Peas market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh peas market in Northern Europe expanded significantly from 146.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 235.2 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was primarily driven by rising consumer awareness of health and sustainability, with increased interest in plant-based proteins such as peas stimulating demand from 2019 onward.

Market volume then contracted to 201.9 thousand tons by 2023. A key factor was the 14% rise in agricultural input costs in 2022, which elevated production expenses for fresh peas. Furthermore, the war in Europe and associated energy price shocks in 2023 increased logistical and production costs, placing additional downward pressure on the market.

Throughout the period, regulatory changes emphasizing traceability and labeling, alongside a growing share of private labels in the fresh food segment, reshaped the competitive landscape. Consumer preferences continued to shift towards fresh, local, and sustainable products, underpinning the long-term demand base for peas in the region.

Production peas in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of peas, 2017-2020

Northern Europe's pea production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 207.6 K t of peas, marking a modest 1.5% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 25.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.8%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 145.0 K t, which saw the largest decline of 12.5%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the biggest increase at 41.1%.

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

Exports peas from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports peaked in 2018 at 20 638 t and dropped to their lowest point in 2020 at 4 294 t, representing a 4.8-fold difference. In 2020, pea exports from Northern Europe fell dramatically by 73.3% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a surge of 276.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Norway, and Germany were the key partners for Northern Europe's pea exports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 24.3% of exports, Norway for 17.2%, and Germany for 13.3%. Together, these three countries represented 54.8% of the total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility in these years. Export values varied threefold from the high in 2019 to the low in 2020. In 2020, cross-border shipments of peas from Northern Europe amounted to 4 493 K $ US, reflecting a 66.2% decline from 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 13 307 K $ US, while the largest increase happened in 2018 at 122.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, the partner portfolio for pea exports in value terms was quite diverse. The Netherlands contributed 25.0% of exports, Norway 18.4%, and Germany 6.0%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 49.4% of the total export flows.

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

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

Imports peas to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, pea deliveries to Northern Europe declined. In 2020, imports totaled 25 012 t, down 4.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.8%, with an annualized rate of 4.7%. The highest import level was in 2019 at 26 141 t, which also saw the largest increase of 17.3%.

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

The market base for imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was broad. Guatemala accounted for 19.5% of imports, Peru for 10.5%, and Zimbabwe for 9.9%. Together, these three countries made up 39.9% of total flows, with the remaining 60.1% distributed among numerous other nations.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year increase, Northern Europe's pea import volume declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 83 154 K $ US, a 7.6% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 2.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 0.9%. The maximum value was in 2019 at 90 023 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala, Peru, and Kenya led as suppliers of peas to Northern Europe in value terms. Guatemala represented 25.4% of imports, Peru 14.0%, and Kenya 10.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 50.2% of total import value.

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

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