Sugar snaps and snow peas are interesting export products for developing countries

European imports of peas have increased since 2013 from 24,000 to 30,000 tonnes in 2017, which is roughly 10% of the total import of leguminous vegetables. Nearly all pea imports from non-European countries came from developing countries. Sugar snaps and snow peas are the most commonly imported leguminous vegetables, mainly from Guatemala, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Europe imported around 30 thousand tonnes of fresh peas in 2017, which were mainly sugar snaps and snow peas (mangetout) from developing countries. The market for sugar snaps and snow peas is competitive and much more focused on quality than the common peas and beans, especially in the retail channel. Buyer requirements are becoming stricter each year, especially with regard to pesticide residues and other contaminants. For these specific peas, especially sugar snaps, opportunities for developing countries can be found all year round.