Vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar in Europe showed considerable fluctuation between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 504.1 thousand tons in 2018, it grew to 531.2 thousand tons by 2020, fell to 476.0 thousand tons in 2021, then surged to a peak of 570.7 thousand tons in 2022 before declining to 463.4 thousand tons in 2023. In value terms, the market oscillated between 857 million USD and 1.04 billion USD over the same period, reaching its highest point in 2023.

In 2023, several underlying factors were at play in the market. The global acetic acid market, a key ingredient, was valued at over 16 billion USD, indicating robust supply conditions. Consumption of preserved pulses continued to grow in France, driven by a more diverse product range and innovation in plant-based alternatives. European codes of practice, validated in 2018, continued to govern production quality, while the recognized efficacy of acetic acid in reducing pesticide residues on vegetables likely influenced consumer perception and manufacturing practices.

Heading into 2024, the French processed vegetable and potato market exceeded 8 billion euros, supported by a return to prepared dishes and dehydrated offers. The Cofigeo group launched a new range of canned roasted meats and potatoes, introducing innovation to the preserves aisle. Although canned vegetable volumes saw a decline, a potential recovery was signaled due to moderate pricing and a resurgence of home cooking amid inflation. Increased potato acreage in France for industrial needs bolstered raw material supply, while consumption of organic pulses and plant-based alternatives kept growing, reflecting sustained consumer focus on health, convenience, and dietary balance.

Production vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar, 2017-2020

World map of production of vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar, 2017-2020

Europe's production of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 229.5 K t, representing a 9.0% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 18.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 306.4 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 17.7% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2018, with a 9.0% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar produced in Europe was 551.3 M $ US, showing a modest increase of 2.0% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 540.5 M $ US, while the peak was in 2018 at 694.1 M $ US. The most substantial decline happened in 2019, with a 22.1% drop, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 25.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Europe's exports of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar amounted to 390.0 K t, down by 7.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 10.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a 1.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Europe's exports of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar were distributed across a wide range of markets. The United States (5.9% of exports in kind), Switzerland (1.5%), and Canada (1.3%) together accounted for only 8.6% of total exports in kind. The remaining 91.4% was made up of numerous smaller destinations.

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

In 2020, Europe's exports of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar totaled 937 M $ US, showing a moderate increase of 3.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 9.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 941 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 4.0% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with a 10.2% rise.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the United States (8.1% of exports in value terms), Switzerland (1.8%), and Canada (1.8%) emerged as the key markets for Europe's exports in value terms. Together, they represented 11.7% 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 vegetables, pulses and potatoes in vinegar to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Europe's imports of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar declined. In 2020, imports totaled 691.7 K t, showing little change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 16.9%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.3%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 692.4 K t, and the largest increase occurred that same year, with a 12.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for imports in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. Turkey (17.1% of imports in kind), India (9.5%), and China (5.4%) together accounted for 32.0% of total flows, while many other countries made up the remaining 68.0%.

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

In 2020, Europe's imports of vegetables, pulses, and potatoes in vinegar reached 1 346 M $ US, marking a 10.3% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 20.9%, with an annualized rate of 6.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a 1.4% drop, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, with an 11.3% rise.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the country breakdown of imports in value terms remained scattered. Turkey (15.1% of imports in value terms), India (7.6%), and China (3.7%) together represented just 26.4% of total flows, with no single partner dominating the market.

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

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