Lettuce and chicory market in Bahrain

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh lettuce and chicory in Bahrain fluctuated significantly between 2018 and 2023, peaking at over 8,100 t in 2021-2022 before contracting sharply to 5,167 t in 2023 due to a steep decline in imports. Domestic production, however, grew steadily from 870 t to 1,230 t over the same period.

In 2024, the market environment showed signs of change with new foreign direct investment entering the food and beverage sector, indicating the arrival of new players. Concurrent growth in non-oil economic activities, particularly in accommodation and food services, boosted demand for fresh produce, while the opening of a free-market store at Bahrain Airport enhanced local distribution channels.

Production lettuce and chicory in Bahrain

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

Bahrain's lettuce and chicory production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 960.0 t of lettuce and chicory, marking a modest 9.1% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 4.6%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Bahrain

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The minimum volume was recorded in 2017, while the maximum was in 2018, with a 4.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bahrain exported 17 t of lettuce and chicory, representing a 16.9% decrease from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 69.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 330.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Saudi Arabia remained the primary buyers of lettuce and chicory from Bahrain, together accounting for 91.4% of total exports in kind. The remaining share was fragmented across other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 45 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2018 at 196 K $ US, with a 4.4-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Bahrain's lettuce and chicory exports amounted to 167 K $ US, showing a sharp increase of 274.3% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 77.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of lettuce and chicory from Bahrain were largely concentrated on the United States, which accounted for 85.8% of total flows. Other countries together formed the residual share.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Bahrain

Imports in kind, t

Bahrain's lettuce and chicory imports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 6 404 t, down by 7.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14.8%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Spain were the main sources of lettuce and chicory imports to Bahrain, accounting for 38.1%, 21.3%, and 16.2% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 75.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Bahrain's lettuce and chicory imports in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 4 679 K $ US, down by 9.2% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 33%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Jordan, and the Netherlands led the structure of imports in value terms, accounting for 24.9%, 17.6%, and 14.4% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 56.9% of total flows.

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

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