Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Malta

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash and gourds in Malta displayed relative stability from 2018 to 2023, with annual volumes moving between 4 500 and 4 800 tonnes. Over this period, domestic production saw a gradual decline from 4 210 to 3 830 tonnes, while import levels varied significantly, peaking at 859 tonnes in 2022.

The market reached its highest volume in 2022 at 4 769 tonnes, primarily due to a substantial increase in imports. This surge aligned with updates to European commodity classification codes (CN Codes) introduced that year, which modified trade procedures for agricultural products and facilitated greater import flows. Accompanying inflationary pressures, driven by global shipping costs and local transport expenses, raised consumer prices but did not curtail the physical volume traded. By 2023, the market contracted to 4 494 tonnes as imports normalized. In 2024, industry events such as Malta Consumer Trends 2024 highlighted emerging consumer trends and their dynamics for fresh produce markets.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Malta

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 showed significant volatility during this period. Production volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, representing a 3.1-fold increase. In 2020, Malta produced 4 330 tonnes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking an 8.8% year-over-year gain. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 5.5%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018 at 197.3%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Malta

Market analysis indicates that Malta did not export any pumpkins, squash, or gourds between 2017 and 2020.

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Malta

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes experienced notable fluctuations during this period. The lowest point was in 2017, while imports peaked in 2019, showing a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Malta imported 431.8 tonnes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, representing a 33.9% decrease compared to 2019. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 653.5 tonnes, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 81.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy dominated Malta's imports in kind, accounting for 76.2% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Malta's import value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds declined. In 2020, imports totaled 595.8 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 27.3% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall imports increased by 58%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 16.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 819.2 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 66.8%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Italy played a leading role in Malta's import value for pumpkins, squash, and gourds, holding a 78.2% share of total flows. The remainder was distributed across other trading partners.

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

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