Market Trends of Fresh Pumpkin Industry
Increase in Various Food and Beverage Applications of Pumpkin drives Production
Pumpkins are growing in high quantities due to the high demand for pumpkins from processing industries for different purposes. For instance, dried pumpkin is widely consumed by the food services sector, such as bakeries and quick-service restaurants, to cook dishes instantly. Moreover, as dried pumpkin is intact with several nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, E, and B12, it is highly popular among retail consumers for home use as it helps make quick meals at home with no food preparation time. Another form of use of pumpkin is pumpkin puree which is widely used for making different beverages, such as juices and alternatives to coffee. For instance, millennials and the young population in the United States are increasing their consumption of healthy drinks, which is propelling the demand for pumpkin powder.
Besides, canned pumpkin puree products are largely used in baked goods, soups, and baby food. The convenience and versatility of canned pumpkins have contributed to its popularity not only for home cooking but also in the food service industry. Also, with pumpkins being rich in vitamins and minerals, they are commonly used in baby food products. The rise of organic baby food brands has contributed to increased demand for pumpkin as a primary ingredient. Consequently, the increasing use of pumpkins in various food and beverage applications has significantly driven production.
The rise of various food and beverage applications for pumpkins has significantly increased global demand, pushing production beyond traditional harvest seasons. From beverages like pumpkin spice lattes to bakery products, soups, and health foods, the versatility of pumpkins has made them a key ingredient in both mainstream and niche markets. This broad application is leading to sustained increase in pumpkin production, with farmers and processors adapting to meet the year-round and global demand for this highly adaptable crop. According to FAOSTAT, globally pumpkin produced 22,259,179.24 metric tons in 2019, which increased to 22,806,320.54 metric tons in 2022.
Asia-Pacific Dominates the Pumpkin Market
Asia-Pacific region dominates the global pumpkin market in terms of both production and consumption. Several factors contribute to this dominance, including favorable climatic conditions for growing pumpkins, traditional culinary uses, and growing demand driven by health-conscious consumers and an expanding middle class. China is the world’s largest producer of pumpkins and squash, accounting for a significant portion of global production. For instance, according to FAOSTAT, China's pumpkin production was 7,371,277.49 metric tons in 2020, which increased to 7,377,604.84 metric tons in 2022. Other countries in the region, such as India and Bangladesh, also have substantial pumpkin production, contributing to the region’s dominance. Further, favorable climatic conditions, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, allow for multiple harvests per year, further enhancing production levels.
Besides, China and India are also leading exporters of pumpkin, which are in high demand in the health food markets of Europe and North America. For instance, according to the ITC Trade Map, Indian pumpkin exported 14,768 metric tons in 2023 from 11,026 metric tons in 2022. Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are the major importers of pumpkins from India. Pumpkins are deeply ingrained in the traditional cuisines of many Asia-Pacific countries, where they are used in a variety of dishes such as soups, curries, and desserts. In countries like China, India, Japan, and Thailand, pumpkins are a staple ingredient in everyday cooking, which has led to high domestic demand. Further, in Japan, the kabocha squash, a type of pumpkin, is especially popular in both savory dishes and desserts, and its use in tempura, soups, and stews is widespread.
