Market Overview
The Global Greenhouse Horticulture Market size is expected to reach a value of
USD 31.9 billion in 2024, and it is further anticipated to reach a market value of
USD 79.0 billion by 2033 at a
CAGR of 10.6%.
Greenhouse horticulture has seen unprecedented global expansion due to increasing demands for high-quality crop production while at the same time mitigating environmental risks associated with traditional agricultural methods. Greenhouse horticulture relies on controlled environmental conditions for maximum crop production and quality regardless of external weather.
Glass, plastic film, and rigid panel greenhouses bring about some advantages for certain horticulture requirements. Greenhouse horticultural technologies like automated climate control and hydroponic systems increased it to the level of cost-effectiveness and profitability.
Europe leads the market while the Asia-Pacific region will grow faster already on the developed infrastructure and the government support in the former. Europe holds the largest market share due to an established infrastructure and government support, while Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to experience faster growth.
Rapid urbanization provides the foundation for fast growth; further, with sustainable agricultural practices becoming more widely adopted, greenhouse horticulture markets will experience steady expansion as greenhouse infrastructure advances meet growing consumer demands for fresh produce grown locally.
The US Greenhouse Horticulture Market
The US Greenhouse Horticulture market is projected to be valued at USD 10.2 billion in 2024. It is expected to witness subsequent growth in the upcoming period as it holds USD 24.0 billion in 2033 at a CAGR of 10.0%. The greenhouse horticulture market in the US is growing fast due to the increasing demand for locally produced high-quality produce and sustainable farming practices.
Trends in the market are changing toward advanced greenhouse technologies that will yield better crops while reducing resource use; thus, automatic climate control, LED grow light technologies, and hydroponic systems are becoming popular.
- The US market offers wide opportunities, especially in commercial greenhouse businesses, as large-scale operators try to catch up with the increasing hunger of consumers for fresh fruits and vegetables, together with ornamental plants. Further avenues consist of IoT and AI integration into greenhouse management systems, offering the potential for precision agriculture and real-time crop condition monitoring.
- Recent developments in the US greenhouse horticulture market include the expansion of leading market players' project size and greenhouse projects, with increased investment in greenhouse infrastructure. The market is, therefore expected to grow steadily, focusing on innovations and efficiency in greenhouse operations. Governmental initiatives in the U.S. on sustainability in agriculture also enhance their markets' growth and plan investments in greenhouse horticulture for food security challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Market Value: The Global Greenhouse Horticulture Market size is estimated to have a value of USD 31.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 79.0 billion by the end of 2033.
- The US Market Value: The US Greenhouse Horticulture market is projected to be valued at USD 10.2 billion in 2024. It is expected to witness subsequent growth in the upcoming period as it holds USD 24.0 billion in 2033 at a CAGR of 10.0%.
- By Product Segment Analysis: Greenhouse films are projected to dominate this segment in this market as it holds as it hold 24.1% of the market share in 2024.
- By Crop Type Segment Analysis: Fruits and vegetables dominate the global greenhouse horticulture crop type market as it holds 52.0% of the market share in 2024
- By Material Segment Analysis: The rigid panel is projected to dominate the material segment as it holds the highest market share in 2024.
- Regional Analysis: Europe is expected to have the largest market share in the Global Greenhouse Horticulture Market with a share of about 38.1% in 2024.
- Global Growth Rate: The market is growing at a CAGR of 10.6 percent over the forecasted period.
Use Cases
- Year-Round Crop Production: Greenhouse horticulture allows crops to be produced year-round regardless of seasonal changes, providing fresh produce in both domestic and export markets throughout the year.
- Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA): Greenhouses use controlled temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions to maximize yields and quality in different crops, which leads to improved harvest yields over traditional methods of cultivation.
- Urban Farming Initiatives: Greenhouse horticulture promotes and facilitates urban agriculture by growing crops within cities themselves to minimize transportation distance and make fresh produce from locally produced sources more readily accessible to consumers.
- Water Conservation: Greenhouses utilize advanced irrigation systems like drip irrigation and hydroponics that conserve vast quantities of water, offering an alternative to open field cultivation where this resource may be scarcer.
