Lettuce and chicory market in Saudi Arabia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh lettuce and chicory in Saudi Arabia expanded from 40 084 t in 2018 to 79 892 t in 2021. This growth was supported by the entry of new players in the fresh and chilled food sector and the expansion of e‑commerce distribution channels, which improved the availability of imported products. During the COVID‑19 pandemic in 2020, increased demand for fresh vegetables through online channels further boosted imports, while the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced the arrival of new produce varieties, stimulating consumer interest.

Private investment in production and distribution facilities led to a 46% rise in domestic output in 2021. By 2022, the market stabilized at around 79 000 t as global supply‑chain disruptions and new legislative requirements for product tracking affected import flows. In 2023, market volume fell sharply to 46 922 t, driven by a contraction in imports. Imports rebounded to 49 837 t in 2024, indicating a potential market recovery, though full market‑size data for that year are not available.

Production lettuce and chicory in Saudi Arabia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Saudi Arabia produced 16 340 tonnes of lettuce and chicory, marking a year-over-year increase of 3.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 17.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.0%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Saudi Arabia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports lettuce and chicory from Saudi Arabia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. From 2017 to 2018, the peak-to-trough amplitude was 7.2 times. In 2020, Saudi Arabia's exports of lettuce and chicory totaled 4 709 tonnes, representing a 48.4% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 577 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 86.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for exports in kind were Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, which together accounted for 87.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of lettuce and chicory from Saudi Arabia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume was 3 604 thousand US dollars, remaining virtually unchanged compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 55.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -23.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar formed the core group of markets for exports in value terms, accounting for 50.6%, 27.1%, and 12.7% of total exports, respectively. Together, they represented 90.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Saudi Arabia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of lettuce and chicory into Saudi Arabia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 51 004 tonnes, indicating a 30.8% year-over-year increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 72.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 26 870 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 9.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 45.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Egypt, and Jordan accounted for the largest share of imports in kind, representing 25.0%, 21.2%, and 20.5% of total imports, respectively. Together, they comprised 66.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, imports of lettuce and chicory into Saudi Arabia reached 48 196 thousand US dollars, representing an 8.2% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 26.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 37 125 thousand US dollars, while the maximum value was in 2019 at 52 488 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 41.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Lebanon, and Egypt led the structure of imports in value terms, accounting for 27.3%, 16.7%, and 15.7% of total imports, respectively. Together, they represented 59.7% of total flows.

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

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