Kiwifruit market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the kiwifruit market volume in the MENA region contracted from 241.4 thousand tons to 190.2 thousand tons in physical terms, while its value decreased from 260.3 million dollars to 192.8 million dollars. Domestic production remained stable at around 300 thousand tons annually, but rising exports reduced the volume available for local consumption.

The market in 2024 saw player consolidation with Unifrutti Group's acquisition of Verfrut, strengthening distributor presence. Marketing initiatives like Trinity Fruit Company's 'Summer Love' campaign promoted kiwifruit, and new fruit varieties emerged to meet health-conscious consumer preferences.

Global trade policy shifts, including the New Zealand-Europe Free Trade Agreement that lowered tariffs, improved market access for exporters, influencing MENA import dynamics through supply chain adjustments.

Production kiwifruit in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

Kiwifruit production in the MENA region grew for the second year in a row. In 2018, output hit its lowest point at 297.6 thousand tons, with a 3.3% decline that year. By 2020, production had risen to 302.1 thousand tons, marking a slight 1.5% increase from the previous year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of kiwifruit production in the MENA region fell for the second consecutive year. In 2018, it reached its peak at 258.3 million US dollars, with a 19.2% increase that year. By 2020, the value had dropped to 188.8 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial 25.0% decrease from 2019. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production value declined by 12.9%, averaging a 4.5% annualized rate.

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

Exports kiwifruit from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

Kiwifruit exports from the MENA region increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 150.6 thousand tons, showing a modest 2.6% year-over-year uptick. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 57.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, India, and Afghanistan were the main destinations for kiwifruit exports from the MENA region in terms of volume. Russia accounted for 37.3% of exports, India for 16.3%, and Afghanistan for 5.1%. Together, these three countries represented 58.7% of total export flows.

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

After two years of growth, the value of kiwifruit exports from the MENA region declined. In 2019, exports reached their highest point at 124.0 million US dollars, with a 57.2% increase recorded in 2018. By 2020, exports had fallen to 94.1 million US dollars, down 24.1% year-over-year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 39.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia, India, and Afghanistan formed the key group of partners for kiwifruit exports from the MENA region in value terms. Russia contributed 37.8% of export value, India 14.5%, and Afghanistan 4.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 56.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports kiwifruit to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of increase, kiwifruit imports into the MENA region declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 72.7 thousand tons, with a 27.4% rise recorded in 2018. By 2020, imports had dropped to 62.5 thousand tons, representing a 13.9% reduction compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 20.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Greece, and Chile were the primary suppliers of kiwifruit to the MENA region in terms of volume. Italy provided 23.3% of imports, Greece 17.7%, and Chile 9.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 50.1% of total import volume.

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

In 2020, the value of kiwifruit imports into the MENA region totaled 106.2 million US dollars, showing little change from 2019. In 2018, imports reached their maximum at 108.0 million US dollars, with a 35.9% increase that year, followed by a 1.9% decline in 2019. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 33.6%, averaging a 10.1% annualized rate.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Greece, and New Zealand remained the main suppliers of kiwifruit to the MENA region in value terms. Italy accounted for 30.6% of import value, Greece for 20.7%, and New Zealand for 13.5%. Collectively, these three countries formed 64.7% of total import flows.

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

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