Lettuce and chicory market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Romanian market for fresh lettuce and chicory contracted from 18 437 t to 14 906 t. This decline occurred alongside the implementation of stringent national hygiene and food labeling regulations, which raised compliance requirements for producers and caterers. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted supply chains and reduced demand from the hospitality sector, where fresh salads are commonly served.

Market volume recovered from 2021, reaching 16 933 t in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by the entry of new product segments such as ready-to-eat protein-enriched salads, launched by retailers through local production and imports. The expansion of packaged salad varieties, supported by continued consumer education, helped increase overall consumption.

In 2023, the market slightly decreased to 16 480 t. This coincided with a shift in consumer and hospitality sector interest toward frozen food products, influenced by hot weather conditions and high energy prices, which diverted some demand away from fresh salads. Simultaneously, updated European marketing standards required clearer origin labeling for packaged salad leaves, affecting market practices.

Production lettuce and chicory in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Romania's lettuce and chicory production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2,210 tonnes, marking a significant 14.7% drop from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 38.8%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 15.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's lettuce and chicory production has seen a decline for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 7,825 thousand US dollars, down 14.2% compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 50.4%, averaging an annualized rate of 20.8%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's lettuce and chicory exports have fallen for the second year running. In 2020, the country exported 37 tonnes, representing a substantial 23.6% reduction from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 28.4%, with an average annual decline of 10.6%. The peak was in 2018 at 66 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 26.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the steepest decline of 26.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova was the primary export partner for Romania in terms of volume, accounting for 98.6% of total lettuce and chicory exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Romania's lettuce and chicory exports have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled 132 thousand US dollars, showing a notable 23.2% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 42%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 258 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 13.7%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 33.6% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania's lettuce and chicory exports were heavily reliant on Moldova, which accounted for 98.9% of the total export value.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's lettuce and chicory imports have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 12,734 tonnes, reflecting a sharp 16.0% year-on-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 5.6%, averaging an annualized rate of 1.9%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 15,523 tonnes, which also recorded the largest increase of 15.1%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Italy, Hungary, and Germany were consistently the top sources for Romania's lettuce and chicory imports by volume. Italy held 35.1%, Hungary 26.3%, and Germany 11.1%, together making up 72.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, Romania's lettuce and chicory imports declined in 2020. The import value for that year was 20,013 thousand US dollars, down 18.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports decreased by 7.6%, with an average annual rate of 2.6%. The peak value was in 2019 at 20,013 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 11.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Hungary, and Germany were the leading contributors to Romania's lettuce and chicory import value. Italy accounted for 30.6%, Hungary for 25.4%, and Germany for 19.8%, collectively representing 75.8% of total imports.

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

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