Roasted chicory, coffee substitutes and extracts market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The Estonian market for roasted chicory and coffee substitutes began the period under updated regulatory standards. In 2018, new composition and labeling requirements were established for coffee and chicory extracts, setting maximum sugar levels and clear additive disclosure rules. Market volume then contracted in 2019 to 94.0 tonnes, coinciding with the sustained activity of local specialty coffee roasters like Ubala Röstikoda, which sold over 140 tonnes of roasted coffee beans, likely drawing consumer interest away from substitutes. This was followed by a recovery in 2020, with market volume rising to 117.3 tonnes.

A shift toward mainstream coffee consumption influenced the market in the following years. The growing popularity of fully automatic coffee machines in Estonian households and increased consumer awareness of the health aspects of lightly roasted coffee provided further competition for substitutes, contributing to a slight market contraction to 113.0 tonnes in 2021. In 2022, while local coffee roasters continued to serve the market, new chicory-based and tea-like coffee substitute products emerged, offering caffeine-free alternatives. Despite this product diversification, total market volume saw a marginal decline to 110.0 tonnes that year.

The market entered a phase of volume growth in subsequent years without specific reported drivers. By 2023, volume had increased to 119.9 tonnes, though the market value in monetary terms declined, suggesting shifts in product mix or pricing. In 2024, the volume growth continued, reaching 123.1 tonnes, accompanied by a significant recovery in market value to 444.6 thousand US dollars.

Production roasted chicory, coffee substitutes and extracts in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's production of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 424.8 thousand US dollars, marking a 19.2% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 53.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, kg

Estonia's production of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 90 900 kilograms, showing a strong gain of 15.1% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 35.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Exports roasted chicory, coffee substitutes and extracts from Estonia

Exports in kind, kg

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Export volumes dropped to their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 7.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Estonia exported 40 246 kilograms of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts, indicating a sharp year-over-year decline of 29.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 57 099 kilograms, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 330.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Estonia's exports in kind were Lithuania, accounting for 39.4% of exports, Latvia at 31.9%, and Russia at 19.5%. Together, these three countries made up 90.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during this period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 6.6-fold difference. In 2021, Estonia's cross-border shipments of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts amounted to 153.2 thousand US dollars, representing a strong reduction of 17.2% compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 185.0 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 297.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Lithuania, Latvia, and Russia remained the leading destinations for Estonia's exports in value terms. Lithuania accounted for 37.3% of exports, Latvia for 32.0%, and Russia for 14.4%, with their combined share reaching 83.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports roasted chicory, coffee substitutes and extracts to Estonia

Imports in kind, kg

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import volumes were at their lowest in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.1-fold difference. In 2021, Estonia imported 62 394 kilograms of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts, showing a sharp year-over-year decrease of 34.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 95 445 kilograms, and the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 77.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Throughout 2018 to 2021, India and Russia were the core markets for Estonia's imports in kind, jointly accounting for 81.7% of total flows, while other destinations had relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, Estonia's imports of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts declined. In 2021, imports amounted to 147.2 thousand US dollars, down by 14.8% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 66.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 172.8 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2020 at 69.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, India, Russia, and Poland were the top suppliers of roasted chicory, coffee substitutes, and extracts to Estonia in value terms. India accounted for 37.9% of imports, Russia for 27.0%, and Poland for 17.3%, with their combined share reaching 82.2% of total imports.

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

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