Not frozen prepared potatoes market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian market for not frozen prepared potatoes experienced sustained growth in volume from 10 689 t in 2018 to 17 863 t in 2024. This expansion was supported by evolving consumer preferences, notably a rising interest in plant-based flavors, wellness-oriented benefits, and convenient, quick-to-prepare products, which boosted demand for potato-based offerings. The market's structure diversified with the appearance of new segments like smoked potato preparations, catering to evolving gastronomic tastes.

While the physical market volume stabilized in 2023, its value surged by 27%, reflecting a significant shift in the product mix. This value leap was primarily driven by the growing consumer preference for more premium, quick-frozen, and pre-fried potato products, which command higher prices. The demand for these convenient, ready-to-cook items indicates a clear change in purchasing behavior towards time-saving and diversified potato preparations.

Market dynamics were further influenced by regulatory factors, particularly strict phytosanitary rules that limited imports of fresh potatoes, affecting supply conditions. Consumer price sensitivity and the ongoing trend towards healthier, fiber-rich, and plant-based food options continued to shape product development. By 2024, the slower growth in market value relative to volume suggested emerging price pressures, a scenario later linked to market reports of overproduction and competitive tensions among growers.

Production not frozen prepared potatoes in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Hungary, the output value of not frozen prepared potatoes reached 6 603 thousand US dollars in 2021, marking a 23.0% year-over-year increase. Production grew by 35% between 2018 and 2021, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 10.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, when production fell by 9.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary produced 3 424 tonnes of not frozen prepared potatoes in 2021, showing a sharp increase of 26.8% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 72.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 1.6%, while the biggest increase happened in 2019 with a 38.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports not frozen prepared potatoes from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Exports of not frozen prepared potatoes from Hungary increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 141 tonnes, representing a 14.0% improvement over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 111.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 28.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for Hungary's exports in kind were Croatia, Slovenia, and Czechia, which together accounted for 77.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Export shipments of not frozen prepared potatoes from Hungary increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, the export value reached 631 thousand US dollars, up by 39.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 111.2%, with an annualized rate of 28.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, the principal buyers of not frozen prepared potatoes from Hungary in value terms were Croatia, with 53.6% of exports, Slovenia at 17.1%, and Romania with 7.3%. Together, these three markets accounted for 78.0% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports not frozen prepared potatoes to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Imports of not frozen prepared potatoes into Hungary increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 11 127 tonnes, equivalent to a 5.8% rise versus the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 26.9%, with an annualized growth rate of 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the main suppliers of not frozen prepared potatoes to Hungary in kind were Poland, with 43.7% of imports, Czechia at 25.1%, and Croatia with 12.7%. These three countries together made up 81.6% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported volumes of not frozen prepared potatoes into Hungary increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports came to 33 519 thousand US dollars, constituting a 4.5% gain over the past year. Over the period 2018-2021, imports rose by 24%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018–2021, the three principal markets for imports in value terms of not frozen prepared potatoes to Hungary were Poland, Czechia, and Croatia, which together accounted for 83.3% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021