UNSD - Value-Added Vegetables Indicator Framework

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UNSD - Value-Added Vegetables Indicator Framework

Economic Comparison: Raw vs. Value-Added Vegetables (2026 Forecast)

In 2026, the global vegetable market is increasingly defined by the "Value Multiplier"—the ratio of revenue generated when a raw crop is processed into an industrial or retail-ready product. While raw vegetables (UNSD 012) face high perishability and price volatility, value-added diversification offers price stability and significantly higher margins.

UNSD 012 GroupRaw Commodity (Avg. $/Ton)High-Value Diversified FormatValue-Added (Avg. $/Ton)Value Multiplier
0121: Leafy/Stem$500 – $800Freeze-Dried "Superfood" Powders$13,500 – $19,00024x – 27x
0122: Melons$350 – $550HPP Cold-Pressed Juices$2,800 – $4,2007x – 8x
0123: Fruit-bearing$650 – $950Pharmaceutical-Grade Lycopene$45,000 – $60,00060x – 70x
0124: Green Legumes$900 – $1,300Pea Protein Isolates (85%+)$5,200 – $7,5005x – 6x
0125: Root & Bulb$400 – $650Spray-Dried Garlic/Onion Flakes$3,800 – $5,2008x – 9x
0127: Mushrooms$2,800 – $4,500Adaptogenic Mushroom Extracts$14,000 – $22,0005x – 6x
0129: Other (Corn)$300 – $500Fortified/Vacuum-Packed Snacks$1,500 – $2,2004x – 5x

Key Strategic Drivers for 2026

  • The Concentration Premium: The massive jump in Leafy Greens (0121) and Fruit-bearing (0123) values is driven by concentration. It takes approximately 10–12kg of fresh spinach to produce 1kg of high-purity powder, which is then sold into the $200B+ global superfoods and supplement market.

  • The Protein Revolution: In the Green Legumes (0124) sector, the value isn't just in the food but in the function. By extracting protein isolates, producers tap into the high-growth plant-based meat industry, which is projected to grow at an 18.6% CAGR through 2026.

  • Logistical Optimization: For Root & Bulb (0125) vegetables, value-adding through dehydration reduces weight by up to 90%. This allows producers to export "value density"—shipping 1 ton of high-value powder instead of 10 tons of low-value, heavy, and perishable raw onions.

  • Nutraceutical Shift: Mushrooms (0127) have the highest raw-to-processed floor price. In 2026, the most profitable projects are those moving away from grocery retail toward "Functional Mycology," providing extracts for the wellness, coffee, and pharmaceutical industries.


UNSD 012: Vegetables Product List

Category CodeClassification GroupSpecific Products Included
0121Leafy or Stem VegetablesAsparagus, Cabbages (White, Red, Savoy, Brussels sprouts), Cauliflowers, Broccoli, Lettuce, Chicory, Spinach, Artichokes, Chard, Parsley, Rhubarb, Watercress, Sorrel.
0122MelonsWatermelons, Cantaloupes, and other various melon varieties.
0123Fruit-bearing VegetablesGreen Chillies and Peppers, Cucumbers, Gherkins, Eggplants (Aubergines), Tomatoes, Pumpkins, Squash, Gourds (including Zucchini), Okra, Chayote, and Tamarillos.
0124Green Leguminous VegetablesGreen Beans (String beans), Green Peas, Broad beans and Horse beans (harvested green), and Green Chickpeas or Lentils.
0125Root, Bulb, or Tuberous VegetablesCarrots, Turnips, Green Garlic, Onions (Dry and Green), Leeks, Shallots, Chives, Radishes, Beets, Parsnips, and Horseradish.
0127Mushrooms and TrufflesAll cultivated and wild mushrooms and truffles (e.g., Button mushrooms, Shiitake, Truffles).
0129Other VegetablesFresh vegetables not elsewhere classified, such as Sweet Corn (Green Maize), Bamboo Shoots, and Bean Sprouts.

