Onions and shallots market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh onions and shallots in Denmark expanded from 41 345 t in 2018 to 59 776 t in 2021, with a particularly sharp increase of 31.9% in 2021. This growth coincided with a broader industry shift toward seed propagation (F1 varieties), which improved crop yields and allowed for more consistent production volumes from the predominantly small-scale growers.

Consumer preferences increasingly favored specialized shallot types like banana shallots for gourmet cooking, supporting demand despite the absence of major new players or legislative changes. The market remained fragmented among small producers and gardeners, with no large-scale facilities entering operation.

After peaking in 2021, the market adjusted to 51 005 t in 2022, likely reflecting a normalization following the earlier surge. By 2023, production had recovered to 57 170 t, while imports stayed relatively low, indicating sustained domestic output capacity.

Production onions and shallots in Denmark

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2018-2021

World map of production of onions and shallots, 2018-2021

Denmark's production of onions and shallots has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 58 140 tonnes, which represents a 34.3% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 41%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 12.1%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Denmark's exports of onions and shallots have rebounded. In 2021, exports totaled 5 452 tonnes, showing a significant increase of 14.8% from the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 38.5%, with an annualized decline rate of 15.0%. The lowest point was in 2020, with 4 749 tonnes, and the sharpest drop occurred that same year at 37.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Norway, Sweden, and Germany were the top contributors to Denmark's exports of onions and shallots in volume terms. Norway accounted for 36.4% of exports, Sweden for 34.5%, and Germany for 5.8%, together making up 76.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Denmark's exports of onions and shallots in value terms reached 3 414 thousand US dollars, up by 16.0% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, exports decreased by 37.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -14.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 944 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 6 378 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 53.8%, and the biggest increase was in 2019 at 17.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland formed the main cluster of markets for Denmark's exports of onions and shallots in value terms. Norway held a 37.7% share, Sweden 29.1%, and Iceland 8.8%, collectively accounting for 75.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of reduction, Denmark's imports of onions and shallots in volume terms have increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 7 089 tonnes, indicating a modest rise of 4.5% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 21%, with an annualized decline rate of 7.6%. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 6 783 tonnes, and the largest drop occurred that year at 14.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Germany, and France were the three principal markets for Denmark's imports of onions and shallots in volume terms, together accounting for 81.8% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of contraction, Denmark's imports of onions and shallots in value terms have increased. In 2021, imports reached 13 194 thousand US dollars, up by 27.4% compared to the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 5.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.9%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 10 353 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that year at 9.8%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands, Germany, and Egypt led as the top suppliers of onions and shallots to Denmark in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 44.3% of imports, Germany for 33.2%, and Egypt for 5.0%, jointly representing 82.5% of total import flows.

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

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