Lettuce and chicory market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for fresh lettuce and chicory in the MENA region experienced notable fluctuations. Starting at 803 thousand tons in 2018, the market contracted to 784 thousand tons in 2019. This decline coincided with oil price instability and tightened local monetary conditions in oil-exporting countries, which dampened economic activity and likely reduced demand for fresh produce. The market rebounded in 2020, with volume reaching 809 thousand tons, though no specific drivers for this recovery were highlighted in the sources.

In the following years, the market entered a phase of adjustment. Volume saw a minor stabilization at 798 thousand tons in 2021. During this period, a strategic agreement was formed to enhance the supply of fresh vegetables from India to the Middle East, supporting availability. However, persistent challenges like high post-harvest waste and quality maintenance likely constrained any significant growth. A sharp contraction followed in 2022, with market volume falling to 729 thousand tons. A recovery then commenced in 2023, with volume rising to 770 thousand tons, a change supported by the expanding e-commerce sector in the region, which improved distribution channels and consumer access to fresh food products.

Developments in 2024 pointed toward ongoing evolution in the supply chain for fresh goods. This included the signing of strategic partnerships, such as one between NADEC and Del Monte in Saudi Arabia, aimed at boosting production and distribution. Furthermore, the adoption of warehouse automation solutions continued to advance, aimed at optimizing the storage and handling of perishable items.

Production lettuce and chicory in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Lettuce and chicory production in the MENA region increased after a two-year decline. In 2019, production reached its lowest point at 787.1 thousand tons. The following year, in 2020, output rose to 821.4 thousand tons, marking a 4.4% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 3.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of lettuce and chicory production in the MENA region declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production was valued at 805 million US dollars, which is 7.9% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 39.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.2%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, lettuce and chicory exports from the MENA region declined. In 2019, exports peaked at 78.8 thousand tons. The following year, in 2020, exports fell to 73.1 thousand tons, a decrease of 7.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 33.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when exports grew by 22.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for lettuce and chicory exports in kind from the MENA region were Russia, France, and Germany. Russia accounted for 15.0% of exports, France for 0.9%, and Germany for 0.7%. Together, these three countries represented 16.6% 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

Cross-border shipments of lettuce and chicory from the MENA region declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their highest value at 87.8 million US dollars. By 2020, exports had fallen to 71.6 million US dollars, reflecting a significant decrease of 18.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when exports grew by 0.1%.

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

The partner structure for lettuce and chicory exports in value terms from the MENA region was fragmented from 2017 to 2020. Russia accounted for 16.2% of exports, France for 1.9%, and the Netherlands for 1.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 19.6% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of increase, the volume of lettuce and chicory imports into the MENA region declined. In 2019, imports reached their highest point at 75.4 thousand tons. The following year, in 2020, imports fell to 60.4 thousand tons, a sharp decrease of 19.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 10.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, when imports grew by 5.8%.

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

The market base for lettuce and chicory imports in kind into the MENA region was broad from 2017 to 2020. Spain accounted for 13.2% of imports, the Netherlands for 4.1%, and the United States for 2.5%. Together, these three countries represented just 19.7% of total flows, with the remaining 80.3% shared among numerous other countries.

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

After two years of increase, the value of lettuce and chicory imports into the MENA region declined. In 2019, imports reached their highest value at 146.3 million US dollars. The following year, in 2020, imports fell to 127.8 million US dollars, reflecting a significant decrease of 12.7% compared to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, when imports grew by 4.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest suppliers of lettuce and chicory to the MENA region in value terms were Spain, the Netherlands, and the United States. Spain accounted for 21.1% of imports, the Netherlands for 13.6%, and the United States for 8.0%. Even combined, these three countries represented only 42.7% of total imports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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