Turkish cucumber exports and European supply surge amid summer harvests

Turkish fresh fruit and vegetable exports, including cucumbers, reached a record 3.67 million tonnes in 2024, with export growth of 175% since 2002. Meanwhile, a surge in cucumber supply is reported in Central Europe due to accelerated harvests from hot weather.

Türkiye’s fresh fruit and vegetable sector, which includes cucumbers, saw exports rise from 1.34 million tonnes in 2002 to 3.67 million tonnes in 2024, according to Turkish Statistical Institute data. The share of export to total production increased from 3.8% to 7.1% over the same period, reflecting stronger international competitiveness. The total production of the main 20 products, including cucumbers, reached 62 million tonnes in 2024, but a climate crisis in 2025 reduced overall fresh produce output by 14% to 44.35 million tonnes.

In the European wholesale markets, cucumber prices have recently dropped significantly due to a surge in supply. In Central Europe, particularly in wholesale markets outside Poland, field cucumber prices declined to €1.2–1.4/kg (PLN 5.0–6.0/kg) in early August 2026, down from €2.3/kg (PLN 10.0/kg) the previous week. The price drop is attributed to hot weather accelerating ripening and boosting harvest volumes.

Greenhouse cucumber prices in the region saw a slight increase, reaching €1.0–1.2/kg (PLN 4.5–5.0/kg), reflecting stable demand and potentially lower greenhouse yields compared to open-field supply. The ample availability of field cucumbers is intensifying competition between suppliers, especially from key exporting countries such as Türkiye, Spain, and the Netherlands.

High temperatures across southeastern Europe and Turkey have generally favored cucumber harvests, leading to greater product availability for export to EU markets. This increased supply is likely to affect buyer demand and wholesale pricing in importing countries, including Poland, by intensifying competition and exerting downward pressure on prices.

In 2024, Turkish fresh fruit and vegetable exports generated €1.0 billion (TRY 3.7 billion), with cucumbers among the significant export items. Turkish exporters continue to strengthen their presence in the European market, competing with regional producers during the peak summer season.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI