Page 42 - AA 2022 YEAR BOOK

Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA FRUITS AND VEGETABLES MARKET -

GROWTH, AND FORECASTS (2022 - 2027)

reached 3,195,046.0 metric ton in 2019. to meet the domestic demand. Yemen,
These initiatives are expected to reduce the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and
Saudi Arabia’s dependence on imports Turkey are the major export trade part-
and boost domestic production in the ners of Saudi dates. The region of Ma-
country. dina Tayyiba grows Ajwa dates, which
are known for their luscious and fruity
Dates Dominate the Fruit taste and fine texture. The demand for
and Vegetable Trade dates is considered to be inelastic to a
degree because of the fruit’s prominent
Dates are one of the most traded role in the Ramadan fasting tradition and
commodities in Saudi Arabia, and the Islamic culture as a whole. Saudi traders
Market Overview country produces one-sixth of the dates stand to benefit from a growing interna-
grown all over the world. Although the tional demand for dates, and the exports
The Saudi Arabia fruits and vegeta- country is a major exporter of dates, im- of dates are projected to rise during the
bles market is projected to register a ports are also significant and necessary forecast period.
CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast pe-
riod, 2021-2026.
Import & Export Quantity (tonnes) of some crops and livestock
As an impact of COVID-19, the econ- products in KSA 2020
omy of Saudi Arabia shrank by 7.0% in
the second quarter of 2020. Although Item Value Flag Value Flag
the retail sale of fruits and vegetables Apples 188838 3517
increased due to consumer preferences Apricots 10808 588
toward consuming healthy diets to boost Avocados 13578 175
immunity, the supply chain and produc-
tion got disrupted in terms of export and Bananas 60306 R 10294
import trade movements. The wholesale Beans, dry 15221 575
market of fruits and vegetables also got Butter, cow milk 41344 7315
disrupted due to lesser demand from Carrots and turnips 54914 5957
the bulk purchasers belonging to hotels, Caulif owers and broccoli 13359 3855
restaurants, and tourism industries.
Chick peas 56624 1083
The increasing presence of super- Chillies and peppers, green 42430 5659
stores and hypermarkets has increased Dates 4001 214721
access to high-quality fruits and vegeta- Eggplants (aubergines) 2470 6691
bles for the Saudi population. As many of
these retailers adopt strategies, includ- Eggs, hen, in shell 53930 424
ing optimal pricing strategies, to capture Figs 172 10904
the market, the demand among consum- Figs dried 1664 106
ers is increasing. The urban population Fruit, fresh nes 296689 14329
is gradually becoming brand conscious Garlic 59661 803
and aware of the origin and type of food Ginger 38201 1352
consumed. Self-sufficiency in the food Grapefruit (inc. pomelos) 22344 266
supply is one of the key focus areas of
the Saudi Arabian government. Grapes 76879 1449
Groundnuts, shelled 3485 286
Aiming for Self-suff ciency Honey, natural 23524 2008
in Vegetable Production Lemons and limes 145174 7390
Lentils 58296 225
Adverse climatic conditions such as Maize 3070882 61
high temperatures and prolonged dry Meat, cattle 23756 129
spells have meant that Saudi Arabia Meat, chicken 617402 31464
is highly dependent on the imports of
fresh produce such as vegetables. In Oil, sunf ower 86030 20249
aiming for self-sufficiency in vegetable Sesame seed 49612 278
production, the Saudi Arabian govern- Spices nes 43234 962
ment has been promoting technologies Strawberries 17364 300
such as drip irrigation and protected Sunf ower seed 15018 189
cultivation. According to FAOSTAT, the Sweet potatoes 20622 40
fruit production in Saudi Arabia ac-
counted for 2,223,631.0 metric ton in Tomatoes 303924 3152
2016, which increased by 43.7% and Watermelons 29750 102
Source: FAO Statistical Division 2021
40 Arab Agriculture 2022