Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia), 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Eastern Europe remained stable at around 2.85 million tonnes annually. This period saw dynamics in global imports affecting the regional market, while the domestic fresh vegetable sector continued its development. The start of growth in niche greenhouse vegetable production, including zucchini, and a state-supported expansion of greenhouse complexes provided a foundation for stable supply, with a notable 7.6% increase in the gross harvest of soup vegetables in 2020.

Market volume grew to 2.96 million tonnes in 2021, primarily driven by a push for import substitution, the introduction of new commercial hybrids and varieties, and the continued expansion of greenhouse cultivation areas. Volume then declined to 2.79 million tonnes in 2022, a year that concurrently saw rising consumer interest in healthy lifestyles stimulating demand and fostering new market segments like organic vegetables. A recovery to 2.83 million tonnes followed in 2023, supported by another 7.6% growth in the harvest of soup vegetables and significant ongoing investments in greenhouse infrastructure aimed at doubling the output of niche vegetables such as zucchini.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

In 2020, Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) produced 2 761 thousand metric tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, showing minimal change from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.6%, averaging an annual increase of 2.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 768 thousand metric tons, marking a 7.9% increase. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline, with production dropping by 0.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) experienced a third consecutive year of growth in the value of pumpkin, squash, and gourd production. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 596 million US dollars, representing a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 22.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) exported 10.5 thousand metric tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, a 12.8% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 20.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 11.1 thousand metric tons, reflecting a 26.8% increase. However, exports declined by 15.6% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure for pumpkins, squash, and gourds remained highly fragmented. Germany accounted for 9.0% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 7.0%, and Belgium for 6.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 22.2% of total exports, with no single partner holding a dominant share.

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

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) exported pumpkins, squash, and gourds worth 9.9 million US dollars, a strong year-over-year increase of 16.1%. From 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 37%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 5.9% drop, while the highest increase was in 2018 at 25.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated the export value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. Austria accounted for 13.1% of exports in value terms, Germany for 10.8%, and the United Kingdom for 5.6%. Combined, these three countries represented only 29.6% of total export value, with numerous smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

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

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) declined in 2020. The region imported 103.6 thousand metric tons, a 5.4% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 34.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 10.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 109.5 thousand metric tons, following a 27.9% increase in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the leading supplier of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia), accounting for 46.3% of imports in kind. Spain followed with 18.0%, and Germany with 8.5%. Together, these three countries represented 72.9% of total imports in kind.

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

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) saw a third consecutive year of growth in the value of pumpkin, squash, and gourd imports. In 2020, import value totaled 102.4 million US dollars, a moderate increase of 7.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value rose by 47.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey led the import structure in value terms, accounting for 41.3% of imports. Spain followed with 23.9%, and Germany with 12.8%. Together, these three countries represented 78.0% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020