Value-Added Diversification by Group

CPC CodeGroupPrimary Value-Added ProductsAdvanced Diversification (Industrial/Health)
0121Leafy/StemFresh-cut salad kits, frozen spinach blocks, canned asparagus, vacuum-packed slaw.Powders: Kale/spinach "superfood" powders for smoothies. Extracts: Chlorophyll or nitrate extracts for supplements.
0122MelonsPre-sliced fruit bowls, frozen melon balls, pasteurized watermelon juices/purees.Seeds: Roasted melon seeds or cold-pressed melon seed oil (used in gourmet cooking and cosmetics).
0123Fruit-bearingTomato: Paste, ketchup, sun-dried, and salsa. Others: Pickled cucumbers, canned peppers, frozen zucchini noodles ("zoodles").Bioactives: Lycopene extraction from tomato skins; pumpkin seed oil for nutraceuticals.
0124LegumesCanned/frozen peas and beans, blanched "snap pea" snacks, freeze-dried pea crisps.Plant Proteins: Isolated pea protein for dairy-free milks, meat alternatives, and protein bars.
0125Root/BulbDehydrated onion/garlic flakes, pickled shallots, carrot juice, pre-peeled baby carrots.Functional Flours: Carrot or beet flours for gluten-free baking. Colorants: Natural red dye from beetroot extract.
0127MushroomsDried/sliced mushrooms, canned button mushrooms, mushroom-based sauces/gravies.Meat Alternatives: Mycelium-based "steaks." Extracts: Adaptogenic mushroom powders (Lion’s Mane, Reishi) for coffee and supplements.
0129OtherCanned sweet corn, vacuum-packed bamboo shoots, fermented bean sprouts (kimchi style).Starch/Fiber: Corn-based sweeteners or starch; fiber fortification from bamboo shoot cellulose.

Global Profile of UNSD 012 Vegetables: Production & Diversification (2025–2026)

This profile outlines the UNSD Central Product Classification (CPC) Group 012, covering specific vegetable products, their industrial diversification, and the leading global producers according to current 2025–2026 agricultural data.

CPC CodeGroup NameSpecific Products (012)Value-Added DiversificationLeading Producers (2025/26)
0121Leafy or StemCabbage, Spinach, Lettuce, Asparagus, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Artichokes.Fresh-cut salad kits, frozen spinach, "superfood" powders (kale/spinach), chlorophyll extracts.China, India, USA, Spain, Italy
0122MelonsWatermelons, Cantaloupes, Honeydew, Musk melons.Pre-sliced fruit bowls, pasteurized juices, cold-pressed melon seed oil (cosmetics/culinary).China, Turkey, India, Brazil, Iran
0123Fruit-bearingTomatoes, Chillies, Peppers, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Squash, Zucchini.Tomato paste/ketchup, pickled cucumbers, sun-dried peppers, lycopene extraction.China, India, Turkey, Mexico, Egypt
0124Green LegumesGreen Beans, Green Peas, Broad beans, Green Chickpeas/Lentils.Canned/frozen peas, freeze-dried "snap" snacks, Pea Protein isolates for meat alternatives.China, India, Pakistan, France, USA
0125Root & BulbOnions, Garlic, Carrots, Leeks, Shallots, Radishes, Turnips.Dehydrated flakes/powders, pickled shallots, carrot juice, natural red colorants from beetroot.China, India, USA, Uzbekistan, Egypt
0127MushroomsCultivated mushrooms, Truffles (fresh or chilled).Dried/canned mushrooms, adaptogenic powders (Lion's Mane), mycelium-based meat/leather.China (~90%), Poland, USA, Netherlands
0129Other VegSweet Corn (Green Maize), Bamboo Shoots, Bean Sprouts.Canned sweet corn, vacuum-packed bamboo, fermented sprouts, corn starch/fiber extraction.USA, Mexico, Nigeria, Vietnam, China

Producer Value-Added Projects (2025–2026)

Leading global producers are currently shifting from simple "commodity farming" to high-value industrial projects. These initiatives focus on the UNSD 012 groups to increase profitability, reduce the 30% average post-harvest loss, and capture the growing $284 billion processed vegetable market.

