Lettuce and chicory market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

The Swiss fresh lettuce and chicory market opened the period at 97 160 t in 2018, supported by a reported surge in domestic production and the growing prominence of regional producers coupled with innovative online delivery services, which strengthened the market for local fresh produce. After a slight dip to 93 596 t in 2019, a year still characterized by peak consumer demand for fresh and healthy foods, the market volume rebounded to 97 576 t in 2020. This recovery was driven by a 6.3% increase in crop yields and a heightened consumer focus on healthy, plant-based diets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 2021 onward, the market entered a phase of contraction, with volume falling 7.7% to 90 085 t. The continued growth of e-commerce in Switzerland, which facilitated access to fresh produce, provided some market support but did not reverse the overall decline. In 2022, the market stabilized at 89 584 t, aided by the rising popularity of convenient, ready-to-eat salad formats and the expansion of modern retail and online distribution channels. By 2023, volume had decreased further to 85 658 t, a trend that persisted despite ongoing technological innovations in packaging to extend shelf life and sustained consumer preferences for healthy and sustainable plant-based foods.

Production lettuce and chicory in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland ranked as the 29th largest producer of lettuce and chicory globally.

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Following a two-year decline, Switzerland's lettuce and chicory production rebounded in 2020, reaching 64 330 tonnes—an 8.9% increase from the previous year. However, over the 2017–2020 period, overall production fell by 7.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.6%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 59 069 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 9.3% decrease.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Switzerland exported 53 tonnes of lettuce and chicory, a 25.9% rise compared to 2019. Despite this recent uptick, exports declined by 34.9% over the 2017–2020 period, averaging an annual decrease of 13.3%. The lowest export volume was 42 tonnes in 2019, while the peak was 93 tonnes in 2018. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 54.9% reduction.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Spain, and Italy were the main destinations for Switzerland's lettuce and chicory exports, accounting for 87.2% of total export volume. France led with 63.3%, followed by Spain at 13.7% and Italy at 10.2%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Switzerland's lettuce and chicory export value declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, falling to 561 thousand US dollars—an 18.6% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017–2020 period, export value dropped by 33.5%, with an annualized decline of 12.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 002 thousand US dollars. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 at 31.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 18.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France dominated Switzerland's lettuce and chicory export market in value terms, accounting for 95.1% of total exports.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Switzerland's lettuce and chicory import volume decreased in 2020, totaling 34 569 tonnes—a 3.7% drop from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 34 569 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 3.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Italy consistently supplied 82.1% of Switzerland's lettuce and chicory imports by volume, highlighting a concentrated market with numerous smaller suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Switzerland's lettuce and chicory import value reached 59 894 thousand US dollars, showing a slight decline of 1.0% compared to 2019. The lowest value was 58 299 thousand US dollars in 2018, while the peak was 60 491 thousand US dollars in 2019. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 3.3%, and the biggest increase was in 2019 at 3.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, Italy, and France were the primary suppliers of lettuce and chicory to Switzerland in value terms, together making up 89.0% of total imports. Spain led with 46.0%, followed by Italy at 27.4% and France at 15.6%.

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

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