Fresh grapes market in Kuwait

Earlier Report Observations

The Kuwaiti fresh grapes market grew significantly to over 20,000 tonnes in 2019. This expansion was primarily driven by rising imports from major regional producers like Egypt, where export-oriented grape production increased. Shifting consumer preferences towards fresh and organic fruits bolstered demand, while the entry of new players into the fresh food import and distribution sector enhanced market competition and product availability.

Market volume then contracted sharply to around 14,600 tonnes in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, causing fluctuations in the availability and pricing of fresh grapes. The decline continued, reaching a low of approximately 7,300 tonnes in 2022 following a major fire at the Al-Mubarakiya Market, a key hub for fresh produce trade, which temporarily hampered distribution. During this period, the market landscape was also shaped by new companies entering import and distribution and evolving packaging requirements focused on food safety.

A recovery to over 12,100 tonnes occurred in 2023. This rebound was supported by the diversification of import sources, including strengthened trade cooperation with Egypt, and the expansion of sales channels, particularly through e-commerce, which improved consumer access to fresh grapes.

Production fresh grapes in Kuwait

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

In 2020, Kuwait produced 167.0 t of fresh grapes, marking a 14.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 16%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 214.0 t, which represented a significant increase of 48.6% from the previous year. However, in 2019, production saw its largest decline, dropping by 31.7%.

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

Exports fresh grapes from Kuwait

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 10 t, with the largest decline of 96.9% recorded that year. In contrast, exports peaked in 2018 at 337 t. By 2020, Kuwait exported 121 t of fresh grapes, showing a dramatic uptick of 1,067.7% compared to 2019, with a 32-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq and Saudi Arabia remained the primary buyers of fresh grapes from Kuwait, together accounting for 88.3% of total exports in kind, while other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 7 K $ US, with the largest decline of 95.7% recorded that year. In contrast, volumes peaked in 2017, showing a top-to-bottom ratio of 30 times compared to 2019. In 2020, cross-border shipments of fresh grapes from Kuwait stood at 138 K $ US, representing a dramatic gain of 1,998.3% year-over-year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq and Qatar remained the key partner countries for exports in value terms, with a combined share of 85.9% of total flows; other partners accounted for the rest.

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

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

Imports fresh grapes to Kuwait

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, Kuwait's fresh grape imports declined. Imports reached their maximum in 2019 at 20 081 t, with the largest increase of 22.9% recorded that year. In 2020, imports amounted to 14 542 t, showing a loss of 27.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Lebanon, Egypt, and India—together accounted for 74.6% of total imports in kind of fresh grapes to Kuwait.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, Kuwait's volume of fresh grape imports declined. Imports reached their maximum in 2019 at 27 788 K $ US, with the largest increase of 32.4% recorded that year. In 2020, Kuwait imported 16 376 K $ US of fresh grapes, representing a dramatic contraction of 41.1% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, Lebanon (38.1% of imports in value terms), Egypt (19.0% of imports in value terms), and India (12.2% of imports in value terms) were the main suppliers of fresh grapes to Kuwait, together comprising 69.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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