Frozen vegetables market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the frozen vegetables market in Western Asia grew in volume from 333 thousand tons to 379 thousand tons, while its value increased from $439 million to $503 million. The expansion in 2020 coincided with the growth of the food processing industry in the region, which boosted demand for processed vegetables including frozen varieties. Improved export capabilities from key supplying countries also contributed to greater market availability and competition.

After a temporary contraction in 2021 to 363 thousand tons in volume and $454 million in value, likely a post-pandemic adjustment, the market rebounded strongly in 2022 to 440 thousand tons and $585 million. This recovery was partly driven by the launch of new frozen vegetable products in the Asia-Pacific region, stimulating consumer interest and broadening the product range available to the market.

By 2023, market volume had moderated to 382 thousand tons, yet its value continued to rise, reaching $596 million, indicating sustained price growth. This trend reflects the broader improvement in the quality and competitiveness of frozen vegetables in global trade, supported by the expansion of regional food industries and stronger export performance from major producers.

Production frozen vegetables in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables, 2017-2020

Western Asia's frozen vegetable production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 225.5 thousand tonnes of frozen vegetables, marking a 15.7% rise from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 27.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Western Asia's frozen vegetable production value has also risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 344.7 million US dollars, representing a 5.6% year-on-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 15.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.9%.

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

Exports frozen vegetables from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, frozen vegetable exports from Western Asia rebounded in 2020. The region exported 66.5 thousand tonnes, showing a significant 15.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 5.5%, with an annualized rate of 1.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 57.5 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 8.5%.

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

The export market for frozen vegetables in kind from Western Asia was diverse between 2017 and 2020. The United States (17.3% of exports), Germany (10.6%), and the United Kingdom (10.5%) together accounted for only 38.4% of total flows, while the remaining 61.6% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, foreign frozen vegetable supplies from Western Asia amounted to 101.7 million US dollars, a 5.6% increase from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 96.3 million US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 at 109.8 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 12.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export value of frozen vegetables from Western Asia was not heavily concentrated in a few key markets. The United States (18.7% of exports), the United Kingdom (10.2%), and Germany (9.2%) together represented only 38.1% of total flows, indicating a broad distribution across various countries.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, cross-border shipments of frozen vegetables to Western Asia reached 220.3 thousand tonnes, a 12.8% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 15.9%, with an annualized rate of 5.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with an 8.3% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three principal markets—Belgium, Egypt, and Iran—together accounted for 53.5% of total frozen vegetable imports in kind to Western Asia.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Frozen vegetable imports to Western Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 260.4 million US dollars, a strong 11.1% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 13.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for frozen vegetable imports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Egypt (20.9% of imports), Belgium (19.8%), and Spain (7.6%) jointly represented 48.3% of total flows, with many other countries accounting for the remaining 51.7%.

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

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