Spinach market in Malta

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh spinach in Malta expanded from 225 t in 2019 to a peak of 293 t in 2022, before contracting to 242 t in 2023. The initial growth phase was marked by increased reliance on imported spinach from several European and non-European sources, complemented by seasonal local production.

A notable surge of 21% in market volume to 273 t occurred in 2020, corresponding with a sharp rise in imports from key suppliers like Italy and Brazil. Local production also increased that year, supporting overall supply during the spring and summer seasons. Growth continued at a slower pace through 2022, reaching 293 t.

The market decline in 2023 to 242 t took place alongside stricter EU-compliant import controls and enhanced labeling regulations enforced by the MCCAA. At the same time, farmers' markets such as Ta’ Qali gained prominence, offering locally grown spinach and reflecting consumer preference for fresh, seasonal produce.

Production spinach in Malta

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of spinach, 2017-2020

World map of production of spinach, 2017-2020

Malta's spinach production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 210.0 t of spinach, representing a 10.5% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 13.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 180.0 t, with the largest decline that year being 2.7%.

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

Exports spinach from Malta

Exports in kind, kg

In 2018, Malta's cross-border shipments of spinach amounted to 500 kg, marking a 25.0% increase compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malta in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner base for spinach in kind was extremely narrow, with Libya accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Malta exported 0.3 K $ US of spinach in 2018, reflecting a sharp gain of 30.2% compared with 2017.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical pattern of exports in value terms showed a strong dependence on Libya, which absorbed 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports spinach to Malta

Imports in kind, kg

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of spinach to Malta were recorded at 63 093 kg, up by 77.5% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 35 550 kg, with the largest decline that year being 21.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malta in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, spinach imports to Malta were supplied almost exclusively by Italy, which accounted for 97.6% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Malta imported a total of 235.6 K $ US of spinach in 2020, showing a sharp increase of 62.9% over the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports grew by 139.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy was the key and almost sole market for imports in value terms of spinach to Malta, accounting for 97.1% of total flows.

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

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