Soya sauce market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European soya sauce market expanded from 132 000 t in 2018 to a peak of 250 000 t in 2021. This growth was primarily driven by a shift towards local and sustainable production, exemplified by German company Taifun switching to 100% European soybeans in 2018, alongside the rise of artisanal producers like Tomasu in Rotterdam using local ingredients. Increasing consumer demand for organic, vegan, and low-sodium variants, accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic as home cooking gained popularity, further supported market expansion.

After 2021, market volume contracted to 199 000 t in 2022 and 193 000 t in 2023. This decline occurred alongside European regulatory changes on labeling and traceability that affected product formulations and market access. Despite the volume decrease, the market saw increased variety with premium and health-focused options, entry of new players, and significant activity from major companies like Kikkoman launching targeted campaigns and products. Online sales of soya sauce grew by 34% in regions with high adoption of Asian cuisine.

By 2024, trends continued towards clean-label products without preservatives, organic ingredients, and convenient formats. Regulatory emphasis on sodium reduction began shaping product development, while artisanal and local production maintained a niche, supporting market differentiation through prolonged fermentation and unique flavors.

Production soya sauce in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of soya sauce, 2017-2020

World map of production of soya sauce, 2017-2020

Soy sauce production in Europe has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Europe produced 103 987 tonnes of soy sauce, representing a slight improvement of 1.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 49%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 14.2%.

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

Exports soya sauce from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their peak in 2018 at 82.8 thousand tonnes and fell to their lowest point in 2019 at 20.9 thousand tonnes, representing a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, Europe's soy sauce exports recovered to 31.1 thousand tonnes, marking a substantial year-over-year increase of 48.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 74.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (accounting for 2.8% of exports in volume), Switzerland (1.6%), and Norway (1.6%) played leading roles in Europe's soy sauce exports by volume. Together, these three countries represented 5.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Soy sauce exports from Europe have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 219.0 million US dollars, reflecting a strong advance of 24.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 43.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 12.9%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Norway (with 3.4% of exports in value terms), Switzerland (2.9%), and the United States (1.4%) formed the main cluster of markets for Europe's soy sauce exports by value. Together, they accounted for 7.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports soya sauce to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Imported soy sauce volumes in Europe have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 161.6 thousand tonnes, marking an increase of 17.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 19.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 121.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 9.8%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, China (representing 25.7% of imports in volume), Japan (8.8%), and Thailand (3.3%) were the largest suppliers of soy sauce to Europe, though they did not dominate the market. Together, these three countries accounted for 37.8% of total import volumes, with many smaller partners contributing to the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Soy sauce imports to Europe have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Europe imported 347.6 million US dollars worth of soy sauce, which is 17.5% greater than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 34.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.5%.

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

The partner structure for imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. China (with 16.7% of imports in value terms), Japan (9.2%), and Thailand (2.8%) together accounted for only 28.6% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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