Spinach market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for fresh or chilled spinach in Egypt grew steadily in volume, reaching nearly 30 000 t by 2020. This expansion was supported by rising demand fueled by urbanization, population growth, and higher disposable incomes. Investments in large-capacity cold storage facilities during this period also improved the cold chain and distribution, helping to maintain product quality and availability. In 2020, while physical volume increased only slightly, the market's value jumped by 15% due to inflationary pressures that raised prices, even as health awareness continued to bolster consumer interest in fresh vegetables.

Market volume dipped by 4% in 2021, a year that saw Egypt strengthening its position as a major global exporter of frozen vegetables, a development that may have influenced resource allocation within the broader vegetable sector. A sharp contraction followed in 2022, with volume falling by 22% and value by 25%, primarily driven by severe economic challenges including high inflation which significantly reduced consumer purchasing power. The market rebounded strongly in 2023, however, with volume and value growing by 22% and 26% respectively. This recovery was underpinned by a resurgent retail sector, expected to grow over 11%, alongside easing inflationary pressures and improved household spending capacity.

Production spinach in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Egypt ranked 20th globally in spinach production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of spinach, 2017-2020

World map of production of spinach, 2017-2020

Egypt's spinach production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 30 000 tonnes of spinach, up 1.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 9.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Egypt's spinach output was valued at 90 979 thousand US dollars, a 15.1% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 16.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 4.9%.

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

Exports spinach from Egypt

Exports in kind, kg

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import levels varied significantly, with a 175-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Egypt's spinach exports reached 6 498 kilograms, a sharp year-on-year increase of 2,472.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 253 kilograms, with the largest decline that year at 98.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia (46.0% of exports in kind), the United States (25.4% of exports in kind), and Qatar (7.3% of exports in kind) were the leading destinations for Egypt's spinach exports, together accounting for 78.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. A 187-fold variation was observed between the peak in 2017 and the trough in 2019. In 2020, Egypt's spinach exports amounted to 19.7 thousand US dollars, marking a rise of 2,811.9% over the previous year. The minimum value was in 2019 at 0.7 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 99.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Saudi Arabia (45.9% of exports in value terms), the United States (25.7% of exports in value terms), and Qatar (7.2% of exports in value terms) held the largest shares of Egypt's spinach exports by value, collectively comprising 78.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports spinach to Egypt

Imports in kind, kg

In 2018, Egypt's spinach imports totaled 12 kilograms, a sharp decrease of 98.1% from the year before.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the partner base for spinach imports in kind was extremely narrow, with the Netherlands alone responsible for 98.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Egypt imported 0.0 thousand US dollars worth of spinach in 2018, reflecting a 98.0% reduction compared to the previous year.

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

In 2017-2020, the country structure of spinach imports by value was highly concentrated, with the Netherlands accounting for 98.1% of total flows.

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

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