Spinach market in France

Earlier Report Observations

France entered the period as Europe's second-largest spinach producer, with an annual output around 105 000 tonnes predominantly directed to the processing industry, while the fresh market represented a smaller segment. In 2018, the total market volume for fresh or chilled spinach stood at 127.6 thousand tonnes, supported by regional production in areas like Brittany and Hauts-de-France.

Market volume dipped to 121.2 thousand tonnes in 2019, a year characterized by demand fluctuations and an 11% decline in the value of spinach exports. A sharp contraction followed in 2020, reducing volume to 88.4 thousand tonnes; industry notes from that year highlighted that only 12-15% of national spinach production was destined for the fresh market, which may have limited availability. A strong rebound occurred in 2021, lifting volume to 124.5 thousand tonnes.

From 2022, the market entered a downward phase, falling to 106.0 thousand tonnes that year and then to 77.9 thousand tonnes in 2023. This latter drop coincided with high inflation and shifting consumer habits, as households across France reduced purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables by 2% in volume and sought more affordable alternatives, directly weighing on demand for fresh spinach.

Production spinach in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France held the 7th position globally in spinach production.

Top producers of spinach, 2017-2020

World map of production of spinach, 2017-2020

France's spinach production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 86.3 thousand tonnes of spinach, down 29.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 28.5%, with an average annual decrease of 10.6%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 126.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports spinach from France

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 2 049 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 10 090 tonnes, with a 4.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, France exported 5 553 tonnes of spinach, marking a 45.0% year-on-year drop. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 76.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 392.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium accounted for 71.8% of France's total spinach exports by volume, with the remaining flows distributed among various smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, France's cross-border spinach shipments amounted to 5 109 thousand US dollars, representing a significant reduction of 19.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 20.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.3%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland (33.0% of exports by value), the United Kingdom (27.6%), and Belgium (15.2%) were the main markets for France's spinach exports in monetary terms, collectively accounting for 75.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports spinach to France

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 3 182 tonnes and reached their highest in 2019 at 8 600 tonnes, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.7 times. In 2020, foreign spinach supplies to France amounted to 7 740 tonnes, showing a modest drop of 10.0% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 54.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 170.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain (36.7% of imports by volume), Italy (27.2%), and Belgium (21.5%) formed the main cluster of markets for France's spinach imports in kind, with a combined share of 85.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

France's volume of spinach imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 10 744 thousand US dollars, indicating a controlled increase of 5.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 60.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 17.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Italy were the dominant suppliers of spinach to France in value terms, together taking 87.5% of total imports, with other partners playing a less significant role.

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

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