Poland strengthens its position as a leader in pumpkin production in the EU

Poland is increasingly marking its presence on the European market of pumpkin type vegetables. The dynamic development of crops, growing domestic demand and export potential make Polish producers strengthen their position both in the cultivation and in the processing and export of pumpkin vegetables.

More and more often, Polish pumpkins are reaching European markets – both in the form of fresh and processed products, such as seeds or oil. The growing interest in healthy food and the “plant-based” trend is conducive to the further development of this industry.

Poland is the leader in pumpkin production in the EU

Poland has been the largest producer of pumpkins in the European Union invariably since 2020. In 2024, our country’s share in the EU harvest was 33 percent, or 383,000 tons. Other producers included France (235,000 tonnes, 20% share), Spain (172,000 tonnes, 15%), Germany (114,000 tonnes, 10%) and Portugal (92,000 tonnes, 8%). The top five accounted for 86 percent of total pumpkin production in the EU, according to data from KOWR’s Office of Analysis and Strategy.

In the whole of Europe, the pumpkin harvest in 2024 exceeded 1,200,000 tons, which was an increase of 9 per cent on the previous year.

Dynamic development of domestic crops

Over the last decade, Poland has recorded one of the fastest growth rates in Europe in this crop. The area of cultivation increased from 1,100 hectares in 2014 to 9,300 hectares in 2024, and the harvest increased more than eightfold – from 48,000 tons to 383,000 tons.

The national structure is dominated by two species – the common pumpkin and the giant pumpkin. The National Register of Varieties currently includes about 35 varieties of pumpkins, intended for consumption, industrial, cosmetic and feed applications.

Success factors and competitiveness of Polish producers

Polish pumpkin production is developing thanks to growing consumer demand and favorable growing conditions. This plant does not require high-quality soils or large investments in chemical protection, and at the same time it tolerates storage and transport well, which increases its commercial attractiveness.

More and more farmers decide to grow pumpkin as a supplement to vegetable production or as a raw material for the food industry. Such diversification of the production structure increases the stability of the market and allows for better adaptation to the requirements of foreign customers.

Exports and opportunities for foreign trade development

Despite the large scale of production, the export of fresh pumpkins from Poland is still small – it amounts to about 3-4,000 tons per year,only i.e. 1 per cent of the domestic harvest.

The main export directions are Italy (25 per cent of the volume), Germany (20 per cent), Slovakia (15 per cent) and the Czech Republic (10 per cent). Imports remain at the level of 2-3,000 tons and come mainly from the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.

However, the relatively low level of exports with high production indicates significant potential for development – especially in the segment of processed products. Poland can benefit from the export of pumpkin seeds, oil or vegetable preserves, which are becoming increasingly popular on Western European markets.

Thanks to competitive production costs, high quality raw material and flexibility of Polish producers, the pumpkin industry has a chance to become one of the most promising segments of Polish agri-food exports.

Source: National Centre for Agricultural Support (KOWR), „Polska największym producentem dyni w Unii Europejskiej”, 03.11.2025

Translated by IDC

JL