Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Northern Europe expanded significantly in 2020, with volume rising to 149.5 thousand tons. This surge was driven by heightened consumer interest around Halloween and a growing preference for healthy, low-carbohydrate vegetables, as pumpkin turnover in Norway increased to about 1,300 tons that year.

Market volume stabilized at a high level between 146 and 149 thousand tons from 2021 to 2023. During this period, Swedish pumpkin cultivation saw strong growth, with the total area reaching 296 hectares in 2023. Halloween continued to boost demand, and consumer interest shifted toward colorful, local varieties for both decoration and food, including popular edible types like Butternut and Hokkaido squash.

Broader consumer trends in the Nordics, such as a focus on sustainability, local production, and health, are supporting the market. Although cost pressures and inflation may influence spending, premium fresh vegetables like pumpkins and squash maintain their appeal as everyday luxuries.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Northern Europe

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

Northern Europe's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 21 170 tonnes, marking a significant 54.9% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 223.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 47.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Market performance showed notable fluctuations over this period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output was valued at 21 018 thousand US dollars, representing a 65.1% gain compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 4.5%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 131.7%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Northern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, shipments abroad amounted to 4.3 thousand tonnes, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 8.8%, with an average annual decline of 3.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 5.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest drop in 2019 at 13.5% and the biggest rise in 2018 at 5.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Northern Europe's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds were distributed across a wide range of buyers. Belarus accounted for 14.4% of exports in volume, the Netherlands for 8.8%, and France for 6.2%, together making up 29.4% of the total. Many other countries held smaller but still notable shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Northern Europe's export value for pumpkins, squash, and gourds reached 4.3 million US dollars, a 6.5% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 3%, with an average annual rate of 1.0%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 4.0 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 5.4 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 26.4%, and the biggest increase was in 2018 at 31.4%.

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

The export value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Northern Europe was spread across many countries from 2017 to 2020. Spain contributed 9.1% of the total value, Belarus 8.5%, and the Netherlands 7.3%, together accounting for just 24.9% of exports. The remaining 75.1% was divided among a broad array of other destinations.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds into Northern Europe rebounded. In 2020, imports totaled 132.7 thousand tonnes, a solid 11.9% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 118.5 thousand tonnes, with the largest drop that year at 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal were the top suppliers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Northern Europe. Spain held 44.9% of imports by volume, the Netherlands 13.0%, and Portugal 8.8%, together making up 66.7% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds into Northern Europe increased. In 2020, imports were valued at 158.5 million US dollars, a steep 25.3% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 9.2%, with an average annual increase of 3.0%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 126.5 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 12.6%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany were the leading sources for imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds into Northern Europe by value. Spain accounted for 50.1% of the total value, the Netherlands for 14.4%, and Germany for 5.9%, together comprising 70.3% of all imports.

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

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