Lettuce and chicory market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh lettuce and chicory in Ukraine expanded consistently from 5 994 t in 2018 to 12 333 t in 2021, reflecting a doubling in size over three years. It then contracted sharply to 7 572 t in 2022 before rebounding to 10 644 t in 2023.

This growth phase up to 2021 coincided with heightened foreign investor interest in Ukraine’s FMCG sector, which channeled funding into new food production projects—including fresh vegetables—supporting both domestic output and import growth. The market recovery in 2023 occurred alongside ongoing challenges: the occupation of key vegetable‑growing regions reduced frozen‑vegetable production and weighed on the fresh produce segment, while electricity disruptions forced some operators to ship frozen stocks to Poland for storage, adding logistical complexity.

In 2024, imports of fresh lettuce and chicory rose further to 10 389 t, underpinned by shifting consumer preferences toward healthy eating and conscious consumption. The start‑up of new food‑processing capacities also contributed to a more resilient supply chain.

Production lettuce and chicory Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Ukraine's lettuce and chicory production rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2019, production hit its lowest point at 1 040 tonnes. The following year, in 2020, output rose to 1 450 tonnes, marking a significant 39.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 19%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.8%. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, with a 40.9% decrease.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory to Ukraine

Exports in kind, t

The export market for lettuce and chicory from Ukraine exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2019, exports reached their lowest level at just 1 tonne, while the peak was recorded in 2018 at 27 tonnes, resulting in a substantial 22-fold difference between these years. By 2020, exports had recovered to 4 tonnes, representing a notable 223.1% increase from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 95.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine's lettuce and chicory exports in kind were heavily concentrated in two key markets: Poland and Belarus. These two countries accounted for the majority of exports, while other destinations played a more minor role individually.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 6 000 US dollars, whereas the peak was in 2018 at 21 000 US dollars, creating a 3.8-fold gap between these years. By 2020, exports had risen to 8 000 US dollars, reflecting a 42.7% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 73.5% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with a 150.6% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine's lettuce and chicory exports in value terms were dominated by three main markets: Poland, which accounted for 34.8% of exports, Belarus with 19.4%, and Moldova with 7.8%. Together, these countries absorbed 62.0% of total export value, making them the primary destinations.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory in Ukraine

Imports in kind, t

Ukraine's lettuce and chicory imports in kind have been on an upward trend for three consecutive years. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 159.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 37.4%. In 2020, import volume reached 8 328 tonnes, showing a 7.1% increase compared to the previous year.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Ukraine's lettuce and chicory imports in kind were consistently sourced from three main countries: Poland, which contributed 53.8% of imports, Italy with 19.3%, and Tunisia with 10.3%. Collectively, these nations accounted for 83.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms experienced notable fluctuations. In 2017, imports were at their lowest point, while they peaked in 2019, resulting in a 2.6-fold variation between these years. In 2020, import value totaled 10 754 000 US dollars, indicating a 5.9% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 11 425 000 US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 128.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine's lettuce and chicory imports in value terms were primarily concentrated in three key markets: Poland, which made up 51.8% of imports, Italy with 25.1%, and the Netherlands with 9.1%. Together, these countries formed the main cluster, accounting for 86.0% of total import flows.

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

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