Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, production of fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in the MENA region rose from 1.64 million tons to 2.5 million tons, while market volume expanded from 1.63 million tons in 2019 to 2.48 million tons in 2023. The market saw steady growth through 2020, a contraction in 2021, and then a pronounced surge in the subsequent two years.

The sharp increase in 2022 and 2023 aligned with the region's accelerated digital transformation. A strategic partnership between TradeLing and JD.com in 2022 strengthened e-commerce platforms, improving the distribution and sale of fresh produce. Concurrent investment in digital infrastructure boosted supply chain efficiency. In 2023, agri-tech advancements, exemplified by Saudi company Nabt's digital platform that directly linked farmers with buyers, streamlined trade. Enhanced focus on food security and upgrades in cold-chain logistics further supported the handling and availability of perishable goods.

In 2024, the market landscape continued to evolve with the expansion of retail and distribution networks, including the entry of new players, reinforcing marketing channels for fresh produce. Ongoing digitalization in trade and distribution, coupled with policy shifts encouraging private-sector innovation, sustained a dynamic environment for the fresh agricultural market.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

Pumpkin, squash, and gourd production in the MENA region has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 728 thousand tonnes, marking a 3.6% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.1%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from MENA

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, MENA's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds declined in volume. In 2020, exports totaled 63 294 tonnes, a 26.6% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 57.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 86 248 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 60.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for pumpkins, squash, and gourds in the MENA region was diverse. France accounted for 18.8% of exports, Spain for 10.5%, and Afghanistan for 2.8%, together making up 32.1% of total flows. The remaining 67.9% was distributed among many other countries.

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, K $ US

The export market displayed volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from MENA amounted to 55 857 thousand US dollars, showing a significant decline of 23.4% from the previous year. The peak value was in 2019 at 72 883 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 94.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Spain, and Germany were the top destinations for MENA's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports in value terms. France accounted for 31.5% of exports, Spain for 18.0%, and Germany for 4.1%, together comprising 53.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to MENA

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. The lowest volume was in 2017, and the highest was in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.8 times. In 2020, MENA's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds stood at 35 780 tonnes, a solid contraction of 19.0% compared to the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 44 190 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred that same year at 76.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, MENA's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds came from a wide range of partner countries. India contributed 16.2% of imports, Turkey 5.3%, and South Africa 3.1%, together accounting for just 24.6% of total flows.

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, K $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to MENA totaled 46 572 thousand US dollars, down by 5.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 25.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%. The minimum value was in 2018 at 32 030 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 49 266 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 13.9%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 53.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, MENA imported pumpkins, squash, and gourds from many countries. Even the largest sources—India, Turkey, and Bangladesh—together represented only 49.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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