"According to forecasts drawn up on June 1st, 2025, French endive production should reach 132,800 tons for the 2024-2025 season, an increase of 25,400 tons from the low
production in 2023-2024. After two campaigns with relatively high price levels due to limited supply, prices have been down since May (-42% compared to the peak in May 2024 and -11% compared to the average price for 2020-2024 over the same month)," according to Agreste in its economic outlook.
"Good endive yields from roots harvested in autumn 2024"
The national area for endive roots in 2024 was estimated at 8,710 hectares, which is 7% more than last year and 6% higher than the 2019-2023 average. Root production for this season is estimated to be up by 15% from last year, at 218,600 tons, but 5% lower than the 2019-2023 average. National endive production, obtained from root forcing trays and harvested between September 2024 and August 2025, is estimated at 132,800 tons, which is 24% more than in the 2023-2024 season. However, this would still be below the five-year average (-6%).
The good productivity of endive tubs continued from December onwards. Low prices had a slight impact on production in April, prompting some growers to end their campaigns early.
Supply does not reduce enough compared with the demand
Prices fell below the five-year average (2020-2024) from March onwards, as the demand remained lower than the supply, which was also suffering from Belgian competition at much lower prices. With selling prices even lower in April, some producers decided to stop producing for this season, despite the availability of rootstock.
In cumulative terms from September 2024 to April 2025, and compared with the same period in the previous season, endive exports (6,400 tons) were up by 14% and imports (1,300 tons) were down by 10%. Over the year as a whole, the foreign trade surplus in volume terms increased by 23%.
