Quinces market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

Quince production in MENA began the period at 175 thousand tonnes in 2018, bolstered by an expansion of harvested area in the Middle East and broader regional output growth. The market then contracted to 153 thousand tonnes in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reversed this decline, driving production up to 171 thousand tonnes as changed consumer behavior toward fresh produce and supply chain adaptations took effect. In the following years, output gradually moderated to 156 thousand tonnes by 2023, a adjustment from the pandemic peak while underlying demand was supported by sustained health and wellness trends.

Structural shifts included the rising importance of Turkey as a key state and private actor, responsible for over half of the region's production. New regulatory requirements for traceability and labeling were implemented in several countries, altering market operations. Simultaneously, distribution channels transformed with significant growth in supermarket, hypermarket, and particularly online sales for fresh fruit.

Consumer preference for fresh, healthy foods remained a core driver of quince consumption, even amid inflationary pressures and evolving purchasing habits. Global influences, including international price fluctuations and supply chain conditions, also impacted regional production levels, while export activity from major suppliers provided additional market dynamics.

Production quinces in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of quinces, 2017-2020

World map of production of quinces, 2017-2020

In 2019, MENA's quince production reached its lowest point at 153.0 thousand tonnes, before rebounding to 170.5 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking an 11.5% increase over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 175.1 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 12.6% drop.

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

Exports quinces from MENA

Exports in kind, t

MENA's quince exports have grown for the third consecutive year, reaching 784 tonnes in 2020, a 74.9% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 2 840.3%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 208.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, MENA's quince exports in kind were distributed across numerous countries. Afghanistan accounted for 7.4% of exports, Russia for 1.9%, and Turkey for 1.1%, with these three countries together making up just 10.3% of total 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, K $ US

MENA's quince exports in value terms have risen for the third year in a row, totaling 806 thousand US dollars in 2020, a sharp 74.5% increase compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 2 251%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 186.5%.

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

An analysis of MENA's quince exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across many markets. Afghanistan contributed 6.2% of exports, Russia 1.9%, and Pakistan 0.6%, with these three countries collectively accounting for only 8.7% of total flows, while the remaining 91.3% went to other partners.

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

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

Imports quinces to MENA

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, MENA's quince imports amounted to 3 414 tonnes, a 9.6% gain over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 38.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 32.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey led as the top supplier of quinces to MENA in kind, accounting for 41.0% of imports, followed by Spain at 10.4% and Greece at 9.9%. Together, these three countries represented 61.2% of total imports in kind.

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

MENA's quince imports in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year, reaching approximately 3 066 thousand US dollars in 2020, a dramatic 26.1% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 53.3%, with an annualized rate of 15.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 866 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 30.2%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, three key markets—Turkey, Spain, and Greece—collectively accounted for 56.6% of MENA's total quince 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