Prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes in Hungary increased from 11 947 tons in 2018 to 12 957 tons in 2020. The entry of a new domestic caviar producer in 2018, specializing in Siberian sturgeon roe as a luxury product, added local supply, while an established producer in Komádi continued to contribute significantly. State-owned companies also influenced production and market dynamics. In 2020, despite initial uncertainty from the closure of high-end restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, the market demonstrated resilience and growth.

After 2020, import volumes remained high, peaking at 13 117 tons in 2022 before declining to 11 020 tons in 2023. Exports steadily grew from 221 tons in 2018 to 502 tons in 2025. In 2022, altered climatic conditions and rising production costs affected domestic fish farming, while the 'Kapj rá!' campaign reinforced certification and labeling requirements, enhancing the quality and market position of local fish. By 2023, rising food prices and inflation shifted consumer preferences toward cheaper proteins like poultry, though fish consumption remained seasonal. The 'Kapj rá!' campaign was slated for relaunch in 2025, continuing to promote fish consumption.

Production prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2020, Hungary's output of prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes was valued at 877.3 thousand US dollars, showing a gradual 5.4% increase compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2020, Hungary produced 166.0 tonnes of prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes, which represents a 9.9% increase from 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary exported 320 tonnes of prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes, marking a 37.4% improvement compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 45.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 19.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Slovakia, and Serbia consistently led Hungary's export structure in kind, accounting for 46.1%, 13.5%, and 8.4% of exports respectively. Together, these three countries represented 68.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's exports of prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 2 483 thousand US dollars, showing a steep 48.8% advance compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 71.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, three main markets—Romania, France, and Slovakia—together absorbed 66.5% of Hungary's total export value for prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's import volume of prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes was 12 848 tonnes, showing a small reduction of 1.4% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 5.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 12 151 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2020 at 13 024 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Poland, Germany, and Czechia—together absorbed 65.7% of Hungary's total imports in kind of prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's imports of prepared or preserved fish, caviar and caviar substitutes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 59 379 thousand US dollars, which is 3.4% stronger year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 19.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and Italy remained the key directions for Hungary's imports in value terms, accounting for 24.0%, 23.3%, and 20.1% of imports respectively. Together, these three countries took 67.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021