Frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen vegetables market in the MENA region experienced fluctuations between 2018 and 2021. After an initial decline to $270.7 million in 2019, the market partially recovered in 2020 before contracting again to $264.1 million in 2021. During this period, the market saw the entry of new product varieties, exemplified by European Freeze Dry's expansion of its freeze-dried plant-based meal line in 2021, which introduced items like vegan couscous and jackfruit, signaling growing innovation within the vegetable product segment.

A major turning point occurred in 2022, when the market size surged by 65% to reach $435.7 million, driven by a significant increase in domestic production, which jumped to $554.1 million. Growth continued in 2023, with the market expanding a further 13% to $493.8 million, supported by rising production and steady import volumes, while exports also grew substantially throughout the period.

By 2024, import and export values continued their upward trajectory, reaching $149.8 million and $302.1 million respectively. Production techniques such as individual quick freezing (IQF) and blanching remained central to maintaining product quality. However, high interest rates in some regional markets were noted as a potential constraint on new investments in agriculture and related industries.

Production frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize, 2017-2020

In 2020, MENA produced 180.9 thousand tons of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, representing a 6.5% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 41%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 12.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 2.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 35.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize in MENA was valued at 383.4 million US dollars, marking a 15.4% gain compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 29.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.1%. The largest decline was observed in 2019, at 9.7%, whereas the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 24.5%.

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

Exports frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2018, exports reached their lowest point at 71.4 thousand tons, with the largest decline that year at 32.3%. By 2019, exports peaked at 124.3 thousand tons, reflecting the largest increase of 74.1% and creating a 1.7-fold gap compared to 2018. In 2020, exports in MENA were recorded at 95.2 thousand tons, showing a significant drop of 23.4% year-over-year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market in kind was highly diversified. The United States accounted for 14.3% of exports, Italy for 7.3%, and France for 5.4%, together making up just 27.0% of total flows. The remaining 73.0% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

MENA's export value of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 195.8 million US dollars, marking a 28.4% advance compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 17.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 146.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in value terms remained highly diversified. The United States held a 14.5% share, Italy 7.3%, and France 5.3%, together accounting for only 27.1% of total flows. The remaining 72.9% was formed by a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, MENA imported 66.4 thousand tons of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize, equivalent to a 9.4% improvement from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 60.7 thousand tons, with the largest decline that year at 26.8%. In contrast, imports peaked in 2018 at 82.9 thousand tons, reflecting the largest increase of 26.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in kind was highly diversified. Belgium accounted for 30.1% of imports, China for 5.5%, and Spain for 4.9%, together making up only 40.5% of total flows. The remaining 59.5% was shared by a long tail of smaller markets.

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

Imports of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize into MENA increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 102.8 million US dollars, indicating a solid increase of 13.1% from 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports grew by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 87.6 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the role of Belgium, Spain, and China as suppliers to MENA was notable but not dominant. Belgium accounted for 22.9% of imports in value terms, Spain for 5.9%, and China for 4.4%, with their joint share reaching only 33.2% of total imports.

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

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