Onions and shallots market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for fresh onions and shallots experienced significant growth from 673.2 thousand tons in 2018 to 929.0 thousand tons in 2021, with a period of stabilization in 2020 when volume reached 818.0 thousand tons. This upward trend reversed in 2022, as the market contracted to 786.9 thousand tons.

Market volume rebounded sharply to 941.4 thousand tons in 2023. This recovery was driven primarily by the expansion of cultivation areas across Europe, which led to record-high production. A concurrent, significant increase in demand for organic products further supported market growth.

In 2024, unfavorable growing conditions and disease pressure in key regions limited yield prospects. Consumer preferences continued shifting toward fresh, local, and sustainable products, while the cultivated area for onions in Germany expanded. The food industry also saw investments in new production facilities and technologies.

Production onions and shallots in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

World map of production of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

Germany's production of onions and shallots has grown for the second year in a row. In 2019, output reached its lowest point at 503.2 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 20.5% decline from the previous year. However, production rebounded sharply in 2020, increasing by 20.7% to 629.6 thousand tonnes, which represents a 3.7% rise compared to 2019.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of onions and shallots have turned upward after two years of decline. In 2019, exports hit their lowest level at 67.9 thousand tonnes, falling by 17.3% from the year before. By 2020, exports recovered to 74.4 thousand tonnes, a 9.6% increase over 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 23.5%, with an average annual decline of 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Czechia, and Italy consistently led Germany's onion and shallot exports by volume. Poland accounted for 20.3% of exports, Czechia for 16.5%, and Italy for 14.1%. Together, these three countries made up 50.9% of Germany's total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's onion and shallot exports in value terms showed mixed trends. In 2019, exports experienced a slight decline of 1.6%, but in 2018, they surged by 17.9%. By 2020, exports reached 48.2 million US dollars, up 2.5% from the previous year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 19%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's onion and shallot exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of buyers. The Netherlands was the largest market, accounting for 24.3% of export value, followed by Italy at 8.4% and Czechia at 7.9%. Together, these three countries contributed 40.6% of total export value, with numerous other countries holding smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of onions and shallots by volume declined in 2020 after two years of growth. In 2019, imports peaked at 294.1 thousand tonnes, rising by 16.7% from the year before. By 2020, imports fell to 262.9 thousand tonnes, a 10.6% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 6.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, the Netherlands, and New Zealand were the primary sources for Germany's onion and shallot imports by volume. Spain supplied 41.4% of imports, the Netherlands 26.5%, and New Zealand 10.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 78.7% of Germany's total import flows during this time.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's onion and shallot imports in value terms dropped in 2020 following two years of increases. In 2019, imports reached their highest point at 236.2 million US dollars, surging by 34.9% from the previous year. By 2020, imports contracted to 188.1 million US dollars, a sharp 20.4% decline from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 25.1%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Spain, and New Zealand dominated Germany's onion and shallot imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 30.1% of import value, Spain for 29.4%, and New Zealand for 10.7%. Together, these three countries made up 70.2% of Germany's total import flows during this period.

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

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