Eggplant Market

The global eggplant market is expected to grow with a CAGR of +2.2% in volume and +4.2% in value from 2022 to 2030. China is the largest consumer and producer of eggplants, while Spain leads in exports. The article also covers trends in consumption, production, imports, and exports of eggplants from 2012 to 2022, providing valuable data and insights for stakeholders in the industry.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for eggplants (aubergines) worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.2% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 71M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.2% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $82.2B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Eggplants (Aubergines)

In 2022, global eggplant consumption was estimated at 59M tons, approximately mirroring 2021. The total consumption 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. Global consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

The global eggplant market revenue declined slightly to $59B in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable 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). Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% 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 +93.9% against 2012 indices. Global consumption peaked at $59.5B in 2021, and then declined modestly in the following year.

Consumption By Country

China (38M tons) remains the largest eggplant consuming country worldwide, comprising approx. 65% of total volume. Moreover, eggplant consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, India (13M tons), threefold.

In China, eggplant consumption increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: India (+0.1% per year) and Egypt (+1.6% per year).

In value terms, China ($41.3B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by India ($8.5B).

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in China stood at +10.8%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: India (+0.8% per year) and Egypt (+1.6% per year).

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the eggplant per capita consumption in China amounted to +2.8%. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of per capita consumption growth: Egypt (-0.5% per year) and India (-0.9% per year).

Production

World Production of Eggplants (Aubergines)

For the eleventh year in a row, the global market recorded growth in production of eggplants (aubergines), which increased by 1.1% to 59M tons in 2022. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 4.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production attained the peak volume in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future. The general positive trend in terms output was largely conditioned by a moderate expansion of the harvested area and tangible growth in yield figures.

In value terms, eggplant production shrank slightly to $66.6B in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 38% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $66.8B in 2021, and then shrank slightly in the following year.

Production By Country

China (38M tons) remains the largest eggplant producing country worldwide, accounting for 65% of total volume. Moreover, eggplant production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, India (13M tons), threefold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in China totaled +3.3%. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: India (+0.1% per year) and Egypt (+1.6% per year).

Yield

In 2022, the global average yield of eggplants (aubergines) expanded to 31 tons per ha, with an increase of 4.6% on 2021 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 5.1%. Over the period under review, the average eggplant yield reached the maximum level in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Harvested Area

The global eggplant harvested area dropped slightly to 1.9M ha in 2022, declining by -3.4% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 3.7% against the previous year. The global harvested area peaked at 2M ha in 2021, and then shrank slightly in the following year.

Imports

World Imports of Eggplants (Aubergines)

In 2022, approx. 499K tons of eggplants (aubergines) were imported worldwide; with a decrease of -8.2% against the previous year. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 8.5%. Global imports peaked at 543K tons in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, eggplant imports stood at $601M in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 15%. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports By Country

In 2022, the United States (90K tons), distantly followed by Germany (55K tons), France (51K tons), Iraq (36K tons), the UK (30K tons), Canada (27K tons) and Italy (24K tons) were the major importers of eggplants (aubergines), together generating 63% of total imports. The following importers - the Netherlands (17K tons), Afghanistan (12K tons), Singapore (12K tons), Belgium (9.6K tons), Russia (9.6K tons) and Austria (7.8K tons) - together made up 14% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Iraq (with a CAGR of +30.6%), while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest eggplant importing markets worldwide were the United States ($94M), Germany ($88M) and France ($73M), together accounting for 42% of global imports. The UK, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Iraq, Belgium, Austria, Singapore, Russia and Afghanistan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 37%.

Iraq, with a CAGR of +31.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of 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 eggplant import price amounted to $1,205 per ton, increasing by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $1,261 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($1,932 per ton), while Afghanistan ($359 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Singapore (+3.3%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Eggplants (Aubergines)

In 2022, shipments abroad of eggplants (aubergines) decreased by -7% to 496K tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 11%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 533K tons, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, eggplant exports stood at $595M in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

Exports By Country

In 2022, Spain (151K tons), distantly followed by Mexico (83K tons), the Netherlands (60K tons), Iran (39K tons), Turkey (27K tons) and the United States (23K tons) were the largest exporters of eggplants (aubergines), together mixing up 77% of total exports. Honduras (14K tons), Belgium (11K tons), France (8.4K tons) and China (8.3K tons) took a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Iran (with a CAGR of +23.2%), while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Spain ($215M) remains the largest eggplant supplier worldwide, comprising 36% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($96M), with a 16% share of global exports. It was followed by Mexico, with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Spain amounted to +3.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the Netherlands (+1.8% per year) and Mexico (+3.3% per year).

Export Prices By Country

The average eggplant export price stood at $1,200 per ton in 2022, increasing by 8.6% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.2%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the average export price increased by 14% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $1,222 per ton; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($1,695 per ton), while Iran ($306 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+13.7%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform