Snails market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The snail market in the MENA region expanded significantly from 5 340 tons in 2018 to 9 682 tons in 2023. This growth was initially supported by the successful establishment of snail farming in several countries, including Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, Lebanon, Egypt, and the UAE, where favorable climate conditions and strong demand for specific snail varieties encouraged production.

After reaching 7 092 tons in 2019, market volume stabilized around 7 000 tons in 2020 before contracting to 5 616 tons in 2021. A strong rebound followed, with the market reaching 7 763 tons in 2022 and 9 682 tons in 2023. The increase in 2023 was facilitated by growing consumer demand for snails across the region and the entry of new players, which helped expand production and distribution.

Production snails in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of snails, 2017-2020

World map of production of snails, 2017-2020

In 2020, MENA produced 18 040 tons of snails, marking a 2.3% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 3.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, snail production in MENA experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 20 721 thousand US dollars, reflecting a slight year-over-year decrease of 2.7%. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 18.8%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 5.9%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 21 306 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 10.7%.

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

Exports snails from MENA

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, snail exports from MENA totaled 11 042 tons, showing a modest increase of 4.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 3.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 621 tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 12 543 tons. The largest decline took place in 2019 with a drop of 15.3%, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of exports in kind was characterized by Spain's dominance, accounting for 78.6% of total flows, alongside numerous smaller trading partners.

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

Snail exports from MENA declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 12 682 thousand US dollars, representing a 1.2% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 9.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 13 630 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 17.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, Spain and Italy formed the dominant pair of markets for exports in value terms, jointly representing 84.5% of total flows, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports snails to MENA

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility throughout the observed period. Imports peaked in 2018 at 108 tons and fell to a low of 12 tons in 2020, representing a 9.1-fold decrease between these years. In 2020, snail imports into MENA amounted to 12 tons, indicating a sharp contraction of 84.7% from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 57.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, France, and Greece were the main sources for imports in kind, accounting for 53.1%, 4.6%, and 3.5% of total flows, respectively. Together, they represented 61.1% of all 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 snail import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 146 thousand US dollars, showing a reduction of 25.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 340 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 42.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 66.1%.

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

In 2017-2020, Spain, France, and Italy were the primary destinations for snail imports in value terms, accounting for 32.1%, 23.3%, and 6.9% of total imports, respectively. Together, they made up 62.3% of all 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