Globe artichokes market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the production of fresh globe artichokes in the MENA region grew steadily from 515 thousand tons to 541.7 thousand tons, while the market size increased from 512.3 thousand tons in 2019 to 535.8 thousand tons in 2020. This gradual expansion took place alongside developments in cold chain infrastructure, such as the opening of new storage facilities, which enhanced logistics for perishable agricultural goods.

A sharp surge occurred in 2021, with production leaping to 719.6 thousand tons and the market size reaching 713.3 thousand tons. After a moderate contraction in 2022, both production and market volume rebounded strongly in 2023, reaching 835.6 thousand tons and 823.6 thousand tons respectively. The recovery in 2023 was accompanied by a notable rise in consumer demand for sustainable food products, driven by growing environmental awareness and changing preferences.

Egypt's climatic suitability for artichoke cultivation has provided a consistent production base for the region. The country's processing capabilities, including cleaning, pasteurization, and fresh or frozen packaging aligned with export standards, have supported the supply to both domestic and international markets throughout the period.

Production globe artichokes in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of globe artichokes, 2017-2020

World map of production of globe artichokes, 2017-2020

MENA's globe artichoke production increased for the second year in a row. In 2019, the region produced 515.0 thousand tonnes, which was the lowest level during this period. Production then rose to 541.7 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a moderate 3.6% increase from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 6.9%.

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

Exports globe artichokes from MENA

Exports in kind, t

Globe artichoke exports from MENA showed notable fluctuations over this period. In 2018, exports reached their lowest point at 5,181 tonnes. They then surged dramatically in 2019, climbing 127.6% to a peak of 11,791 tonnes. By 2020, exports had fallen to 6,221 tonnes, representing a 47.2% decrease compared to 2019. Overall, export volumes varied by 2.3 times between the high in 2019 and the low in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the dominant market for MENA's globe artichoke exports in volume terms, accounting for 80.5% of total shipments. All other countries combined made up the remaining share.

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, K $ US

Export values for globe artichokes from MENA experienced significant volatility during these years. In 2018, they hit their lowest point at 7,413 thousand US dollars. The following year, 2019, saw a sharp 135.4% increase to a peak of 17,447 thousand US dollars. By 2020, export values had dropped to 9,032 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic 48.2% decline year-over-year. Overall, values shifted by 2.4 times between the maximum in 2019 and the minimum in 2018.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Italy was the key buyer of globe artichokes from MENA in value terms, representing 86.8% of total export earnings. A diverse group of other countries accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports globe artichokes to MENA

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of globe artichokes into MENA displayed considerable volatility. In 2018, imports were at their minimum of 163 tonnes. They then skyrocketed in 2019, increasing by 557.9% to reach a peak of 1,070 tonnes. By 2020, imports had fallen sharply to 321 tonnes, a 70.0% decrease compared to 2019. Overall, import volumes shifted by 6.6 times between the high in 2019 and the low in 2018.

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

The structure of MENA's globe artichoke imports in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 was highly diversified. The United States (1.5%), Spain (1.4%), and Italy (1.2%) together accounted for just 4.1% of total imports. The remaining 95.9% was spread across numerous 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, K $ US

Import values for globe artichokes into MENA were volatile during these years. In 2020, they reached their lowest point at 1,111 thousand US dollars, after falling 62.9% from the previous year. The peak occurred in 2019 at 2,995 thousand US dollars, which represented a 168.3% increase. Overall, import values varied by 2.7 times between the high in 2019 and the low in 2020.

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

The country composition of MENA's globe artichoke imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Spain (8.1%), Italy (6.0%), and France (5.6%) together formed just 19.7% of total import value. The remaining 80.3% was split among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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