- Research and Development: Greenhouses are invaluable research facilities because they offer controlled conditions to evaluate new crop varieties, pest management techniques, and farming practices that scale into larger operations.
Market Dynamic
Trends
Adoption of Smart Greenhouse Technologies
The use and adoption of smart technologies, such as IoT sensors, automated climate systems, and artificial intelligence for analytics, in the greenhouse horticulture market, have been rising. These enable management through the monitoring of the environment within the greenhouse with precision. The result is optimized crop yield and reduced resource consumption.
For quite some time now, there has been a trend in automation to meet the efficiency and scalability requirements needed in greenhouse operations over a large scale and, most importantly, in places where labor is not readily available.
Shift Towards Sustainable Practices
The use of renewable energies in greenhouse horticulture, water conservation techniques, and organic farming practices has been rising. This trend is encouraged by the constant growth of consumer interest in products that reduce any environmental harm and the general perspective around the world to reduce the environmental strain of traditional agriculture practices. Energy-effective equipment and easily recyclable materials are utilized when constructing greenhouses as targets for various sustainability goals set for the agriculture industry.
Growth Drivers
Rising Demand for High-Quality, Locally Grown Produce
Greenhouse horticulture market growth is driven by consumer desire for high-quality produce that is locally grown. Greenhouses allow producers to harvest year-round regardless of weather conditions - meeting increasing consumer demands for fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals that are both fresh and sustainably produced. Demand is particularly strong among urban consumers who prioritize fresh sustainable produce over imported alternatives.
Technological Advancements in Greenhouse Systems
The growth in greenhouse horticulture is predominantly driven by advanced greenhouse technologies, such as automated climate control, hydroponic systems, and LED grow lights. These innovations lead to increased crop productivity, reduce the use of resources, and cut labor costs. The potential of IoT technologies with AI in greenhouse management paves the way for more growth in the market, underpinning the possibility of precision agriculture for real-time monitoring of crop conditions.
Growth Opportunities
Expansion in Emerging Markets
In developing markets, especially in Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions, the global greenhouse horticulture market is being developed where constant urbanization, disposable income growth, and sustainable agriculture priorities are viewed. Moreover, governmental efforts are also made for investments in the majority of agro infrastructure that has invariably facilitated the growth of greenhouse operations.
Innovation in Crop Varieties and Cultivation Techniques
New crop varieties in the greenhouse industry create a growing market for innovative techniques applied to their cultivation. New breeding programs have already been established on crop resilience, yields, and nutritional qualities, well-promoted by the achievements of biotechnologies. The development of vertical farming with an integrated aquaculture system being realized with aquaponics under greenhouse conditions opens a new opportunity for increased productivity and diversification in crop production.
Restraints
High Initial Investment Costs
Some of these costs, inter alia, include investments in advanced technologies like climate control systems, hydroponics, and LED lighting, infrastructure investment in large-scale greenhouse facilities, a factor whose costs could be quite unaffordable to SMEs, and farmers from developing regions. They could potentially be blockades to the wide-scale practice of greenhouse horticulture.
Limited Technical Expertise and Knowledge
The use of such highly advanced and developed technologies in the greenhouse requires special knowledge and technical expertise, which is always deficient in most other regions. Controlling climate control systems, irrigation techniques, and specific crop requirements are some of the many complexities growers, especially ones coming from traditional farms, are faced with maintaining. The lack of expertise from the horticulturists further results in low optimal crop yields and higher operational costs, restraining growth in the global greenhouse horticulture market.
Research Scope and Analysis
By Product
Greenhouse films are projected to dominate this segment in this market as it holds as it hold 24.1% of the market share in 2024. Greenhouse films play a major role in the creation of optimal growing environments for a large number of crop types. The major functions of greenhouse films are light transmission regulation, temperature, and moisture levels of a greenhouse.
UV-stabilized, light diffusion and anti-drip films maintain moisture levels, preventing heat loss and the incidence of fungal diseases by supporting photosynthesis. Different crops' yields are improved by it and their quality is enhanced, thereby making greenhouse films preferred by farmers in both the commercial and small-scale sectors.
