Pumpkin GWS Market Overview
The 2023 pumpkin GWS (Grown Without a Shell) harvest is almost done in Poland. It’s important to look at what’s happening now, especially in important places where pumpkins are grown, like China and Europe. This update provide insights into the challenges, trends, and expected outlook for the 2023 pumpkin GWS crop.
Buyers are actively seeking alternatives to the Chinese origin due to concerns regarding issues like phosphonic acid and other pesticides problems. They’ve encountered difficulties with the quality of the Chinese origin especially with last EU regulations change. This is why buyers explore options from European countries like Austria or Poland for better-quality pumpkins.
Pumpkin GWS Challenges
Decreased Pumpkin Production in China
China, a largest producer of pumpkin GWS, faces a substantial decline in production this year compared to the 2022 crop, with reported decreases ranging from 10% to 20%. Reports also indicate a noticeable drop in the yield from this year crop. A drop in yield and reduced farming interest in pumpkin cultivation contribute to this decline. Farmers are increasingly shifting to more profitable alternatives like sunflowers, leading to a contraction in the pumpkin cultivation area.
Phosphonic Acid and Pesticides Issues
Issues related to phosphonic acid and pesticides further complicate the Chinese pumpkin GWS imports situation in Europe. New EU regulations concerning phosphonic acid implemented in 2022 have complicated imports from China. Where a majority of organic pumpkin GWS is exceeding the updated limits. Quality standards require alternatives to Chinese origins that comply with EU regulations, pushing European buyers to seek more stable and compliant sources.
Poland’s Pumpkin 2023 Situation
In Poland, the pumpkin harvest is well underway, with approximately 80% completed. The estimated production size of pumpkins grown for seeds, particularly the Gleisdorfer variety, is expected to range between 5500 to 6000 tons this year, with around 15% from organic cultivation. This marks a slightly lower output compared to the previous season, mainly due to lower yield and harsh weather conditions during sowing time. Poland, having produced 400,000 tons of pumpkins in 2022, holds a significant 40% share of total pumpkin production in the EU.
Pumpkin GWS Market Trends
Buyers Shift To European Origin
Increased concerns about phosphonic acid and pesticide levels in imported pumpkins from China have prompted buyers to seek alternatives. However, sourcing European-origin pumpkin GWS remains challenging, as only Austria and Poland can offer significant volumes of pumpkin GWS. There’s also a problem with the pumpkin quality from European sources vs Chinese standard – buyers often have to make compromises or clean the goods more to meet their quality standards.
Surging Demand For Organic Pumpkin
Contrary to the previous season, the demand for organic pumpkin GWS from Europe has surged significantly. Buyers are actively seeking larger quantities of organic pumpkin GWS type, indicating a notable market shift towards organic produce. It is worth to mention that current available quantities of organic pumpkin GWS from the European origin are insufficient to meet the market demand.
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Sluggish Sales Of Conventional Pumpkin
Sales for conventional pumpkins, whether from Chinese or European sources, have been slow in the last months of 2023. Importers currently hold a surplus of conventional goods that will last for several more weeks. Unlike the previous season, there hasn’t been a surge in demand for European conventional pumpkins. Buyers, being well-stocked, show minimal interest in either European or Chinese conventional pumpkins.
Pumpkin GWS Market Summary
The dynamics of the Pumpkin GWS market are potentially shifting away from traditional Chinese sources toward European production. This change is because of problems with pesticides like phosphonic acid in imported pumpkin. Austria and Poland are gradually establishing themselves as alternatives for European buyers, challenging the dominance of Chinese pumpkin in the market.
The season ahead, 2023/2024, presents numerous challenges for European producers and buyers alike, from ensuring compliance with stringent EU regulations to meeting the demand traditionally fulfilled by Chinese imports. European producers must adapt swiftly to eliminate potential issues and offer high-quality products, paving the way for a market transition from Chinese to European pumpkin GWS.
Source:
- https://www.farmer.pl/produkcja-roslinna/inne-uprawy/polska-jest-potega-dyniowa-w-unii-europejskiej,138013.html
- https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022R0093
