Cereal germ market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The cereal germ market in the MENA region expanded from 332.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 391.4 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was underpinned by substantial government investments in integrated agricultural development projects, particularly in Egypt, which bolstered grain production capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global grain supply chains in 2020, but a concurrent shift in consumer behavior toward healthier food products helped sustain demand for cereal germ.

In 2021, market volume surged sharply to 634.0 thousand tons. This leap was driven by the cumulative effect of prior agricultural investments and a persistent consumer trend favoring healthy ingredients. Strategic partnerships between key agricultural companies, such as the agreement between KissanPro and Barakat Vegetables & Fruit Co., further improved market access and distribution efficiency.

The market stabilized around 629–640 thousand tons between 2022 and 2023. Continued expansion of modern agricultural technologies and increased private investment in agri-tech supported production levels. Simultaneously, evolving consumer preferences for sustainable and organic products continued to shape demand, maintaining market steadiness despite minor annual fluctuations.

Production cereal germ in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cereal germ, 2017-2020

World map of production of cereal germ, 2017-2020

Cereal germ production in the MENA region has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 391.2 thousand tons of cereal germ, marking a modest increase of 1.5% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 21.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of cereal germ production in the MENA region declined. In 2020, output was valued at 381.3 million US dollars, representing a 5.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 8.8%, with an average annual rate of 2.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 403.8 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cereal germ from MENA

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Cereal germ exports from MENA reached 58.6 tons in 2020, down 24.2% year-over-year. The peak was in 2019 at 77.4 tons, and the largest increase happened in 2018 with a surge of 542.1%. From 2017 to 2019, exports showed extreme fluctuations, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 21 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind were distributed across a broad range of countries. Turkey accounted for 22.4% of exports, Afghanistan for 7.9%, and France for 4.8%, together making up 35.1% of total flows. The remaining 64.9% was shared among numerous other nations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. In 2020, cereal germ shipments from MENA were valued at 57.2 thousand US dollars, a steep reduction of 29.4% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 81.0 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 603.8%. The period saw a peak in 2019 and a trough in 2017, with a 20-fold gap between them.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in value terms were spread across a wide set of partner countries. Turkey contributed 18.2% of exports, the Netherlands 5.8%, and France 3.0%, jointly accounting for 27.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cereal germ to MENA

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2020, foreign cereal germ supplies to MENA amounted to 253.8 tons, reflecting a dramatic decrease of 66.1% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 748.7 tons, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 140.5%. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a threefold difference between the high of 2019 and the low of 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Switzerland, and France remained the main suppliers of cereal germ to MENA in kind. India accounted for 25.0% of imports, Switzerland for 16.0%, and France for 14.8%, jointly forming 55.8% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, MENA's volume of cereal germ imports stood at 510.1 thousand US dollars, constituting a small rise of 1.9% year-over-year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 563.6 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 11.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 16.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for imports in value terms of cereal germ to MENA were India, Turkey, and Switzerland. India accounted for 22.7% of imports, Turkey for 14.1%, and Switzerland for 13.2%, jointly making up 50.1% of total flows.

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

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