Fresh grapes market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the fresh grapes market volume in MENA grew from 5 434 thousand tons to 5 850 thousand tons. This increase was supported by Egyptian government investments in integrated agricultural development programs, such as the South Valley Development Project (Toshka), which boosted fruit and vegetable production in North Africa. The market volume then decreased to 5 223 thousand tons in 2020.

The market recovered to 5 324 thousand tons in 2021, a year marked by a notable rise in fruit and vegetable production across North Africa and the entry of new players through a strategic agreement between KissanPro and Barakat Vegetables & Fruit Co in Dubai to facilitate digital supply chains. Growth continued in 2022, with the market reaching 5 456 thousand tons, driven by sustained government investment and the expansion of modern agricultural technologies like protected cultivation and early ripening methods in Egypt.

By 2023, the market volume stabilized at 5 392 thousand tons. In 2024, Egyptian grape exports grew by 16.2% due to improved packing and handling technologies, while regional e-commerce expanded by 30%, influencing agricultural product distribution channels.

Production fresh grapes in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

Fresh grape production in the MENA region declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 5 888 thousand tonnes, marking an 8.2% increase. However, by 2020, production fell to 5 266 thousand tonnes, representing a significant year-on-year decline of 10.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Fresh grape production in the MENA region declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, production value peaked at 12 952 million US dollars, reflecting a 13.0% increase. The following year saw the largest decline of 17.8%. By 2020, output was valued at 9 098 million US dollars, showing a robust 14.5% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 20.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.4%.

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

Exports fresh grapes from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

MENA's fresh grape exports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 126.1 thousand tonnes, declining by 3.3%. The following year saw the largest increase of 34.7%. By 2020, exports reached 189.8 thousand tonnes, representing a significant 11.8% advance compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 45.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Russia were notable but not dominant buyers of fresh grapes from MENA. The United Kingdom accounted for 15.1% of exports in volume, the Netherlands for 13.9%, and Russia for 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented just 40.3% of total exports in kind.

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, M $ US

Fresh grape deliveries from MENA increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value registered 327.9 million US dollars, which is 6.8% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 17.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%.

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

The country composition of exports in value terms was dispersed between 2017 and 2020. The United Kingdom accounted for 19.9% of exports in value, the Netherlands for 18.6%, and Russia for 9.2%. Together, these three countries formed just 47.7% of total flows, with the remaining 52.3% distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports fresh grapes to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

MENA's fresh grape imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 120.1 thousand tonnes, declining by 21.8%. By 2020, imports stood at approximately 146.8 thousand tonnes, which is 11.1% more than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 4.4%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.5%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 indicate that imports in kind of fresh grapes to MENA were not concentrated on a few key sources. India accounted for 18.8% of imports in volume, Turkey for 12.1%, and South Africa for 11.6%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for only 42.5% of total flows.

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, M $ US

Foreign fresh grape supplies to MENA increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports hit their lowest value at 223.4 million US dollars, declining by 2.1%. The following year saw the largest increase of 7.4%. By 2020, imports amounted to 254.7 million US dollars, up by 6.2% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 11.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports in value terms of fresh grapes to MENA relied on a wide range of partner countries. India accounted for 18.5% of imports in value, South Africa for 17.9%, and Chile for 9.2%. Together, these three countries took just 45.6% 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