Lettuce and chicory market in the Philippines

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lettuce and chicory in the Philippines demonstrated consistent growth from 4 124 t in 2018 to 4 935 t in 2022, with a notable acceleration in the latter year.

This expansion continued in 2023, with volume reaching 5 457 t, fueled by rising consumer demand for health-oriented and plant-based foods, coupled with the development of modern retail channels such as supermarkets and online platforms that improved product accessibility.

Into 2024, sustained consumer preference for fresh, healthy, and conveniently available produce remained a key influence on the market.

Production lettuce and chicory in the Philippines

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

The Philippines saw its lettuce and chicory production volume rise for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 4 361 tons of lettuce and chicory, marking a 1.4% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports lettuce and chicory from the Philippines

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, the Philippines exported 6.7 tons of lettuce and chicory, a dramatic increase of 1,058.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 12,349.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 399.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export pattern for lettuce and chicory was heavily dominated by South Korea, which accounted for 85.5% of total shipments. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of lettuce and chicory exports from the Philippines reached 12.2 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp increase of 1,532.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export values rose by 2,899.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 210.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, South Korea was the clear leader in the value of lettuce and chicory exports from the Philippines, capturing 85.3% of total flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to the Philippines

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during these years. The lowest imports were recorded in 2017, while the highest volume was observed in 2019, with a 144-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, the Philippines imported 121.0 tons of lettuce and chicory, which was 12.7% lower than in 2019. The peak import volume of 138.5 tons occurred in 2019, and the largest percentage increase was in 2018, at 4,120.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the nearly exclusive supplier of lettuce and chicory to the Philippines, accounting for 98.1% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values displayed an unstable trend over this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2017, and it climbed to a maximum in 2019, showing a 48-fold increase. In 2020, the Philippines imported lettuce and chicory worth 174.9 thousand US dollars, a modest decrease of 7.7% from the previous year. The highest import value of 189.4 thousand US dollars was in 2019, which also saw the largest percentage rise at 916.6%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, lettuce and chicory imports to the Philippines were primarily sourced from China, which made up 97.0% of total import value.

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

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