Lettuce and chicory market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh lettuce and chicory in Norway fell from 39 755 t in 2018 to 28 479 t in 2022, a decline of over 28%. This drop accelerated in 2020 and 2021, with the market shrinking by 15% in 2021 alone. By 2023, the market stabilized at 28 440 t, showing only a marginal decrease.

In 2024, food prices in Norway were 3.1% higher than the previous year, which could pressure consumer spending on fresh vegetables like lettuce. Simultaneously, more consumers showed interest in growing lettuce and leafy greens at home, potentially reducing retail purchases. Household food waste remained a concern, with 15% of fresh vegetables and salads being discarded.

By 2025, sustainability and marketing trends continued to shape consumer preferences for fresh produce, though no major regulatory or production changes were reported specifically for lettuce and chicory. The ongoing focus on reducing waste and adapting to price sensitivity framed the market environment.

Production lettuce and chicory in Norway

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2018-2021

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

Lettuce and chicory production in Norway has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, Norway produced 18 524 tonnes of lettuce and chicory, marking a significant 24.9% drop compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 32.7%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 12.4%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the value of lettuce and chicory output in Norway was 36 210 thousand US dollars, down 26.1% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, production value decreased by 31%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.6%. The only increase during this period occurred in 2020, with a modest rise of 3.6%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Norway

Exports in kind, t

Norway's cross-border shipments of lettuce and chicory have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Norway exported 21 tonnes of lettuce and chicory, showing an abrupt 35.8% decrease from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 12.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.3%. The peak was in 2019 at 40 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 65.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Norway's exports in kind were dominated by Denmark and the Netherlands, which together accounted for 97.0% of total flows. Other markets made up a long tail with minimal shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Foreign lettuce and chicory supplies from Norway have declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports stood at 41 thousand US dollars, representing an abrupt 36.9% year-on-year decline. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 10.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 71 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 54.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark and the Netherlands were the dominant destinations for Norway's exports in value terms, jointly taking 97.0% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Norway imported approximately 12 031 tonnes of lettuce and chicory in 2021, representing a moderate 6.3% uptick compared to the prior year. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 11 317 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 12 592 tonnes. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, dropping by 10.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain was the principal market for lettuce and chicory imports to Norway, accounting for 89.2% of total imports in kind. Other destinations formed a less significant tail with smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, imported lettuce and chicory volumes in Norway increased in 2021. Imports tallied 26 423 thousand US dollars, which is 22.7% higher year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 7.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 21 535 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 10.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain remained the dominant direction for Norway's imports in value terms, with a share of 86.3% of total flows. The remainder was fragmented across other markets.

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

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