Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Belgian market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds saw its volume increase from 65 788 t to 82 451 t. This growth was not linear, with a notable rise of 6.7% in 2021 followed by a slight stabilization in 2022. In value terms, the market experienced sharper fluctuations, including a 19.9% surge in 2020 and a subsequent moderation.

From 2022 onward, local farm initiatives such as La Potironnerie in Braine-l’Alleud and the Maustichi farm strengthened direct sales and promoted organic production, making pumpkins more accessible to consumers. Seasonal demand linked to Halloween also supported market activity. In 2023, despite overall stable per-capita volume for fresh produce in Belgium, specific demand for squash varieties like butternut and potimarron grew, driving a 14.5% expansion in physical market volume. At the same time, agricultural price fluctuations influenced by inflation and production costs contributed to a 3.3% decrease in the market's value that year.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during the period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 5.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Belgium produced 50 900 tonnes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking a 4.3% decline from the previous year. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 54 110 tonnes, which represented the largest increase of 430.5% during the period.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Belgium's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds amounted to 9 949 tonnes, an 8.4% decrease from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 50.3%, averaging an annual decline of 20.8%. The largest drop occurred in 2018 at 48.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 5.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Germany were the primary markets for Belgium's exports in kind. France accounted for 38.3% of exports, the Netherlands for 33.0%, and Germany for 18.1%. Together, these three countries represented 89.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Belgium's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 8 700 thousand US dollars, up 8.8% from the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 60.7%, with an average annual decrease of 26.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 7 807 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 64.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Germany were the top buyers of Belgium's pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms. France held a 38.6% share, the Netherlands 24.9%, and Germany 22.0%. Combined, these three countries made up 85.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in kind increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 27 677 tonnes, showing a solid gain of 13.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 22 018 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 22.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, the Netherlands, and France were the main sources for Belgium's imports in kind. Spain contributed 52.9% of imports, the Netherlands 23.6%, and France 11.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 88.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Belgium's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms rebounded. In 2020, imports reached 33 597 thousand US dollars, indicating a steep gain of 25.7% versus the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 20.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 26 717 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 32.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, the Netherlands, and France consistently remained the primary sources for Belgium's imports in value terms. Spain accounted for 58.5% of imports, the Netherlands for 20.2%, and France for 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented 87.9% of total import flows.

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

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