1. India: Integrated Cold Chain & Multi-Product Irradiation

As of January 2026, India is finalizing its massive expansion of the PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana).

  • The Project: An additional investment of ₹6,520 crore ($780M) to complete nearly 400 integrated cold chain projects by March 31, 2026.

  • Value-Added Focus: These projects are specifically designed for the Tomato-Onion-Potato (TOP) value chain.

  • Key Innovation: A major 2026 push for Multi-product Food Irradiation Units. These units use radiation to inhibit sprouting in onions (0125) and delay ripening in fruit-bearing vegetables (0123), dramatically extending shelf life for export.

2. China: "Sinong" AI & The Digital Vegetable Basket

China is moving beyond physical infrastructure into Digital Value Addition.

  • The Project: In January 2026, China launched "Sinong," the world's first open-source Large Language Model (LLM) dedicated to agriculture.

  • Value-Added Focus: The project provides real-time "agricultural brain" support for over 10,000 smart greenhouses.

  • Key Innovation: By integrating Sinong into the "Vegetable Basket" project, China is optimizing the processing of Mushrooms (0127) and Leafy Greens (0121) at the source, ensuring that raw produce is immediately diverted into high-value extracts or pre-packaged kits based on real-time market demand.

3. United States: Bio-Fuel & Functional Snack Diversification

The U.S. is responding to "ugly" profit margins in raw corn by pivoting toward industrial and snack-food diversification.

  • The Project: The USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program is funding hundreds of small and medium-scale projects in 2026.

  • Value-Added Focus: * Sweet Corn (0129): Transforming surplus corn into "low-carbon fuels" (Ethanol E15) and high-margin retail snacks like flavored freeze-dried corn.

    • Specialty Crops: Projects focus on "Mid-Tier Value Chains" that link local producers directly to high-end processors for items like organic broccoli and cauliflower powders (0121).

4. European Union: The Circular Economy Act 2026

The EU is set to adopt the Circular Economy Act in the second half of 2026, which fundamentally changes how vegetable waste is valued.

  • The Project: "Horizon Europe 2026" is funding "Bio-Refinery" clusters across Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.

  • Value-Added Focus: Instead of discarding "ugly" vegetables, these projects extract secondary raw materials.

  • Key Innovation: Converting waste from Root Vegetables (0125) and Peas (0124) into bioplastics for packaging and plant-based protein isolates. By mid-2026, the Digital Waste Shipment System (Diwass) will fully digitize the trade of these "secondary" vegetable materials.

5. Mexico: "Fair Trade" & Infrastructure for Marginalized Regions

To counter trade tariffs and "Tomato Wars" with the US, Mexico has launched a new 2026 strategic support program.

  • The Project: A MX$2.7 billion (US$154M) "Fair Trade" initiative launched on January 1, 2026, by SADER (Ministry of Agriculture).

  • Value-Added Focus: It provides guaranteed prices and infrastructure grants for Tomatoes, Onions, and Chillies (0123/0125).

  • Key Innovation: Supporting small producer cooperatives to build their own packaging and commercialization hubs, allowing them to bypass intermediaries and sell directly to processed-food manufacturers.

Summary Table: 2026 Strategic Targets

ProducerProject GoalPrimary UNSD 012 GroupTarget Output
IndiaZero-Waste Cold Chain0123 & 0125 (Tomato/Onion)Irradiated, shelf-stable exports.
ChinaAI-Managed Harvest0121 & 0127 (Leafy/Mushrooms)High-precision nutrient extracts.
USAFuel & Snack Diversification0129 (Sweet Corn)Ethanol blends & retail corn snacks.
EUCircular Bio-Refineries0124 & 0125 (Legumes/Roots)Plant proteins & bioplastics.
MexicoCooperative Value-Chains0123 (Tomatoes/Chilli)Direct-to-processor packaging.

