Onions and shallots market in Slovenia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled onions and shallots in Slovenia expanded from 18 611 t in 2018 to a peak of 22 845 t in 2020, representing a 22.8% increase over two years. This growth was driven by rising domestic production, which increased by 24.6%, and higher imports, while exports fell by 62% over the same period.

After 2020, the market contracted to 20 864 t in 2021 and further to 18 853 t in 2022, a cumulative drop of 17.5% from the peak. This downturn coincided with a 32.4% decline in production from 2020 to 2022 and lower import volumes. In 2023, the market rebounded to 21 506 t, supported by a significant 35.3% rise in imports to 16 077 t and a recovery in production to 9 490 t.

In 2024, market dynamics are influenced by a growing emphasis on sustainable and locally produced vegetables, including shallots. Practices such as using compost instead of manure for fertilization and increased plant protection against pests like the onion fly are shaping cultivation methods. Consumer preference for quality and locally grown products is also affecting the market structure.

Production onions and shallots in Slovenia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Slovenia's production of onions and shallots has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 12 370 tonnes, marking a significant 18.4% rise compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 23.4%, which translates to an average annual increase of 7.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 9 930 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 1.0%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Slovenia

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their highest point in 2018 at 5 482 tonnes and fell to their lowest in 2020 at 2 085 tonnes, representing a 2.6-fold difference. In 2020, Slovenia's exports of onions and shallots dropped sharply by 40.9% compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a surge of 138.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the core markets for Slovenia's exports of onions and shallots in volume terms were Croatia, accounting for 39.9% of exports, Bosnia and Herzegovina with 20.2%, and Austria at 13.3%. Together, these three countries represented 73.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend over the timeframe. Exports in value terms peaked in 2019 at 2 145 thousand US dollars and bottomed out in 2017, with a 4.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Slovenia's cross-border shipments of onions and shallots amounted to 918 thousand US dollars, down by 57.2% from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 304.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the three principal markets for Slovenia's exports of onions and shallots in value terms were Croatia, Austria, and Bulgaria, which together accounted for 72.3% of total exports.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Slovenia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, Slovenia's imports of onions and shallots declined. In 2020, the country imported 12 560 tonnes, showing a fall of 17.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 2.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 15 306 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Slovenia's imports of onions and shallots in volume terms were Austria, the Netherlands, and Italy, which together absorbed 73.6% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year increase, Slovenia's imports of onions and shallots in value terms declined. In 2020, imports reached 7 597 thousand US dollars, constituting a steep drop of 31.6% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 41.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 11 099 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 50.5%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Austria, with 34.9% of imports in value terms, the Netherlands at 23.5%, and Italy at 18.8%, accounted for the largest share of Slovenia's imports of onions and shallots, together comprising 77.2% of total flows.

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

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