2018 to JPY 28.1 billion in 2022, reflecting a shift in production methods amid the overall market contraction.

Specific events influenced market dynamics. In 2020, prolonged rain and insufficient sunlight temporarily raised lettuce prices, while the COVID-19 pandemic boosted demand for consistently supplied plant factory lettuce. By 2022, adverse weather conditions caused price fluctuations for open-field vegetables, further increasing demand for plant factory lettuce and leading to a 26% growth in that segment. The market also saw new large-scale plant factory construction projects being announced.

Consumer interest in chicory grew due to its perceived health benefits from components like inulin and polyphenols. By 2024, the chicory root segment accounted for over 74% of the chicory market, and changes in tariff measures affected raw material flows. Sustainable production methods became an important factor, with adjustments in trade policy influencing supply chains.

Production lettuce and chicory in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan maintained the sixth position globally in terms of lettuce and chicory production volume.

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2018-2021

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

Lettuce and chicory production in Japan declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Japan produced 546.8 thousand tonnes of lettuce and chicory, down 3.0% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports lettuce and chicory from Japan

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 6 tonnes, while the maximum occurred in 2018, resulting in a 17-fold difference between these years. In 2021, lettuce and chicory shipments from Japan abroad reached 29 tonnes, representing a 430.4% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 83.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Japan's export structure in kind was heavily concentrated in Asia, not elsewhere specified, which accounted for 86.1% of total flows, with other partners making up the remaining volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 35 thousand US dollars, while volumes peaked in 2018, creating a top-to-bottom ratio of 4.8 times. In 2021, lettuce and chicory volumes leaving Japan amounted to 58 thousand US dollars, marking a steep 66.1% increase versus the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 70.2%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, Asia, not elsewhere specified and Singapore together captured 85.9% of total exports in value terms, with the rest of the flows thinly spread across other markets.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Imported lettuce and chicory volumes in Japan declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume totalled 8 575 tonnes, representing a robust 18.5% decline versus the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 59.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.8%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Asia, not elsewhere specified and the United States remained the primary suppliers of lettuce and chicory to Japan, with a combined share of 91.3% of total imports in kind, and other countries forming the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of lettuce and chicory to Japan declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 17 423 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a 7.4% drop compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 47.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States and Asia, not elsewhere specified remained the main markets for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 87.1% of total flows, while other partners formed the remaining share.

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

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