Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Greece contracted substantially, with total market volume falling from 77 273 t to 48 298 t. This decline of over a third was mirrored by a parallel 36% drop in domestic production, which fell from 75 700 t to 48 260 t over the same period.

International trade played a secondary role in the market's dynamics. Exports peaked at 4 461 t in 2019 before receding, while imports remained a minor component, fluctuating between 1 894 t and 3 026 t annually. These trade flows did not significantly alter the overall downward trajectory driven by falling local output.

By 2023, the market had stabilized at a significantly lower volume, with both production and consumption nearly halved compared to their 2018 levels.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Greece

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

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Production levels fluctuated significantly, with the lowest point in 2017 and the highest in 2018, showing an 8.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Greece produced 64 350 tonnes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking a 3.1% decline compared to the previous year. The peak production was recorded in 2018 at 75 700 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 12.2% drop, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, surging by 785.2%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Greece

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.1-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Greece exported 2 118 tonnes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, reflecting a sharp reduction of 52.5% compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 461 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 286.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Greece's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in kind were the United Kingdom (38.4% of exports), Bulgaria (34.8% of exports), and Italy (7.0% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 80.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance displayed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2018, while the maximum occurred in 2019, with a 5.1-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Greece's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds totaled 991 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp reduction of 59.5% compared to 2019. The lowest value was 480 thousand US dollars in 2018, and the highest was 2 446 thousand US dollars in 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 409.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom (48.3% of exports in value terms), Bulgaria (14.6% of exports in value terms), and Italy (8.0% of exports in value terms) continued to lead as the top buyers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Greece. Collectively, they accounted for 70.9% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Greece's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 1 894 tonnes, reflecting a robust decline of 23.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 9.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.4%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 728 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 29.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey dominated Greece's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in kind, accounting for 80.3% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Greece imported 1 920 thousand US dollars worth of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, indicating a strong fall of 18.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 20.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.3%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 0.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey remained the primary source for Greece's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, taking 74.1% of total flows. The rest was spread across various smaller markets.

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

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