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European garlic: Acceptable yields in 2026
Spain confirms the high quality and yields of its 2026 garlic crop; the country supplies 70% of the European market, estimated at 400,000 metric tons
“Overall quality is good, with optimal sizes, and no weather-related issues during the harvest,” reports Juan Salvador Peregrin, president of the National Association of Garlic Producers and Marketers (ANPCA). The association represents approximately 15,400 hectares of garlic cultivation, and its production volume exceeded 250,000 metric tons last season. This accounts for more than 80% of Spain’s total garlic sales and 65% of Europe’s total. It currently has 67 member marketing companies and nearly 1,800 garlic producers.
Lower Supply and Quality from China
According to Peregrin, the European market will stabilize in the coming months once imported garlic from last season—primarily from China and Egypt—is sold off. “Imports of new garlic from China are expected to be of average quality, with prices somewhat higher than expected due to weather-related issues that have affected several regions in China,” reports Peregrin. He notes that the primary role of the ANPCA association is to defend the quality and traceability of European garlic and ensure its high sanitary standards in the face of imports from third countries, which, according to Peregrin, do not meet all the requirements that European producers adhere to. “Safeguarding European production and its profitability against competition from other sources will be our mission in the coming years,” confirms Peregrin.
European Market of 400,000 metric tons
EU countries produce around 400,000 metric tons of garlic per year, compared to approximately 28 million metric tons worldwide (FAO data). With a total production of more than 270,000 metric tons (in 2018), Spain is Europe’s largest producer, followed by Italy (around 30,000 metric tons) and Romania (28,000 metric tons).
Imports Under Tariff Quotas
Garlic imports into the EU are subject to import licenses and certificates of origin. Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 341/2007 and Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2016/2243 establish the conditions for the management of tariff quotas (currently €1.2/kg) and the introduction of a system of import licenses and certificates of origin for garlic and other agricultural products imported from non-EU countries. The EU imports garlic primarily from China and Argentina.
For more information on the European garlic market and its opportunities, click here.
