Vegetables; chicory (cichorium spp.), (other than witloof chicory), fresh or chilled

HS code 070529 covers a wide range of fresh or chilled chicory vegetables, excluding the popular witloof variety. Chicory is a versatile crop with a long history of cultivation, particularly in Europe. It is valued for its distinctive, slightly bitter flavor and its nutritional benefits, making it a popular ingredient in salads, stir-fries, and other culinary applications. The global trade in these chicory vegetables plays a significant role in the broader agricultural and food industries, contributing to the diversity of fresh produce available to consumers worldwide.

Chicory production for HS code 070529 typically involves growing the plants in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. The crop is often cultivated in temperate climates, with careful attention paid to factors such as soil pH, irrigation, and pest management. Harvesting is usually done by hand or with specialized machinery, with the chicory leaves and stems carefully selected and packaged to maintain freshness and quality during transportation and distribution.

The main inputs required for the production of the chicory vegetables covered under HS code 070529 include high-quality seeds or seedlings, fertile soil, and access to water for irrigation. Growers may also utilize various agricultural tools and machinery, such as tillers, harvesters, and packaging equipment, to streamline the production process. Additionally, farmers may rely on fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs to ensure optimal plant growth and yield.

The primary output of HS code 070529 is fresh or chilled chicory vegetables, which are then distributed and sold to various markets and consumers. These chicory products may be used in a wide range of culinary applications, such as salads, stir-fries, and garnishes. The output of this industry may also be consumed by other industries, such as 070910 Vegetables; salad greens, including endives and chicories, where chicory is often used as a key ingredient.