Lettuce and chicory market Turkey

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, lettuce and chicory production in Turkey began a steady climb, supported by the wider adoption of soilless farming and hydroponic systems that boosted yields. The introduction of new varieties, including local types like Yedikule lettuce and the emerging popularity of white chicory in urban areas, expanded consumer choice and stimulated domestic demand. Entry of international seed companies, such as Syngenta, with improved lettuce seeds further contributed to quality and diversity in cultivation.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly increased demand for fresh vegetables as health-conscious trends rose, directly lifting consumption of lettuce and chicory. This shift toward healthy and organic products persisted into 2021, reinforced by the growth of direct digital sales platforms that improved market access and reduced distribution barriers for consumers.

Government-supported agricultural policies and continued investment in production capacity, including state-backed expansion of soilless farming, helped drive output higher in 2022 and 2023. The market volume grew consistently, reaching 569.9 thousand tons by 2023, demonstrating sustained long-term expansion.

Production lettuce and chicory Turkey

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Turkey ranked as the 8th largest producer of lettuce and chicory from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Turkey's lettuce and chicory production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 520.2 K t, marking a modest increase of 4.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 487.5 K t, with the largest decline that year of 0.6%.

Annual dynamics of production Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of lettuce and chicory output in Turkey reached 324.1 M $ US, up by 27.1% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 11.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 255.0 M $ US, when the largest decline of 13.3% occurred.

Annual dynamics of production Turkey in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports lettuce and chicory to Turkey

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, lettuce and chicory exports from Turkey fell. In 2020, export volume dropped to 1 767 t, a decline of 67.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 60.3%, with an average annual decline rate of 26.5%. The highest export volume was in 2019 at 5 479 t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Russia were the key markets for Turkey's lettuce and chicory exports in volume terms. Saudi Arabia accounted for 23.3% of exports, Iraq for 21.5%, and Russia for 12.6%, together making up 57.4% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Turkey's lettuce and chicory export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value amounted to 1 101 K $ US, representing a sharp drop of 60.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 58.2%, with an average annual decrease of 25.2%. The peak value was in 2018 at 3 038 K $ US, when the largest increase of 15.4% was recorded.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Greece were the top destinations for Turkey's lettuce and chicory exports in value terms. Saudi Arabia held 26.1% of exports, Russia 14.4%, and Greece 9.9%, collectively accounting for 50.3% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020

Imports lettuce and chicory in Turkey

Imports in kind, t

The import market for lettuce and chicory in Turkey showed volatility during the observed period. Imports varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2018 at 87 t and the highest in 2019 at 931 t, representing a 10.7-fold difference. In 2020, imports fell to 560 t, a reduction of 39.9% from 2019. The largest decline was in 2018 at 84.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 969.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt and Iran dominated Turkey's lettuce and chicory imports in volume terms, together accounting for 95.0% of total flows, with other markets making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Turkey's lettuce and chicory import market experienced volatility from 2017 to 2020. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 40 K $ US and peaked in 2019 at 304 K $ US, showing a 7.5-fold gap. In 2020, imports dropped to 82 K $ US, a steep fall of 73.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2018 at 77.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 653.7%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Egypt was the dominant source for Turkey's lettuce and chicory imports in value terms, capturing 78.1% of total flows, with other countries accounting for the rest.

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

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