Cauliflowers and broccoli market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh cauliflowers and broccoli in the GCC region rose from 114.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 167.2 thousand tons in 2023, marking substantial expansion despite a temporary dip in 2020. A surge in imports, which more than doubled from 54.6 to 94.0 thousand tons over the period, was the primary driver, compensating for fluctuating domestic production that ranged between 59.1 and 78.3 thousand tons.

The sharp market growth, particularly the over 30% increase in 2021 to 168.4 thousand tons, was sustained by rising consumer demand. By 2024, imports climbed further to 109.6 thousand tons, supported by global shifts toward plant-based and low-carb diets, which bolstered consumption across retail channels. International price volatility and the pivotal role of Asia-Pacific producers in global supply chains also shaped import dynamics and market availability in the region.

Production cauliflowers and broccoli in GCC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cauliflowers and broccoli, 2017-2020

World map of production of cauliflowers and broccoli, 2017-2020

In 2019, GCC production of cauliflowers and broccoli reached its highest level at 70 123 tons. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 59 106 tons, representing a year-on-year decrease of 15.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production declined by 6.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.2%. The most significant production increase occurred in 2019, when output rose by 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in GCC in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cauliflowers and broccoli from GCC

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed considerable volatility during this period. The highest export volume was recorded in 2017, while the lowest occurred in 2019 at just 476 tons, creating a peak-to-trough ratio of 8.1 times. In 2020, GCC exports of cauliflowers and broccoli surged to 2 929 tons, marking a dramatic 515.4% increase compared to 2019. The most substantial decline took place in 2018, when exports fell by 86.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from GCC in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Afghanistan emerged as the primary destination for GCC exports in volume terms, accounting for 2.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from GCC in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

GCC exports of cauliflowers and broccoli in value terms grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 4 307 thousand US dollars, showing a robust 19.5% increase compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, overall export value decreased by 5.8%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.0%. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 3 459 thousand US dollars, when exports experienced their largest decline of 24.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from GCC in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 through 2020, Afghanistan and the United States maintained leading positions in GCC export value structure, together accounting for 12.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from GCC in value, 2017-2020

Imports cauliflowers and broccoli to GCC

Imports in kind, t

GCC imports of cauliflowers and broccoli in volume terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 69 545 tons, representing a 17.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volumes grew by 78%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 21.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to GCC in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Iran (31.2% of import volume), Jordan (19.5%), and Spain (18.9%) remained the top suppliers of cauliflowers and broccoli to GCC, collectively accounting for 69.5% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to GCC in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

GCC imports of cauliflowers and broccoli in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 49 554 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate 3.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 42 798 thousand US dollars, when imports declined by 1.9%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, when import value rose by 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to GCC in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain (41.8% of import value), Jordan (14.5%), and Iran (11.3%) continued to be the primary sources for GCC imports in value terms, together accounting for 67.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to GCC in value, 2017-2020