Frozen vegetables market in Lebanon

Earlier Report Observations

The Lebanese frozen vegetable market volume fell sharply from 16 806 tons in 2018 to 12 426 tons in 2020. This contraction was driven by a severe decline in consumer purchasing power amid the escalating financial crisis, which reduced household food spending. Concurrently, supply chain pressures from road closures in southern Lebanon disrupted the flow of goods to market.

Market volume began recovering from 2021, reaching 16 448 tons by 2023. Government inclusion of frozen vegetables in subsidized food lists supported consumption, while new import contracts, such as the annual 1 200 ton deal with Egyptian supplier Frozita, boosted supply. The Ministry of Agriculture's 2020‑2025 strategy, which prioritized developing frozen food facilities, provided a supportive framework for the sector's expansion.

In 2024, frozen vegetables remained on the subsidized goods list, and Nestlé launched its new frozen product brand 'Vital Pursuit' in Lebanon, signaling continued interest from major food players. Updated consumer protection rules also mandated clearer labeling of delivery dates and product origin, enhancing market transparency.

Production frozen vegetables in Lebanon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

Lebanon's frozen vegetable production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 15 594 tonnes of frozen vegetables, marking a 19.3% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 21.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.8%.

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

Exports frozen vegetables from Lebanon

Exports in kind, t

Lebanon's exports of frozen vegetables have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 7 132 tonnes, up by 179.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 2038.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 177.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia were the primary destinations for Lebanon's frozen vegetable exports, accounting for 74.2% of the total volume. Qatar led with 47.1%, followed by Kuwait at 16.1% and Saudi Arabia at 11.0%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Lebanon's frozen vegetable exports has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 4 547 thousand US dollars, an 88.6% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 1238.3%, averaging an annual rate of 137.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Qatar dominated Lebanon's frozen vegetable exports in value terms, holding a 71.9% share of total flows, while the remaining exports were distributed among other partners.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables to Lebanon

Imports in kind, t

Lebanon's imports of frozen vegetables have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 963 tonnes, a significant drop of 24.3% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 30%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, Belgium, and Spain were the top sources for Lebanon's frozen vegetable imports, together accounting for 78.9% of the total volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of Lebanon's frozen vegetable imports has decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were recorded at 5 161 thousand US dollars, a sharp decline of 27.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value dropped by 26%, with an average annual decrease of 9.6%. The highest value was in 2018 at 7 169 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 2.8% during that period.

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

In the 2017–2020 period, Egypt, Belgium, and Spain were the main sources in the value breakdown of Lebanon's frozen vegetable imports. Egypt accounted for 56.9%, Belgium for 15.3%, and Spain for 7.2%, together making up 79.4% of total import flows.

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

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