Destination Market Profile: Value-Added UNSD 012 Vegetables (2026)

In 2026, the global trade of value-added vegetables is driven by high-income regions where consumers prioritize convenience, health-centric "clean labels," and plant-based proteins. While production is concentrated in Asia, the destination markets are localized hubs that serve as either final consumption points or regional redistribution centers.

Leading Destination Countries for Processed & Value-Added Vegetables

Destination Country2026 Strategic Market RoleKey In-Demand Value-Added Products
United StatesThe Largest Global Importer: A market valued at over $18 billion, primarily driven by a reliance on Mexican and Canadian supply chains.Fresh-cut salad kits, frozen "ready-to-steam" vegetables, and industrial-scale Pea Protein (0124) for the meat-alternative industry.
GermanyEuropean Organic Hub: The largest importer in the EU, characterized by strict 2026 sustainability and non-GMO mandates.Organic canned legumes (0124), frozen organic spinach, and beet-derived natural colorants for the "clean label" food sector.
JapanConvenience & Quality Leader: High demand for "time-saving" foods due to an aging population and high labor costs.Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) mixed vegetables, vacuum-packed sweet corn (0129), and onion/garlic powders for industrial use.
United KingdomConvenience Specialist: Relies on imports for over 50% of its vegetable consumption; a major hub for the "ready-to-eat" meal sector.Pre-packaged vegetable medleys, canned specialty beans, and plant-based meat substitutes.
NetherlandsThe Gateway to Europe: Acts as a massive "re-export" hub, importing bulk value-added goods for processing and redistribution.Bulk frozen peppers, tropical vegetable purees, and frozen leafy greens for the Northern European market.
South KoreaFunctional Health Hub: Rapidly growing demand for vegetables used as "functional" health ingredients.Functional Mushrooms (0127) extracts, fermented vegetable products, and high-nutrient frozen greens.
Saudi Arabia / UAELong-Life Security Market: High-growth region for shelf-stable imports due to limited local arable land and water.Canned leguminous vegetables (0124), tomato concentrates, and dehydrated root vegetables.

Strategic Destination Insights for 2026

  • The "Clean Label" Trend (North America & EU): In 2026, these destinations are moving away from traditional canning toward High-Pressure Processing (HPP) and Freeze-drying. Consumers in the USA and Germany are willing to pay a premium for vegetables that maintain 99% of their original nutrients without chemical additives.

  • The Protein Bridge (0124): Destination markets in France, Canada, and the USA are the primary buyers of green legumes. They possess the "bio-refinery" infrastructure to fractionate these vegetables into high-purity protein isolates, which are then used in global food manufacturing.

  • Logistics & Re-export Hubs: The Netherlands and the UAE are critical transit destinations. They import large bulk volumes of value-added vegetables (like frozen corn or tomato paste), then use advanced automated cold-chain technology to re-package and distribute them to neighboring desert or landlocked markets.

  • Premiumization in East Asia: In Japan and South Korea, value is added through "minimal processing"—vegetables that are pre-washed, pre-cut, and vacuum-sealed for immediate use in vending machines and high-end convenience stores.

Conclusion

The UNSD 012 Vegetable landscape in 2026 is no longer defined just by the farm, but by the integrated value chain. As global demand for convenience and plant-based nutrition accelerates, the industry is moving toward a "Circular Vegetable Economy." Leading producers are successfully pivoting from raw exports to high-tech projects—such as India's cold-chain infrastructure and the EU’s bio-refineries—to capture higher margins in lucrative destination markets like the USA and Germany. For stakeholders, the greatest opportunities lie in the intersection of sustainability (upcycling waste) and technology (AI-managed harvests), ensuring that vegetables are transformed into the essential proteins, fibers, and nutrients of the future.

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