Spinach market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Belgian fresh spinach market volume declined from 123.8 thousand tonnes to 109.7 thousand tonnes. The period began with the entry of new local organic producers, such as Ferme de la Tortue in Soignies, and the development of cold-resistant spinach varieties like Géant d’hiver, which improved adaptation to local growing conditions.

A sharp expansion followed in 2021, driving the market to 151.1 thousand tonnes, before it stabilized near 150.6 thousand tonnes in 2022. During 2022, varietal innovation advanced through trials of hundreds of spinach types by VOLTZ Maraîchage, focusing on young shoots and market needs. At the same time, producers like Iglo emphasized rapid harvesting and freezing within four hours to preserve freshness and nutritional value, supporting product quality.

The market then contracted to 105.5 thousand tonnes in 2023.

Production spinach in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium ranked as the 11th largest producer of spinach globally.

Top producers of spinach, 2017-2020

World map of production of spinach, 2017-2020

Spinach production in Belgium grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 94 600 tonnes of spinach, marking a 1.6% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 16.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.2%.

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

Exports spinach from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 781 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 24 145 tonnes, representing a 31-fold difference. In 2020, spinach exports from Belgium totaled 24 145 tonnes, showing a 3.6% gain compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 79.3%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019, surging by 2,883.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands accounted for 97.1% of Belgium's total spinach exports by volume, making it the overwhelmingly dominant market.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports hit a low in 2018 at 986 thousand US dollars and a high in 2019 at 3 177 thousand US dollars, varying by 3.2 times between these years. In 2020, Belgium exported 3 105 thousand US dollars worth of spinach, which was 2.3% lower year-on-year. The largest decline was in 2018, falling by 30.2%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 222.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and Luxembourg were the leading markets for Belgium's spinach exports in value terms, together capturing 82.0% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other destinations.

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

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

Imports spinach to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's spinach imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 39 280 tonnes of spinach, showing a modest drop of 3.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.4%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 42 270 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 15.4%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, the Netherlands and France clearly dominated Belgium's spinach import structure by volume, while other countries together accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of spinach imports into Belgium increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 17 842 thousand US dollars, up by 11.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 38.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the Netherlands and France remained the primary suppliers of spinach to Belgium in value terms, with a combined share of 82.3% of total imports, and other countries forming the remainder.

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

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