Leguminous vegetables market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables in the MENA region showed relative stability from 2018 to 2020, ranging between 2 040 and 2 090 thousand tons. In 2018, the opening of a cold storage facility in Tiruchi with a 25-ton capacity for fruits and vegetables improved supply chain efficiency, supporting the preservation and availability of fresh produce.

After a decline to 1 907 thousand tons in 2021 and 1 814 thousand tons in 2022, the market recovered to 1 941 thousand tons in 2023. This rebound was facilitated by the establishment of a joint venture in Saudi Arabia between NADEC and Del Monte, which increased production and distribution of fresh goods, and the acquisition of Freshness First Pty. Ltd. by AgriNurture, Inc., enhancing regional supply chains. Government investments in agricultural projects in Egypt and growing consumer demand for healthy diets were observed during this period, contributing to the market environment. In value terms, the market surged to 4 596 million US dollars in 2023, up from 3 441 million US dollars in 2022, indicating substantial price growth or value addition.

Production leguminous vegetables in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

In 2019, MENA's production of leguminous vegetables reached its lowest point at 2,185 K t, marking a 5.1% decline from the previous year. Production then rebounded in 2020 to 2,199 K t, showing a modest 0.7% increase compared to 2019. The peak production occurred in 2018 at 2,302 K t, which represented a significant 5.2% growth over 2017.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of leguminous vegetables production in MENA was $4,185 million, reflecting an 8.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value fell by 11.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.0%. The only year of growth during this timeframe was 2019, which saw a slight 1.1% increase.

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

Exports leguminous vegetables from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

Leguminous vegetables exports from MENA have declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports totaled 165.9 K t, representing a 3.5% decrease from the previous year. The export volume peaked in 2018 at 239.2 K t, which marked a substantial 46.8% increase over 2017. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with exports falling by 28.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, France, and the Netherlands were the primary destinations for MENA's leguminous vegetables exports in volume terms. Spain accounted for 44.7% of exports, France for 14.7%, and the Netherlands for 12.7%. Together, these three markets represented 72.1% 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

MENA's leguminous vegetables exports were valued at $302.6 million in 2020, showing a 9.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at $335.4 million, while 2018 saw the largest annual increase at 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, France, and the Netherlands were the largest buyers of MENA's leguminous vegetables in value terms. Spain represented 47.1% of export value, France 18.1%, and the Netherlands 13.7%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 79.0% of total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports leguminous vegetables to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Leguminous vegetables imports into MENA have declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports totaled 21.3 K t, representing a substantial 20.4% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume fell by 34.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.0%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, India, Australia, and Pakistan were notable suppliers of leguminous vegetables to MENA in volume terms. India accounted for 8.4% of imports, Australia for 5.3%, and Pakistan for 4.2%. However, their combined share reached only 18.0% of total imports, with the remaining 82.0% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

MENA's leguminous vegetables imports have declined for three consecutive years in value terms. In 2020, imports were valued at $36.8 million, marking an 18.2% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 18.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 6.7%.

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

The structure of MENA's leguminous vegetables imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a highly diversified set of suppliers. India accounted for 16.9% of import value, Kenya for 8.0%, and Australia for 5.8%. Together, these three countries represented just 30.7% of total import value, with the remaining 69.3% spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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