Dutch and French cucumber prices rise as Spanish volumes exit market
Spanish cucumbers have withdrawn from the European market, leading to higher prices for Dutch and French cucumbers amid increased demand and ongoing harvests.
The Dutch mini-cucumber season has seen prices stabilize and demand increase after a slow start caused by prolonged Spanish presence and high volumes earlier in the year. As of early July, Spain has fully exited the market, allowing Dutch producers to recover from earlier price pressure. Standard cucumber prices in the Netherlands have surged to 'sky-high' levels in the past week and a half, with strong retail demand for both standard and mini-cucumbers. The Dutch mini-cucumber acreage is slightly up compared to last year, and industry sources report growing interest from retailers across Europe, including Poland, where imported Dutch cucumbers remain a staple on wholesale markets.
In France, cucumber production for the 2026 marketing year is forecast at 194,100 tons, up 1% from 2025. The national area under cultivation is estimated at 1,105 hectares, also up 1% year-on-year. In late May, a heatwave boosted cucumber consumption, with wholesale prices rising 14% compared to May 2025 and 21% above the five-year average for this period. March 2026 prices were 6% higher than March 2025 and 7% above the five-year average. However, from January to April 2026, French cucumber exports fell by 10% to 5,700 tons, while imports dropped 5% to 30,200 tons, narrowing the trade deficit by 3% compared to the previous year.
Spanish cucumber production remains focused on the domestic market, with high-yielding varieties such as Martínez and Españolo supporting supply continuity throughout the year in major regions like Almería, Granada, and Seville. The main export window for Spanish cucumbers to northern Europe has now closed, reducing competition for Benelux and French producers in July. Spanish supply is expected to resume in the autumn cycle, with sowing in July-September and peak harvests in late summer and early autumn.
Competition between supplier countries remains strong. In April, increased supply from Benelux and Spain led to a drop in French prices, but demand rebounded in May. The market for mini-cucumbers in the Netherlands is expanding, with retailers in several countries, including Poland, increasing their assortments. The Dutch sector expects further growth in both standard and mini-cucumber acreage for the next season.
Weather continues to influence cucumber markets across Europe. A heatwave in France and hot conditions in the Netherlands have boosted consumption but also stressed plants. Meanwhile, delayed sunlight in southern France earlier in the year briefly slowed the supply ramp-up. These factors are contributing to ongoing volatility in European cucumber prices and availability.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker