Cucumber And Gherkin Market

The global cucumber and gherkin market is expected to maintain an upward trend in consumption, with a forecasted growth in both volume and value from 2022 to 2030. China dominates both consumption and production of cucumbers and gherkins, with significant growth rates over the past decade. The market saw a slight decrease in value in 2022 but is projected to bounce back in the coming years. The top importers and exporters of cucumbers and gherkins include the United States, Germany, Spain, and Mexico, with varying levels of growth in volumes and prices. Overall, the market shows signs of steady growth and is poised for continued expansion in the near future.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for cucumbers and gherkins worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.7% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 117M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.8% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $142.7B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Cucumbers And Gherkins

For the eleventh year in a row, the global market recorded growth in consumption of cucumbers and gherkins, which increased by 2% to 95M tons in 2022. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Global consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

The global cucumber and gherkin market value shrank to $97.8B in 2022, dropping by -5.7% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, the total consumption indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +24.0% against 2016 indices. Global consumption peaked at $103.7B in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

Consumption By Country

The country with the largest volume of cucumber and gherkin consumption was China (77M tons), accounting for 82% of total volume. It was followed by Turkey (1.8M tons), with a 1.9% share of total consumption.

In China, cucumber and gherkin consumption increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Turkey (+1.0% per year) and Russia (-1.1% per year).

In value terms, China ($67.9B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by Russia ($1.6B).

In China, the cucumber and gherkin market increased at an average annual rate of +10.6% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Russia (-1.8% per year) and Turkey (+0.4% per year).

In China, cucumber and gherkin per capita consumption increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of per capita consumption growth: Turkey (-0.3% per year) and Russia (-1.1% per year).

Production

World Production of Cucumbers And Gherkins

Global cucumber and gherkin production was estimated at 95M tons in 2022, rising by 2.4% on the previous year's figure. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 3.9%. Global production peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future. The general positive trend in terms output was largely conditioned by measured growth of the harvested area and a noticeable expansion in yield figures.

In value terms, cucumber and gherkin production declined to $110.3B in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production enjoyed a remarkable increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 82% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $124.4B in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Production By Country

The country with the largest volume of cucumber and gherkin production was China (77M tons), comprising approx. 81% of total volume. It was followed by Turkey (1.9M tons), with a 2% share of total production.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China totaled +4.1%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Turkey (+1.1% per year) and Russia (-0.3% per year).

Yield

The global average cucumber and gherkin yield expanded slightly to 44 tons per ha in 2022, picking up by 2% compared with 2021 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the yield increased by 5% against the previous year. The global yield peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Harvested Area

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of cucumbers and gherkins production worldwide stood at 2.2M ha, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year's figure. In general, the harvested area saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the harvested area increased by 1.5% against the previous year. The global harvested area peaked at 2.2M ha in 2016; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Imports

World Imports of Cucumbers And Gherkins

In 2022, the amount of cucumbers and gherkins imported worldwide reduced to 2.6M tons, falling by -14.3% compared with the previous year. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 11%. Over the period under review, global imports hit record highs at 3.1M tons in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, cucumber and gherkin imports reduced to $2.9B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports hit record highs at $3.1B in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

Imports By Country

In 2022, the United States (642K tons) and Germany (547K tons) were the key importers of cucumbers and gherkinsaround the world, together resulting at near 45% of total imports. The UK (201K tons) held the next position in the ranking, followed by Iraq (124K tons). All these countries together took approx. 12% share of total imports. The Netherlands (106K tons), Pakistan (94K tons), Poland (79K tons), France (74K tons), Belgium (62K tons) and the Czech Republic (60K tons) held a relatively small share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Pakistan (with a CAGR of +86.0%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($803M), the United States ($599M) and the UK ($306M) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together comprising 58% of global imports. The Netherlands, France, Poland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Iraq and Pakistan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 18%.

Pakistan, with a CAGR of +72.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average cucumber and gherkin import price amounted to $1,113 per ton, growing by 9.7% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($1,519 per ton), while Pakistan ($166 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Czech Republic (+4.8%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Cucumbers And Gherkins

In 2022, after six years of growth, there was decline in overseas shipments of cucumbers and gherkins, when their volume decreased by -1.2% to 2.9M tons. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 14%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 3M tons, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

In value terms, cucumber and gherkin exports expanded significantly to $3.4B in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports By Country

Mexico (850K tons) and Spain (697K tons) represented roughly 53% of total exports in 2022. The Netherlands (431K tons) ranks next in terms of the total exports with a 15% share, followed by Canada (7.7%). Turkey (107K tons) and Greece (55K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Canada (with a CAGR of +9.3%), while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Spain ($1B), Mexico ($707M) and the Netherlands ($593M) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, together accounting for 68% of global exports. Canada, Turkey and Greece lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 17%.

Canada, with a CAGR of +12.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average cucumber and gherkin export price amounted to $1,159 per ton, with an increase of 9.8% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.4%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Canada ($1,940 per ton), while Turkey ($667 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Canada (+2.9%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform