The top 10 garlic importing countries in Europe

Robert Gultig

18 April 2025

The top 10 garlic importing countries in Europe

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Written by Robert Gultig

18 April 2025

Introduction

Garlic is a widely used ingredient in European cuisine, and the demand for this pungent herb continues to grow. In this report, we will explore the top 10 garlic importing countries in Europe, shedding light on the key players in the garlic import market, their financial data, and industry insights.

1. Germany

Financial Data

Germany is one of the largest garlic importing countries in Europe, with a significant market share. In 2020, Germany imported over 100,000 tons of garlic, with a total import value of approximately €200 million.

Industry Insights

The German garlic market is dominated by both domestic producers and international suppliers. Some of the key players in the German garlic import market include EDEKA, LIDL, and Metro AG.

2. France

Financial Data

France is another major importer of garlic in Europe, with imports totaling around 80,000 tons in 2020. The total import value of garlic in France was estimated to be around €150 million.

Industry Insights

In France, garlic imports are primarily sourced from countries like China, Spain, and Argentina. Some of the leading companies involved in the garlic import business in France include Carrefour, Intermarché, and Auchan.

3. United Kingdom

Financial Data

The United Kingdom is also a significant importer of garlic, with imports reaching over 60,000 tons in 2020. The total import value of garlic in the UK was around €120 million.

Industry Insights

The UK garlic market is highly competitive, with major retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda dominating the import market. The demand for organic garlic in the UK is also on the rise, presenting opportunities for suppliers.

4. Italy

Financial Data

Italy is known for its garlic-rich cuisine, and the country imports a significant amount of garlic each year. In 2020, Italy imported over 50,000 tons of garlic, with a total import value of approximately €100 million.

Industry Insights

In Italy, garlic imports are sourced from countries like China, Spain, and Egypt. Some of the key players in the Italian garlic import market include Conad, Coop, and Esselunga.

5. Spain

Financial Data

Spain is both a major producer and importer of garlic in Europe. In 2020, Spain imported over 40,000 tons of garlic, with a total import value of around €80 million.

Industry Insights

The Spanish garlic market is characterized by a strong domestic production sector, with imports mainly coming from countries like China and Argentina. Some of the leading companies in the Spanish garlic import market include Mercadona, Carrefour, and Alcampo.

6. Netherlands

Financial Data

The Netherlands is a key player in the European garlic import market, with imports totaling over 30,000 tons in 2020. The total import value of garlic in the Netherlands was estimated to be around €60 million.

Industry Insights

In the Netherlands, garlic imports are sourced from countries like China, Spain, and Egypt. Some of the major players in the Dutch garlic import market include Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Lidl.

7. Belgium

Financial Data

Belgium is another significant importer of garlic in Europe, with imports reaching around 20,000 tons in 2020. The total import value of garlic in Belgium was approximately €40 million.

Industry Insights

In Belgium, garlic imports are sourced from countries like China, Spain, and Argentina. Some of the key players in the Belgian garlic import market include Colruyt, Delhaize, and Carrefour.

8. Sweden

Financial Data

Sweden is a growing market for garlic imports in Europe, with imports exceeding 15,000 tons in 2020. The total import value of garlic in Sweden was estimated to be around €30 million.

Industry Insights

In Sweden, garlic imports are primarily sourced from countries like China, Spain, and Argentina. Some of the major retailers involved in the Swedish garlic import market include ICA, Coop, and Axfood.

9. Poland

Financial Data

Poland is also a notable importer of garlic in Europe, with imports totaling over 10,000 tons in 2020. The total import value of garlic in Poland was around €20 million.

Industry Insights

In Poland, garlic imports are sourced from countries like China, Spain, and Egypt. Some of the key players in the Polish garlic import market include Biedronka, Lidl, and Carrefour.

10. Denmark

Financial Data

Denmark is a smaller player in the European garlic import market, with imports reaching around 5,000 tons in 2020. The total import value of garlic in Denmark was estimated to be approximately €10 million.

Industry Insights

In Denmark, garlic imports are mainly sourced from countries like China, Spain, and Argentina. Some of the leading retailers in the Danish garlic import market include Coop, Dansk Supermarked, and Rema 1000.
In conclusion, the European garlic import market is characterized by a diverse range of players, with countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom leading the way in terms of import volumes and market share. As the demand for garlic continues to rise, opportunities for growth and expansion exist for suppliers and retailers looking to tap into this lucrative market.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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