Peas market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled peas in Southern Europe expanded from 260.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 291.5 thousand tons in 2021. This upward trend reversed in 2022 when volume fell sharply to 247.0 thousand tons, then decreased slightly to 238.4 thousand tons in 2023.

The market's peak in 2021 aligned with rising consumer interest in plant-based proteins and fresh, healthy foods. The contraction in 2022 coincided with the limited seasonal availability of fresh peas, typically harvested from April to June, which can constrain supply. In 2023, major processors such as Conserve Italia raised prices to bolster local legume growers, aiding production stability. Demand remained steady despite these price increases, reflecting low consumer price elasticity for legumes.

Recent developments include increased investment in cold chain logistics and advanced packaging to maintain freshness and extend market reach. New product segments like organic fresh peas and ready-to-cook preparations have emerged, catering to the growing preference for nutritious, minimally processed options.

Production peas in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of peas, 2017-2020

Peas production in Southern Europe has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 269.2 K t of peas were produced in the region, showing broad stability compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 260.9 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 1.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 3.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Peas production in Southern Europe has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 620.4 M $ US, marking a substantial gain of 15.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 21.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 462.2 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 9.6%. In 2019, production saw the largest increase of 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports peas from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Peas export volume from Southern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 4 675 t, which is 20.7% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 14.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 6 620 t, which also saw the largest increase of 21.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Denmark, and Germany formed the core group of markets for peas exports in kind from Southern Europe. France accounted for 52.6% of exports, Denmark for 16.6%, and Germany for 4.1%. Together, these three countries represented 73.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of gains, peas exports from Southern Europe declined in 2020. The region exported 10 776 K $ US of peas, showing a modest decline of 8.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 2.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 11 742 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 11.4% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Denmark, and the United Kingdom were the key partners for peas exports in value terms from Southern Europe. France accounted for 48.0% of exports, Denmark for 18.3%, and the United Kingdom for 5.5%. Together, these three countries represented 71.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports peas to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Peas imports into Southern Europe have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 13 082 t, marking a gain of 32.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 75.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 20.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 6 620 t, which also saw the largest decline of 11.0%. In 2019, imports saw the largest increase of 49.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Romania, and Germany formed the core of peas imports in kind into Southern Europe. France accounted for 49.0% of imports, Romania for 9.0%, and Germany for 7.6%. Together, these three countries represented 65.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, foreign peas supplies to Southern Europe stood at 6 534 K $ US, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 39.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 11.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 126 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 11.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 539 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 58.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for peas imports in value terms into Southern Europe was balanced rather than concentrated. France accounted for 25.2% of imports, Morocco for 11.8%, and the Netherlands for 10.9%. Together, these three countries represented 47.9% of total flows, with many other countries accounting for the remaining 52.1%.

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

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