Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the Swedish market for pumpkins, squash and gourds expanded from 12 316 t to 19 840 t. This growth was primarily driven by shifting consumer preferences towards healthy and sustainable eating, which raised apparent per capita consumption in Europe from 4.0 kg in 2019 to 5.1 kg by 2023. The introduction of EU organic certification under Regulation (EU) 2018/848 further stimulated demand for compliant produce.

After reaching a peak in 2022, the market volume contracted to 16 611 t in 2023. This decline aligned with global supply chain disruptions and rising input costs noted in preceding years, which affected import availability and domestic production costs. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced temporary logistical challenges, but sustained consumer interest in nutritious vegetables helped maintain market growth through that period.

EU regulatory frameworks consistently shaped market conditions. Phytosanitary requirements under Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 mandated certifications for imports, while rules on nutrition and health claims governed product labeling. Throughout the period, sustainability and supply chain transparency remained central concerns for buyers, influencing sourcing and production practices in Sweden.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Sweden

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

Sweden's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 7 690 tonnes, which represents a significant 61.6% increase compared to 2019.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden exported 38 tonnes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in 2020, showing a sharp year-over-year rise of 69.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 20%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 23 tonnes, while the peak was in 2018 at 49 tonnes. The most substantial drop occurred in 2019, with a 54.0% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Norway, and Finland were the top buyers of Swedish pumpkins, squash, and gourds. Denmark accounted for 52.9% of exports in kind, Norway for 14.4%, and Finland for 11.9%. Together, these three countries made up 79.2% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Sweden's cross-border shipments of pumpkins, squash, and gourds reached 79 thousand US dollars, marking a steep 63.7% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports rose by 47.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 48 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline that year was 32.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Denmark, Norway, and Finland dominated Sweden's export structure in value terms. Denmark led with 48.5% of exports, followed by Norway and Finland, each at 14.0%. Collectively, these countries represented 76.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported approximately 9 483 tonnes, up by 2.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 17.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany were the main suppliers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Sweden. Spain contributed 48.5% of imports in kind, the Netherlands 29.9%, and Germany 6.6%. Together, they accounted for 85.1% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Sweden's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds rebounded in 2020. The country imported 12 635 thousand US dollars worth, reflecting a strong 14.1% increase compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 7.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 11 070 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline that year was 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany were the key sources for Sweden's imports in value terms. Spain made up 52.2% of imports, the Netherlands 23.5%, and Germany 7.4%. Combined, these three countries absorbed 83.1% of total import value, positioning them as the primary directions.

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

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