Costa Rica: Eggplant Market 2025

Eggplant Market Size in Costa Rica

The Costa Rican eggplant market expanded notably to $X in 2022, rising by 8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -7.0% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Eggplant Production in Costa Rica

In value terms, eggplant production rose notably to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -10.5% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 101%. Eggplant production peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, the average eggplant yield in Costa Rica totaled X tons per ha, approximately mirroring 2021 figures. In general, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 2.6% against the previous year. The eggplant yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. X ha of eggplants (aubergines) were harvested in Costa Rica; remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year's figure. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the harvested area increased by 6.2%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to eggplant production attained the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Eggplant Exports

Exports from Costa Rica

In 2022, eggplant exports from Costa Rica declined sharply to X tons, falling by -22.1% on the previous year. Over the period under review, exports recorded a precipitous shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 938% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, eggplant exports declined notably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate a deep contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 655% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Poland (X kg), Ireland (X kg) and Nicaragua (X kg) were the main destinations of eggplant exports from Costa Rica, together comprising 69% of total exports. Honduras, the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Greenland and Germany lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 30%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Switzerland (with a CAGR of +6.5%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest markets for eggplant exported from Costa Rica were Ireland ($X), Poland ($X) and Nicaragua ($X), with a combined 78% share of total exports.

Poland, with a CAGR of +7.6%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Export Prices by Country

The average eggplant export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, dropping by -4.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a measured increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the average export price increased by 71% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then fell slightly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Germany (+21.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Eggplant Imports

Imports into Costa Rica

In 2022, purchases abroad of eggplants (aubergines) was finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2015, thus ending a six-year declining trend. In general, imports, however, showed a abrupt slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 74%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, eggplant imports reached $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 89%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Guatemala (X tons) was the main supplier of eggplant to Costa Rica, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Guatemala stood at -5.5%.

In value terms, Guatemala ($X) constituted the largest supplier of eggplants (aubergines) to Costa Rica.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Guatemala was relatively modest.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average eggplant import price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -1.6% against the previous year. In general, import price indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +7.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, eggplant import price increased by +103.4% against 2012 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the average import price increased by 38%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then contracted modestly in the following year.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Guatemala.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Guatemala amounted to +6.4% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform