Dutch and French cucumber prices rise after Spanish exit; French exports down 10%

Dutch mini-cucumber prices have stabilized after Spain exited the market, with strong retail demand and possible shortages ahead. French cucumber production in 2026 is up 1%, but exports dropped 10% year-on-year in early 2026.

In the Netherlands, the 2026 mini-cucumber season began slowly due to prolonged competition from Spain, which remained on the market with large volumes. This kept Dutch mini-cucumber prices under pressure for several weeks. Since Spain withdrew from the European market in late June, Dutch prices have stabilized and demand from the retail sector has increased. Industry sources report that shortages may occur in the coming week due to strong demand and recent heat impacting plant yields. The Dutch mini-cucumber acreage in 2026 is slightly larger than in 2025, with one major supplier marketing 12–15 hectares under its Cuckies brand. Standard cucumber prices in the Netherlands have also surged in early July, described as "sky-high" by traders, following a difficult start to the season. The more expensive standard cucumbers have led to increased demand for mini-cucumbers among European buyers, including Poland.

In France, 2026 cucumber production is forecast at 194,100 tonnes, up 1% from 2025 and 10% above the five-year average, according to Agreste. This results from expanded cultivation to 1,105 hectares. Prices in May 2026 were 14% higher than in May 2025 and 21% above the five-year average, driven by a heatwave that spurred demand. Production was delayed in the south due to lack of sunshine, while April saw price declines linked to increased imports from Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. French cucumber exports in the first four months of 2026 fell 10% year-on-year to 5,700 tonnes, while imports dropped 5% to 30,200 tonnes. The French cucumber trade deficit narrowed by 3% to 24,500 tonnes in this period.

Recent heatwaves across Western Europe have affected cucumber supply, with growers in the Netherlands noting that last week's hot weather reduced plant productivity. However, the heat has also stimulated sales, especially for mini-cucumbers. In France, the May heatwave significantly boosted demand and prices, but variable weather conditions, including a lack of sunlight in the south, caused fluctuations in supply.

Dutch and Belgian growers have slightly increased their cucumber acreage for 2026, and retail demand for mini-cucumbers continues to rise across Europe. The expansion of French cucumber cultivation and higher prices in both the Netherlands and France could influence import prices and availability for buyers in Poland and other Central European countries.

In April 2026, the French cucumber market faced price pressure from imports, mainly from Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands, before rebounding in May. This competition among European suppliers continues to shape wholesale prices and trade flows in the region.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker