In this article, we will examine the current state of the Pumpkin Seed market, with a focus on GWS (Grown Without Shell) type seeds, highlighting key producers: China, Poland, and Austria. You will read about the 2024 crop production statistics, including yields and total production volumes.
Additionally, we will explore the factors driving the increased demand for European-grown organic seeds. We’ll analyze the impact on pricing and supply, and look ahead to the future of organic GWS production in Europe.
2024 Pumpkin Seed Production in China: Key Trends and Data
China remains the world’s largest producer of pumpkin seeds, accounting for approximately 70% of global production. In addition to its dominant production, China is also the largest exporter of pumpkin seeds. With over 160 000 tons of pumpkin seeds exported in 2023.
In 2024, China has increased its planting area for pumpkin seeds by 20% compared to the previous year. This year crop will reach approximately 165 000 hectares (2.47 million mu). Key cultivation regions include: Xinjiang (113 500 ha), Gansu (22 700 ha), and Inner Mongolia (28 700 ha).
The estimated total pumpkin seed production in China for 2024 is projected to reach 400 000 tons, marking an increase of over 40% compared to the 280 000 tons produced in 2023. This growth is driven not only by expanded planting area in 2024, but also by improved yields per hectare.
Key Data on 2024 Chinese Production:
- Shine Skin Seeds: 294 000 tons (74% of production)
- Lady Nail Seeds: 52 000 tons (12%)
- Snow White Seeds: 46 000 tons (12%)
- GWS Seeds: 8 000 tons (2%)
Shine Skin pumpkin seeds remain the most widely grown variety in China, accounting for 74% of total production and continuing to increase. In contrast, the production of GWS type seeds has been declining year by year, reflecting a shift in cultivation priorities, challenges specific to GWS production, and export hurdles. Currently, GWS pumpkin seed production represents only 2% of the total planted area.
However, thanks to a stronger 2024 harvest, pumpkin seed prices have started to decline, reaching their lowest levels since 2022. This price drop is attributed to weak domestic demand and relatively low export activity. Current prices for Conventional Shine Skin AA grade are around €2.60/kg FOB China, while Conventional GWS AA grade is priced at €2.80/kg FOB China.
Poland’s Growing Role in Europe’s GWS Pumpkin Seed Market
Poland has firmly established itself as Europe’s second-largest producer of GWS-type pumpkin seeds, following Austria. In 2024, Polish production has seen a significant increase, with volumes approaching those of China for this specific pumpkin seed variety.
Polish farmers have expanded their planting area to a record 9 289 hectares in 2024, up from 7 600 hectares in 2023. Lubelskie county remains the leader in pumpkin cultivation, accounting for nearly 90% of the country’s total production. This year, the Gleisdorfer variety yielded around 600 kg per hectare, showing better results if compared to 2023.
Poland predominantly produces conventional GWS-type pumpkin seeds, and 2024 has been a record year for sales. This surge in production has been driven by growing demand from both domestic and international buyers, highlighting Poland’s expanding influence in the global market
Leading producers report that around 60–70% of the 2024 GWS seed harvest has already been contracted. Strong demand has driven an increase in prices compared to last year. While prices were initially lower right after the harvest, the growing demand has led to a rise, stabilizing the market at higher levels. Current prices for Conventional Pumpkin GWS AA type range from €3.50 to €3.65 per kg.
Austria’s Pumpkin Seed Market in 2024
In 2023, pumpkin seeds in Austria were cultivated on 28 425 hectares, yielding just under 15 500 tons—a 45% drop compared to 2022. The average yield in 2023 was only 540 kg/ha, significantly lower than in previous years.
In 2024, the cultivated area increased to 33 516 hectares, with production estimated between 20 000 and 23 000 tons. While this reflects a partial recovery, it remains below the production levels of 2022, when production reached 28 226 tons.
Austria continues to be a leading global producer of GWS pumpkin seeds, followed by Poland and China. Pumpkin seed oil remains a flagship product, with over 40% of production exported to key markets such as Germany, Switzerland, and other international destinations.
Austrian pumpkin seeds GWS type prices are regularly higher than those coming from China or Poland, largely due to higher production costs in Austria. Rising expenses for labor, logistics, and packaging are also putting pressure on domestic pumpkin oil producers. As long as demand for Austrian pumpkin seed oil and by products remains strong, high prices are likely to persist for this origin.
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Organic GWS Pumpkin Seed Market Outlook
The demand for European-grown organic GWS pumpkin seeds is on the rise, driven by stricter EU pesticide regulations and increasing concerns about the safety of imported seeds. Austria continues to lead the organic market, producing around 10 000 tons annually of Organic Pumpkin GWS type (as of 2021 stats), and remains the top supplier in Europe.
In Poland, organic GWS production is growing, but at a slower pace compared to Austria. Estimates suggest that Poland produces between 1,000 and 1,200 tons of organic GWS seeds. Conventional farming dominates the overall pumpkin seed production, making organic seeds a small portion of the total.
Meanwhile, China has seen a decline in organic GWS production, as many farmers have switched to the more profitable Shine Skin variety, which is easier to produce and sell. This shift, along with the growing demand for EU-certified organic seeds, is driving an increase in the demand for organic GWS from European producers.
Pumpkin GWS Market Summary
In 2024, pumpkin seed production in China has increased by 20%, with a projected total of 400 000 tons, although GWS seed production remains minimal at just 2%. Poland has seen a steady increase in its GWS production, driving growth in both domestic and international demand. Meanwhile, Austria’s production is recovering from fatal 2023 crop.
The demand for European-grown GWS pumpkin seeds continues to rise, fueled by stricter EU regulations and a decline in Chinese organic GWS production. Prices in Europe are up due to increased demand, with Austria and Poland leading the charge.
Source:
- “Pumpkin Seed Industry Report 2024 (page 23)” available at: https://www.chinanutexpo.com/uploadfiles/2024/07/20240710100417192.pdf (accessed on November 27, 2024).
- “Polska jednym z unijnych liderów produkcji dyni” available at:
https://www.trade.gov.pl/aktualnosci/polska-jednym-z-unijnych-liderow-produkcji-dyni/ (accessed on November 27, 2024). - “Feldfruchternte. Kalenderjahr 2023” available at:
https://www.statistik.at/fileadmin/user_upload/SB_1-12-feld_endg_2023.pdf (accessed on November 27, 2024). - “Ölkürbisanbauflächen 2021 europaweit zweistellig gewachsenavailable” at: https://www.alwera.at/feldaktuell/ausgabe-juli-21/oelkuerbis-handelsware-2021/ (accessed on November 27, 2024).
