Dutch and French cucumber supply, prices and trade flows impact European market in July 2026

Dutch mini-cucumber prices have stabilized after Spain exited the market, while French cucumber prices in May 2026 were 14% above the previous year amid strong demand and moderate production growth.

In the Netherlands, the 2026 mini-cucumber season started slowly due to extended Spanish supply and high competition, but prices have now stabilized following Spain's withdrawal from the market. Dutch traders report increased demand from the retail sector and expect possible shortages in the coming week. The Dutch mini-cucumber cultivation area is slightly larger than in 2025, supporting higher sales volumes. Standard Dutch cucumbers experienced a volatile market in late June and early July, with prices reaching high levels due to strong demand and limited supply.

French cucumber production in 2026 is forecast at 194,100 tons, a 1% increase year-on-year and 10% above the five-year average. The national cultivation area will reach 1,105 hectares, up 1% from 2025. Despite the larger harvest, a May 2026 heatwave boosted domestic consumption and pushed average prices up by 14% compared to May 2025 and 21% higher than the five-year average for the same period. In March and April, French cucumber prices were also above previous years: 6% higher than March 2025 and 7% above the five-year average.

French cucumber exports from January to April 2026 fell by 10% year-on-year to 5,700 tons, while imports decreased by 5% to 30,200 tons. The national trade deficit in cucumbers narrowed by 3% to 24,500 tons over the same period. The French market experienced temporary supply drops during greenhouse plant rotations in spring, but production in the southeast increased, despite delays from lack of sunlight in late winter.

In April, increased competition from Benelux and Spain caused French cucumber prices to drop, before recovering in May as demand remained dynamic. Belgian and Dutch cucumbers compete directly with French production in the late spring and early summer period, impacting pricing and trade flows across Western Europe.

For Poland and other Central European importers, these developments mean higher prices for imported Dutch and French cucumbers in July 2026, especially as Spanish supply has ended and demand remains firm in Western Europe. French cucumber prices in May 2026 reached approximately €2.0–2.2/kg (converted from the reported 14% increase over 2025 averages), while Dutch mini-cucumber prices have stabilized at competitive levels following earlier price pressure.

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