Preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Hungarian market for preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts was shaped by evolving consumer habits. Growing demand for locally produced, seasonal, and fermented foods, driven by interest in sustainable and healthy lifestyles, established a solid base for the sector. Although physical market volume dipped slightly in 2019, the market's value grew as consumers showed a willingness to pay more for local and ecological products. This trend continued into 2020, supported by a heightened focus on the health benefits of preserved produce and improvements in storage and cooling technologies, which helped meet consumer needs and contributed to a recovery in volume.

A significant shift occurred in 2021 when a marked change in consumer preferences towards high-quality and healthy food options led to a sharp expansion. This drove the market volume to a peak of 48 130 tonnes, a 37% increase from the previous year. However, the market entered a period of contraction from 2022 onwards. A primary driver was the sustained growth in exports of preserved vegetables, particularly dried and frozen varieties, which redirected a substantial portion of production away from the domestic market, reducing local availability. This export-oriented dynamic, coupled with the introduction of new EU packaging rules in 2024 aimed at sustainability and recyclability, introduced new operational parameters for the industry, contributing to a gradual decline in market volume over the subsequent years.

Production preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's production of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts has increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 66 878 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 22.3% rise from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 35.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.6%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary's production volume of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 60 592 tonnes, showing a robust increase of 24.8% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production expanded by 23.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 46 819 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.8%.

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

Exports preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's exports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in volume terms have declined for the second year running. In 2021, exports stood at 30 693 tonnes, reflecting a moderate decrease of 5.5% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports overall increased by 5.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.7%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 33 325 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 14.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the top destinations for Hungary's preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts exports in volume terms were France, accounting for 21.1% of exports, Germany with 21.0%, and Romania at 17.8%. Together, these three countries represented 59.9% 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 preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 34 299 thousand US dollars, showing a slight rise of 0.7% from the year before. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 6.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany was the leading contributor to Hungary's preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts exports in value terms, making up 35.7% of the total. France followed with 14.0%, and Romania with 13.8%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 63.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in volume terms have decreased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 18 232 tonnes, which is 3.8% lower than in 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 33.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 19 329 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 41.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany dominated Hungary's imports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in volume terms, representing 58.9% of the total. Poland contributed 13.7%, and Serbia 5.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 77.8% of import flows.

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 preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in value terms have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 15 436 thousand US dollars, indicating a 1.8% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 40.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, three key markets—Germany, Poland, and Greece—collectively absorbed 67.7% of Hungary's total import value for preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts.

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

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