Lettuce and chicory market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

The Polish lettuce and chicory market began the period with growth, as volume increased from 103 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 105 thousand tonnes in 2019. This rise aligned with the early development of the plant-based alternatives market in Poland, where the introduction of first fish and mayonnaise substitutes, along with growing consumer interest in meat-free products, stimulated demand for fresh vegetables including lettuce and chicory.

From 2020 to 2022, the market experienced volatility, with volume dipping to 104.7 thousand tonnes in 2020, then surging to 112 thousand tonnes in 2021 before moderating to 108.9 thousand tonnes in 2022.

In 2023, the market contracted sharply to 96.8 thousand tonnes. This decline was driven by a slowdown in plant-based product sales resulting from weaker consumer demand, raw material shortages, and increased costs for production, packaging, and transport, which directly reduced the volume of lettuce and chicory available on the market.

Production lettuce and chicory in Poland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland ranked 30th globally in lettuce and chicory production.

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Poland's lettuce and chicory production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 66 800 tonnes, marking a modest 8.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 54.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 15.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two years of growth, lettuce and chicory production in Poland saw a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 78 220 thousand US dollars, representing a 10.3% decrease from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 59.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 87 165 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 59.9%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Poland

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, lettuce and chicory exports from Poland decreased. In 2020, exports totaled 17 074 tonnes, down 13.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 33%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.0%. The peak was in 2019 at 19 709 tonnes, and the biggest rise happened in 2018 at 25.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Germany, and Italy were the top markets for Poland's lettuce and chicory exports in volume terms. Ukraine accounted for 24.3% of exports, Germany for 15.8%, and Italy for 11.7%, together making up 51.7% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, Poland's lettuce and chicory exports in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 19 994 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 28.3% year-over-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 37.6%, with an annualized rate of 11.2%. The highest value was in 2019 at 27 888 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 45.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine, Germany, and Czechia were the main destinations for Poland's lettuce and chicory exports in value terms. Ukraine represented 23.9% of exports, Germany 20.9%, and Czechia 8.0%, collectively accounting for 52.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Poland

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Poland's lettuce and chicory imports fell. In 2020, imports reached 54 981 tonnes, a 13.2% drop from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 6.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.1%. The maximum was in 2019 at 63 370 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 15.3%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Poland's lettuce and chicory imports in volume terms were highly concentrated, with Spain and Italy dominating. Together, they accounted for 83.0% of total imports, while other partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of increase, Poland's lettuce and chicory imports in value terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 72 040 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 7.6% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 21.9%, with an annualized rate of 6.8%. The peak value was in 2019 at 77 974 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 23.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Italy, and Germany were the primary sources for Poland's lettuce and chicory imports in value terms. Spain contributed 42.4% of imports, Italy 32.2%, and Germany 13.4%, together making up 88.0% of total imports.

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

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