Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Hungarian market for fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash, gourds grew steadily in physical volume, reaching 36 398 t. This expansion was driven by a long-term rise in zucchini consumption that had been increasing since the 1990s and by seasonal Halloween demand for decorative gourds, which boosted overall sales.

In 2021, market volume stabilized near 36 400 t, while its value rose above $87 million, fueled by a consumer shift toward premium varieties such as Hokkaido pumpkin, prized for its high carotene content and storability. The following year, volume dipped slightly to 35 854 t, a period when social‑media platforms like TikTok began shaping younger consumers’ preferences.

A sharp rebound occurred in 2023, with the market volume jumping to 39 887 t, the highest level recorded in the period.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2018-2021

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2018-2021

Hungary's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 32 310 tonnes, which represents a 2.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 2.4%, with an average annual decline of 0.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 33 420 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 0.9% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary exported 582 tonnes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 15.3%. However, over the broader period from 2018 to 2021, exports actually decreased by 9.4%, translating to an average annual decline of 3.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 505 tonnes, which saw the largest drop of 33.1%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the highest export level at 755 tonnes, with the biggest increase of 17.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Austria and Slovakia were the primary markets for Hungary's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms, together accounting for 91.3% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms reached 1 522 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp year-over-year rise of 34.0%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value increased by 50.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 537 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 51.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 26.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Austria remained the leading destination for Hungary's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, capturing 83.5% of the total. The rest of the exports were spread across other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 4 680 tonnes, reflecting a sharp gain of 29.2% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, import volume grew by 68.7%, equating to an average annual increase of 19.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

During the period from 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and Italy were the main sources for Hungary's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms. Spain accounted for 47.6% of imports, Germany for 31.8%, and Italy for 9.7%, together making up 89.2% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 1 522 thousand US dollars, up by 15.9% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value increased by 57%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and Germany continued to dominate Hungary's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, jointly accounting for 82.7% of total flows. Other partners contributed the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021