Hungary: Booming Sweet Corn Season is Ahead with Stable Supply for Markets and Industry

Producers are anticipating a strong season for sweet corn, with ample supply for both the processing industry and consumers, according to a survey by the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture (NAK) and the FruitVeB Hungarian Interbranch Organization for Fruits and Vegetables.

Hungary is highlighted as a major player in global sweet corn production, competing with China and the United States.

The country boasts the largest sweet corn production area in the EU, with 24,000 hectares, 90% of which are irrigated.

Sweet corn for the fresh market is primarily produced by small farmers on 0.5-1 hectare plots, with scheduled sowing allowing for a consistent supply from late May to early October. Most of the crop is processed by the canning industry. The flavor of sweet corn is determined by its sugar content, highest during the milk-ripening stage. Super sweet varieties have become dominant over the past decade.

Sweet corn is versatile, eaten as a cooked side dish or snack on the cob, grilled, pickled with other vegetables, or added to salads. It is commonly available in canned and frozen forms, and pre-cooked vacuum-packed sweet corn is gaining popularity.

Tags: Hungary, sweet corn, China, United States, Production, Market