2024-03-30 11:37:01
Agricultural products
Written by Christina Vontin
With a cultivated area of around 1,230 hectares, Hungary is the largest producer of horseradish in the EU.
As the NAK Agricultural Chamber and the fruit and vegetable trade association FruitVeB announced, Hungarian horseradish has successfully found its way onto international markets. Horseradish is not only popular in local cuisine during Easter, but is also used as a spice for pickled and vinegar-preserved foods.
Most of the harvest goes to the EU
The harvest season lasts from October to March. In recent years, 10-12,000 tons of horseradish have been harvested annually; in 2023 it was 11,500 tons. Staggered harvesting and advanced storage methods allow Hungary to cover not only the national, but also 50% of the European demand for horseradish. Of the total harvest, 80-90%, which corresponds to around 9,000 tons, is exported. The main buyer is Germany, followed by Poland, Great Britain and the Czech Republic. This underlines the strategic importance of horseradish for Hungary’s agricultural exports.
Tradition and modern marketing
“Hajdúság horseradish” has been a product with a protected designation of origin since 2008 and has been part of Hungary’s national heritage as “Hungarikum” since 2021. This not only guarantees compliance with the highest quality standards, but also ensures a sustainable income for hundreds of families in the region.
Hungary’s success on the horseradish market is not only evidence of the country’s agricultural expertise, but also of its ability to successfully position traditional products with high quality standards on the global market. Horseradish exports provide a vivid example of how Hungary is using its natural resources and agricultural know-how to secure a strong place in the global food industry.
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