Spinach market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the fresh spinach market volume in Latin America and the Caribbean contracted from 129.7 thousand tonnes to 109.0 thousand tonnes. This occurred despite growing consumer demand for healthy and fresh foods, spurred by increased health awareness and changing consumption patterns. The main driver was a significant rise in exports, particularly from Mexican states like Baja California and Guanajuato, which reduced domestic availability. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further strained supply chains and distribution, although it also reinforced a preference for fresh spinach.

The market decline continued, reaching a low of 91.4 thousand tonnes in 2022. During this period, investments in agricultural infrastructure and new regulations on labeling and traceability in Mexico sought to improve food safety and transparency. These developments were counterbalanced by persistent strong exports and regional challenges like fluctuating input prices and weather conditions. A rebound to 99.8 thousand tonnes followed in 2023, supported by innovations in farming techniques and post-harvest management that enhanced product quality, alongside Mexico's consolidation as a key exporter meeting growing international demand from countries such as the US, Canada, and the UK.

Production spinach in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of spinach, 2017-2020

World map of production of spinach, 2017-2020

Spinach production in Latin America and the Caribbean declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 125.0 K t of spinach, marking a 9.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 10.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 137.3 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of spinach output in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 377.7 M $ US, reflecting a modest 2.8% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 19%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 377.9 M $ US. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 2.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 19.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports spinach from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports varied significantly, with a 4.6-fold difference between the minimum in 2018 and the maximum in 2020. In 2020, spinach deliveries from Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 25 802 t, showing a sharp 40.3% increase from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 613 t. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 2.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 227.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary and nearly exclusive market for spinach exports in kind from Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 95.6% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports varied by a factor of 4.8, from a low in 2018 to a high in 2020. In 2020, spinach shipments from Latin America and the Caribbean were valued at 77 961 K $ US, representing a 58.4% increase year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 16 149 K $ US. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 0.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 204.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in value terms was dominated by a single market: the United States, which accounted for 98.5% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports spinach to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Spinach imports into Latin America and the Caribbean increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 9 777 t, up 1.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 208.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 45.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States accounted for almost all spinach imports in kind to Latin America and the Caribbean, with a share of 92.6% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Spinach imports into Latin America and the Caribbean rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region imported approximately 28 294 K $ US of spinach, a 9.1% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 202.2%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 44.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States dominated the import structure in value terms, with a share of 98.5% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020