Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in France

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the French market for fresh pumpkins, squash, and gourds expanded sharply from 330.0 thousand tons to 548.6 thousand tons. This surge was underpinned by a dedicated shift among producers toward traditional varieties, like the Roteña pumpkin, which saw its sales multiply, enhancing overall production. By 2020, these heirloom types accounted for an estimated 60% of the market, with sales volumes growing by an additional 6%.

After a contraction to 412.9 thousand tons in 2021, the market recovered to 480.6 thousand tons in 2022 amid a broader positive trend in the fresh fruit and vegetable trade sector and market consolidation, exemplified by acquisitions such as the Italian wholesaler Orsero purchasing French distributors. The upward trajectory was sustained in 2023, with the market reaching 481.8 thousand tons. Cultivated area for these crops had doubled since 2013, exceeding 8,000 hectares and pushing annual production past 200,000 tons. Household consumption rose to 1.6 kg, and retail sales volume jumped by over 70%, fueled significantly by demand for both culinary and decorative uses around Halloween.

Entering 2024, the sector faced rising production and distribution costs impacting consumer prices, while initiatives to reduce food waste gained traction. Consumer preference continued shifting toward specialized organic stores, even as overall fresh fruit and vegetable consumption in France saw a slight 2% volume decline due to inflationary pressures.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France ranked 23rd globally in the production volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds.

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

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

France's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 410.0 K t, marking a 65.3% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production surged by 327.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 62.3%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from France

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from France fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 30.1 K t, down 5.3% from the previous year. The peak was in 2018 at 35.6 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 10.5% drop. The biggest increase was recorded in 2018, at 15.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the top destinations for France's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in kind were Switzerland (23.7% of exports), Italy (21.8%), and Germany (21.6%). Together, these three countries accounted for 67.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds exported from France rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 40.3 M $ US, up 10.6% from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 10.3%, with a CAGR of -3.5%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 30.8 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 31.3%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, at 18.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland (24.8% of exports in value), Germany (22.3%), and Italy (21.2%) were the main destinations for France's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in monetary terms. Collectively, they represented 68.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in kind grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 168.7 K t, showing a modest increase of 1.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 9.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Spain was the dominant source for France's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in kind, holding a 72.1% share of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, France's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms rebounded. In 2020, imports surged to 219.1 M $ US, a sharp 31.9% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 15.7%, with an annualized rate of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 166.1 M $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain strongly dominated France's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, accounting for 73.9% of total flows, while other partners had relatively minor shares.

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

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