Strawberries market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The strawberry market volume in the MENA region grew from 673 thousand tons in 2018 to 803 thousand tons in 2019, supported by Egyptian government investments in integrated agricultural development programs like the South Valley Development Project (Toshka). This growth was interrupted in 2020 when volume fell to 719 thousand tons due to COVID-19 pandemic effects on supply chains and demand.

A rapid recovery followed in 2021, with market volume jumping to 909 thousand tons. This increase was driven by rising fruit and vegetable production in North Africa, boosted by the adoption of agricultural technology and favorable policies. The upward trend continued in 2022, reaching 934 thousand tons, underpinned by ongoing state investments of approximately $2.73 billion and increased financing for strawberry farmers from the Agricultural Bank of Egypt.

In 2023, the market expanded sharply to 1 134 thousand tons. This surge was primarily fueled by the expansion of Egyptian frozen strawberry exports into new international markets, including Canada and Brazil, which encouraged higher domestic production.

Production strawberries in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of strawberries, 2017-2020

World map of production of strawberries, 2017-2020

MENA's strawberry production saw a decline after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 821.6 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 19.2% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, production fell to 717.8 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp 12.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 23%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Strawberry production in MENA increased for the third consecutive year in terms of value. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 583 million US dollars, showing a robust 12.7% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the value of production surged by 57.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 16.4%.

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

Exports strawberries from MENA

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, strawberry export volumes from MENA peaked at 54 925 tonnes, with a notable 24.9% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, exports dropped sharply to 32 477 tonnes, a 40.9% decline compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 30.4%, averaging an annual decline of 11.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of strawberry exports in volume terms was quite scattered. Spain accounted for 26.9% of exports, Belgium for 9.8%, and the Netherlands for 8.2%. Together, these three countries represented just 44.9% of total export flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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, M $ US

In 2018, the value of strawberry exports from MENA hit its lowest point at 136.4 million US dollars, reflecting a 20.2% decline from the previous year. By 2019, exports rebounded with a 23.9% increase, but in 2020, they fell to 160.0 million US dollars, a moderate 5.3% drop from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 6.4%, averaging an annual decline of 2.2%.

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

The country composition of strawberry exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Spain held 25.0% of export value, Belgium 11.1%, and the Netherlands 8.5%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 44.7% of total flows, while the remaining 55.3% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports strawberries to MENA

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, MENA's strawberry import volumes declined. In 2019, imports reached their highest level at 36 555 tonnes, with a substantial 32.2% increase from the previous year. By 2020, imports fell to 33 607 tonnes, a moderate 8.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 35.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 10.6%.

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

The partner structure of strawberry imports in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. The United States accounted for 31.2% of imports, Turkey for 8.0%, and Australia for 2.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 42.0% of total import flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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, M $ US

MENA's strawberry import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point at 138.6 million US dollars, with a slight 0.3% decline from the previous year. By 2019, imports rose by 12.0%, and in 2020, they reached 166.1 million US dollars, up 7.0% from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 19.4%, averaging an annual increase of 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States consistently led the country structure of strawberry imports in value terms, accounting for 51.0% of imports. Australia followed with 4.2%, and Mexico with 3.1%. Together, these three countries represented 58.3% of total import flows.

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

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