Vinegar market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The vinegar market in Portugal began the period with growth, reaching a volume of 25 565 thousand liters in 2018. This increase was primarily driven by the successful launch of a 6% vinegar for household cleaning by Castelo, which expanded the product's use beyond food and attracted new consumers. Concurrently, rising demand for organic and premium flavored vinegars, fueled by health and wellness trends, supported wider shelf space and a 5% sales volume increase. Market volume rose slightly to 25 808 thousand liters in 2019, sustained by this ongoing innovation and diversification. By 2020, the market stabilized at 25 375 thousand liters.

A significant contraction occurred later in the period, with market volume falling to 19 741 thousand liters in 2023 and further to 17 340 thousand liters in 2024. This decline aligned with the implementation of revised Portuguese wine sector legislation from 2021, which harmonized vinegar production and labeling rules with European standards and likely affected operations. Furthermore, updated European Union regulations on the classification, labeling, and packaging of substances, including vinegar, introduced new compliance requirements for the market. Throughout these changes, Portuguese producers emphasized sustainable practices, such as B-Corp certification, and maintained a focus on export activities.

Production vinegar in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's vinegar production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output value reached 17 949 thousand US dollars, marking a 6.6% gain compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production grew by 10.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K l

Portugal's vinegar production has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 27 957 thousand liters of vinegar, showing a slight increase of 1.4% from 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, production expanded by 4.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K l

Exports vinegar from Portugal

Exports in kind, K l

Vinegar exports from Portugal have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the export volume totaled 10 129 thousand liters, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 171.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 39.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K l

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom consistently held the top positions in Portugal's vinegar export structure by volume. Italy accounted for 30.3% of exports, Spain for 11.3%, and the United Kingdom for 10.4%, together making up 52.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Portugal's vinegar exports have increased in value for the third year running. In 2021, the export value came to 6 635 thousand US dollars, up by 0.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 12.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Data from 2018 to 2021 show that Portugal's vinegar exports in value terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. Italy accounted for 30.0% of exports, Spain for 11.2%, and the United Kingdom for 8.6%, jointly representing 49.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports vinegar to Portugal

Imports in kind, K l

Portugal's vinegar import volumes showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. The lowest level was recorded in 2018, while volumes peaked in 2020, with a 2.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Portugal imported approximately 7 395 thousand liters of vinegar, reflecting a decline of 1.3% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 119.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K l

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and Italy remained the key sources for Portugal's vinegar imports by volume. Spain accounted for 58.1% of imports, France for 19.3%, and Italy for 9.2%, together comprising 86.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's vinegar import value has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the import value increased by 7.7% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 12.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 917 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 6.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Spain, Italy, and France—together accounted for 73.8% of Portugal's total vinegar imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021