Most importantly, greenhouse coverings add strength and protection to the greenhouse from outside elements. This in turn provides a more stable environment for the plants' growth. Indeed, this is very true for plastic film greenhouses, whose versatility, combined with low cost, has made them quite popular across many regions, especially in developing countries where affordability is always considered.
Moreover, leadership in the greenhouse sector is further supported by incessant film technology innovation, where multi-layered films with superior strength and light diffusion properties are under development. Considering the ever-growing need for quality crop yield throughout the year, greenhouse-related products are expected to continue dominating the global market.
By Crop
Fruits and vegetables dominate the global greenhouse horticulture crop type market as it holds 52.0% of the market share in 2024 because of the high demand for fresh nutritious produce, which the greenhouses are better placed to provide by optimally growing these crops throughout the year.
Greenhouses protect fruit and vegetable cultivation from external factors such as pests, diseases, and bad weather. The yields and quality have increased, hence making greenhouses very attractive for both commercial growers and small-scale farmers.
More often than not, vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, and berries are grown in greenhouses since they require homogeneous conditions of temperature, humidity, and light that favor their growth. This ensures continuous agriculture for these crops irrespective of seasonal changes so as to satisfy consumer demand, especially in urban areas where fresh produce is highly valued.
The dominance of the crop type segment is noted to be that of fruits and vegetables, further actuated by the growing trend of healthy eating and increasing consumer preference for locally grown produce that does not contain pesticides. Greenhouse horticulture provides a controlled environment for organic and sustainable farming practices, further entrenching the market's focus on fruits and vegetables.
By Material Type
The rigid panel is projected to dominate the material segment as it holds the highest market share in 2024. Its dominance in the global greenhouse horticulture market is due to superior durability, insulation properties, and the capability to provide a stable growing environment for a diversity of crop types.
Unlike plastic film greenhouses, rigid panels such as polycarbonate, acrylic, and fiberglass have added improved structural integrity, thereby making them resistant to various extreme weather conditions like heavy snow, hail, or strong wind. This durability can give a longer life to the greenhouse, reducing frequent replacements and maintenance.
Polycarbonate panels are preferred for their outstanding light transmission and thermal insulation properties. These panels diffuse light very effectively, avoiding the likelihood of plant scorching and promoting linear growth throughout a greenhouse. Besides, internally consistent temperatures guaranteed by rigid panels greatly help in optimizing crop yield and quality, particularly in areas with extreme climates.
Advancements in material technologies, like UV-resistant coatings and multi-wall designs, help boost the performance of panels and their lifetime, thereby providing further support to the dominance of rigid panel greenhouses. As growers hunt increasingly for reliable and efficient solutions for the year-round production of crops, so rigid panel greenhouses will continue dominating the material segment in the global greenhouse horticulture market.
By Technology
Heating systems are projected to dominate the technology segment in this market and command the highest market share in 2024. Heating systems dominate the technology segment of the global greenhouse horticulture market, as these play a critical role in maintaining optimal temperatures for the growth of crops, especially in cold-climate regions. Greenhouses employ heating systems to provide a warm and stable environment for raising temperature-sensitive crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and flowers during winter.
Some of the heating systems include radiant, forced air, and hot water systems, all of which provide advantages specific to a certain greenhouse need. For instance, radiant heating has the advantage of providing direct heat to plants with uniform heat distribution for the sound growth of plants while saving energy. On the other hand, larger greenhouses may benefit from forced-air heating systems, which can change the temperature rapidly in an effective manner.
The domination of heating systems in this technology segment is further supported by improvements in energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources, such as geothermal heating and solar panels, that help reduce the environmental impact of greenhouse heating and its operational costs. This will likely keep heating systems dominating the technology segment of the global greenhouse horticulture market as growers seek more sustainable and cost-effective solutions for round-the-year crop production.
By Shape
Venlo greenhouses are projected to command most of the shape segment in the global greenhouse horticulture market as they hold the highest market share in 2024 due to superior structural design to ensure greater amounts of light transmission, ventilation, and upward utilization of spaces. A very popular design in this category is the Venlo multi-span ridge-and-furrow design with steeply pitched roofs that give a very effective way of capturing as much natural light as possible with minimum shading effects. This attribute of its design augurs well for crops demanding constant and intense lighting for perfect growth.
