Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European market for fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash and gourds experienced steady growth in volume from 4 958 тыс. т in 2018 to 5 876 тыс. т in 2021. This expansion was supported from 2020 onward by a strong focus on variety diversification, which broadened consumer appeal and segmented the market across edible and decorative types. Local pumpkin-themed events and dedicated markets further stimulated demand by promoting regional produce and engaging consumers directly.

A key driver in 2021 was the substantial increase in cultivated area, particularly in France where production more than doubled since 2013, lifting overall European output. Seasonal Halloween demand, with sales surging 160% during the period, consistently fueled market volumes. The period also saw growing direct sales from local producers and heightened consumer awareness about the toxicity of certain decorative gourds, prompting calls for clearer labeling and safer marketing practices.

After peaking in 2021, the market volume contracted to 4 714 тыс. т in 2022 before recovering to 5 218 тыс. т in 2023. The earlier growth drivers, including variety innovation and seasonal promotions, continued to shape the market structure, while the focus on local circuits and product safety remained relevant features of the industry landscape.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Europe

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

Europe's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 5 087 thousand tonnes, showing a modest increase of 6.7% from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Europe's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 167.5 billion US dollars, up by 29.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 22%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 122.4 billion US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 10.8%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Europe's export volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds rebounded in 2020 after two years of decline. Exports reached 202.1 thousand tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 36.6% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 68.1%, with an average annual decline of 31.7%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 147.9 thousand tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 at 64.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland was the top destination for Europe's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms, accounting for 2.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Europe's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms totaled 721.6 million US dollars, rising by 19.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 18.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 606.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland and Norway were the main destinations for Europe's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, together making up 4.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Europe's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms declined in 2020, totaling 467.0 thousand tonnes, which represents a notable decrease of 18.4% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 17.6%, with an average annual decline of 6.3%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 467.0 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 625.9 thousand tonnes. The largest drop occurred in 2018 at 24.6%, and the biggest increase was in 2019 at 34.0%.

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

The structure of Europe's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Turkey accounted for 8.0% of imports, Morocco for 6.6%, and South Africa for 2.6%, with these three countries together making up only 17.3% of total flows, and no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Europe's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms increased in 2020 after two years of decline. Imports amounted to 919.7 million US dollars, up by 25.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 19.8%, with an average annual increase of 6.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 731.5 million US dollars, while the largest decline was in 2018 at 2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Europe's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms were not heavily concentrated. Morocco accounted for 6.4% of imports, Turkey for 6.0%, and South Africa for 2.2%, with these three countries together capturing only 14.5% of total flows.

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

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