Onions and shallots market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh onions and shallots in Greece expanded from 153.5 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 182.1 thousand tons in 2020, before declining sharply over the next two years. By 2022, the market volume had contracted to 122.5 thousand tons, representing a significant reduction from the previous highs. A partial recovery followed in 2023, with consumption rising to 131.4 thousand tons.

The market decline in 2022 was primarily driven by substantial disruptions to European supply chains resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, which led to shortages and reduced availability of onions and shallots in Greece. In 2023, the market rebounded as sustained consumer preference for fresh, organic, and locally sourced produce continued to support demand, aided by the evolution of distribution channels including the growth of online grocery shopping.

Production onions and shallots in Greece

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Greece produced 172.0 K t of onions and shallots, marking a 28.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 25.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 133.5 K t, which represented an 8.1% decline from the prior year.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Greece

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.6-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Greece exported 3 687 t of onions and shallots, a 55.2% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 8 238 t, which was a substantial 175.5% increase from the year before.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in kind was diversified, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position. Bulgaria accounted for 19.4% of exports in kind, Romania for 18.3%, and Poland for 7.3%, together making up just 45.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export values varied significantly, with a 6.3-fold difference from the low in 2017 to the high in 2019. In 2020, Greece's onions and shallots exports totaled 1 310 K $ US, down by 67.6% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 042 K $ US, representing a 236.9% increase from the prior year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece's export portfolio in value terms was broad, with Romania contributing 15.1% of exports, Bulgaria 14.3%, and Poland 9.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for only 38.5% of total export value, while many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Greece

Imports in kind, t

The data indicates irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and reached their maximum in 2019, with a 3.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Greece's onions and shallots import volume stood at 13 794 t, a 63.4% decrease year-over-year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 37 653 t, which was a 240.3% increase from the previous year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India, Austria, and Egypt were the key partners for imports in kind. India accounted for 25.5% of imports, Austria for 25.1%, and Egypt for 18.4%, together making up 69.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend during this timeframe. Import values showed a 4.4-fold variation from the low in 2017 to the peak in 2019. In 2020, the volume of onions and shallots imports into Greece amounted to 7 739 K $ US, down by 51.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 15 985 K $ US, which was a 215.7% increase from the year before.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, India, and Egypt were the principal destinations for imports in value terms. Austria accounted for 19.3% of imports, India for 18.8%, and Egypt for 17.2%, jointly contributing 55.2% of total flows.

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

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