The other factor that makes the Venlo greenhouse a preference and dominant in this shape segment is the excellent aeration it offers. There is natural air circulation embedded in the design, therefore minimizing greenhouse mechanical ventilation to the least, hence helping to maintain a perfect temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse. This will be highly important in those regions where the two climates are basically different in the conditions being experienced, and one needs to attain a fairly stable environment inside to get crops of high production and quality.
Consequently, Venlo greenhouses are a favorite solution for commercial growers, and though the predominant construction presence can rely upon Europe for large horticultural acres, Venlo's design is still very dominating in the shape segment of the total global greenhouse horticulture market. Of course, already proven is its effectiveness in increasing crop productivity and decreasing operation expenses.
By End User
Commercial growers are projected to hold the largest share in the global greenhouse horticulture market, with investments being huge in large-scale greenhouse operations that optimize production at yields and return on investment. The more serious commercial growers use state-of-the-art greenhouse and controlled-environment technologies to promote growth and ensure a consistent supply of good-quality yields throughout the year. These may include automatically controlled climate systems, hydroponics, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
A key driver for the commercial greenhouses sector has been the increase in demand for fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and ornamentals. More and more require consumers in urban setups, with a keen preference for locally produced items, with the epitome of having no pesticide used in their production. This interest has been buoyed by growers delivering and comfortable supplying large quantities of produce. This has seen realizations in an efficient and certainly sustainable manner, due to economies of scale and the agronomic techniques involved.
Further, the need for innovative greenhouse solutions like vertical farming and aquaponics is driven by increasing productivity and resource reduction, in which commercial growers take the lead. The leverage that large commercial growers have to invest in technologically advanced ventures and best practices in greenhouse management ensures sales volume dominance in the end-user segment. With high-quality, fresh produce being demanded worldwide, the share of commercial growers in the greenhouse horticulture market is expected to persist in the leading positions in the market, driving further growth and innovation in the industry.
The Greenhouse Horticulture Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following
By Product
• Greenhouse Films
- UV-Stabilized Films
- Light Diffusion Films
- Anti-Drip Films
• Grow Bags
- Plastic Grow Bags
- Fabric Grow Bags
• Windbreaks
• Shelterbelts
• Greenhouse Coverings
- Roofing Systems
- Wall Panels
• Greenhouse Accessories
- Ground Cover
- Shade Nets
- Cooling Pads
• Other Products
By Material Types
• Glass
• Plastic Film Greenhouse
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
• Rigid Panel Greenhouse
- Polycarbonate Panels
- Acrylic Panels
- Fiberglass Panels
By Crop Types
• Fruits and Vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Peppers
- Lettuce
- Berries
• Flowers and Ornamentals
• Nursery Crops
- Seedlings
- Saplings
- Shrubs
- Perennials
• Other Crop Type
By Technology
• Heating System
- Radiant Heating
- Forced Air Heating
- Hot Water Heating
• Cooling System
- Evaporative Cooling
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Shade Systems
• Lighting System
- LED Grow Lights
- High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Lamps
- Fluorescent Grow Lights
• Climate Control Systems
- Automated Climate Control
- Humidity Control
• Other Technology
By Shape
• Venlo
• Flat arch
• Raised dome
• Sawtooth
• Tunnel
• Modified Quonset
By End-User
• Commercial Growers
• Research and Educational Institutes
• Retail Gardens
• Others
Regional Analysis
Europe is projected to dominate the greenhouse horticulture market as it commands 38.1% of the market share in 2024. The largest share of the global greenhouse horticulture market is held by Europe, having the requisite facilities and climatic conditions that favor this type of production, coupled with inducement from respective governments to promote sustainable ways of farming.
As such, greenhouse cultivation dates back a century ago and has a long history in this region. Some of the countries where modern greenhouse technologies and growing practices are majorly applied include the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy.
This is attributed to the presence of greenhouse technology providers such as Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects BV, which lead the market in the development of solutions that make a difference in greenhouse construction, climate control, and crop management. This has set high standards for greenhouse operations, thereby driving market growth in the region.
