Preserved olives market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the preserved olives market in the GCC expanded sharply from 427 thousand tons to 547 thousand tons. This growth was supported by enhanced agricultural integration among GCC states, which aimed to boost production capacities and food security through shared strategies and joint projects. Increased consumer demand for healthy olive products and the expansion of olive cultivation in suitable regions like Al-Jawf in Saudi Arabia further stimulated the market. However, in 2020, market volume contracted to 523 thousand tons as environmental challenges, including water scarcity and climate change, negatively affected agricultural output.

The market saw a slight decrease to 515 thousand tons in 2021, a period when the unified GCC phytosanitary certificate was adopted to facilitate the exchange of agricultural products and enhance intra-regional trade. By 2022, the market recovered to 539 thousand tons following Saudi Arabia's accession to the International Olive Council in December 2022, marking a new phase for olive cultivation and strengthening the domestic and global profile of brands like Al-Jawf olives.

In 2023, the market volume fell significantly to 449 thousand tons. Moving into 2024, the broader GCC agricultural sector reported progress with plant production growth, alongside the development of large-scale projects like vertical farming facilities in the UAE and new packaging standards that may influence how preserved olives are brought to market.

Production preserved olives in GCC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of preserved olives, 2017-2020

World map of production of preserved olives, 2017-2020

GCC's production of preserved olives increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, GCC produced 364.1 thousand tons of preserved olives, reflecting a slight year-over-year rise of 2.0%.

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

Exports preserved olives from GCC

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, GCC's exports of preserved olives increased in 2020. Exports reached 11.1 thousand tons, marking a significant 44.8% growth compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 39.9%, which equates to an annualized rate of 15.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 7.7 thousand tons, with the largest decline of 51.3% occurring that same year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of preserved olive exports from GCC showed a scattered distribution. Yemen accounted for 8.5% of exports, Iraq for 8.2%, and Iran for 8.1%, with these three partners together representing just 24.7% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

GCC's preserved olive exports declined for the second consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, exports amounted to 18.4 million US dollars, marking an intense fall of 26.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 26.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 32.8 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 31.7% occurring that year.

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

The analysis of preserved olive exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Iran accounted for 13.1% of exports, Djibouti for 6.6%, and Iraq for 5.0%, with these three partners together representing only 24.7% of total flows. A significant 75.3% of exports went to other partners.

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

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

Imports preserved olives to GCC

Imports in kind, K t

GCC imported approximately 169.5 thousand tons of preserved olives in 2020, equivalent to a 14.2% year-over-year decline. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 152.8 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 197.5 thousand tons. The largest increase of 29.2% occurred in 2019.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain, Egypt, and Lebanon formed the key group of partners for preserved olive imports to GCC in kind. Spain accounted for 23.6% of imports, Egypt for 19.2%, and Lebanon for 11.3%, jointly representing 54.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, GCC's preserved olive imports declined in value terms. In 2020, imports were recorded at 224.9 million US dollars, which is 16.4% lower compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 269.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 17.0% occurring in 2018.

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

During 2017 to 2020, preserved olive imports to GCC in value terms were allocated across a large number of markets. Spain accounted for 27.0% of imports, Egypt for 14.3%, and Lebanon for 6.9%, with these three partners jointly accounting for 48.1% of total flows.

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

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