Different governments in Europe have, however, adopted different policies with subsidies for practicing sustainable agriculture, like greenhouses to raise the crop yield while reducing ecological interference. This has motivated its adoption throughout the region, especially in countries with harsh climatic conditions where farming is not very viable.
It is further promoted by research-oriented development capacities that exist within Europe, where many research institutions and universities are currently seeking to improve greenhouse technologies and good practices. Continuing in this line of innovation, coupled with a mature supply chain and availability of high-standard inputs, ensures easy retention of the leading position in the global horticulture greenhouse market for Europe.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Competitive Landscape
The global greenhouse horticulture market is highly competitive, with numerous players actively involved in the development, manufacturing, and supply of greenhouse solutions. Key players in the market include Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects BV, Keder Greenhouse Ltd, and various regional players that specialize in different aspects of greenhouse construction and technology.
These companies compete based on factors such as product quality, technological innovation, pricing, and after-sales services. Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects BV, for example, is known for its advanced greenhouse technologies and turnkey solutions that cater to large-scale commercial operations. Keder Greenhouse Ltd focuses on providing cost-effective and durable greenhouse solutions for small to medium-sized growers.
The competitive landscape is characterized by continuous innovation, with companies investing in research and development to introduce new products and technologies that enhance greenhouse efficiency and crop yield.
Collaborations and partnerships with research institutions, universities, and agricultural organizations are also common, as companies seek to stay ahead of market trends and meet the evolving needs of growers. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with key players focusing on expanding their global footprint, particularly in emerging markets where the demand for greenhouse horticulture is rapidly growing.
Some of the prominent players in the Global Greenhouse Horticulture Market are:
- Richel Group
- Hoogendoorn Growth Management
- Certhon
- Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects
- Dalsem Greenhouse Projects
- Priva
- Netafim
- Heliospectra
- Argus Control Systems
- Rough Brothers Inc.
- Stuppy Greenhouse
- Top Greenhouses Ltd.
- Ceres Greenhouse Solutions
- Luiten Greenhouses
- Ammerlaan Construction
- Other Key Players
Recent Developments
- August 2024: Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects BV launched an advanced automated climate control system for greenhouses. This AI-driven system optimizes temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity, enhancing crop yield while reducing energy use, and catering to diverse greenhouse setups and sizes.
- July 2024: Keder Greenhouse Ltd expanded its product line with customizable greenhouse kits for urban farmers and small-scale growers. These kits, built for compact spaces, feature durable materials and modular components, enabling users to scale their operations efficiently in urban agriculture.
- June 2024: Certhon Group partnered with a leading agricultural university to develop pest-resistant crop varieties for greenhouses. This collaboration focuses on breeding crops with natural resistance, reducing pesticide use, and promoting sustainable practices in controlled environment agriculture.
- May 2024: Priva invested in constructing a sustainable commercial greenhouse complex in the Netherlands. The facility emphasizes organic vegetable production, utilizing advanced hydroponic systems, renewable energy sources, and water recycling technologies, catering to Europe’s growing demand for organic produce.
- April 2024: BrightFarms introduced a revolutionary vertical farming technology combining hydroponics and LED grow lights. Designed for high-density urban greenhouses, this system enables year-round cultivation of leafy greens and herbs, significantly reducing water usage and eliminating the need for pesticides.
- March 2024: Rijk Zwaan supported a Spanish government initiative promoting sustainable greenhouse agriculture. The initiative offers subsidies for greenhouse projects using water-saving technologies like drip irrigation and energy-efficient solutions such as solar panels, aiming to boost sustainability in Spain’s agricultural sector.
- February 2024: SABIC launched a new range of polycarbonate panels with advanced UV-resistant coatings for greenhouses. These panels enhance the durability of greenhouse structures, particularly in regions with harsh climates, offering a cost-effective solution for long-lasting crop protection.
- January 2024: Netafim initiated a collaborative research project in Italy to explore AI and machine learning in greenhouse crop management. The project aims to develop AI-driven tools for optimizing growing conditions and increasing productivity, setting new efficiency standards in greenhouse horticulture.
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