Sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in Southern Asia began the period with substantial volume exceeding 11,000 t annually, supported by a growing consumer preference for premium branded foods which elevated market value. This trend was abruptly interrupted in 2020 when new plant quarantine rules imposed import conditions on key vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and okra, severely constraining supply and causing the market volume to contract by over one-third to just 7,337 t.

Following the import-driven shock, the market entered a phase of recalibration and value growth. Volume gradually recovered, reaching 7,786 t in 2021, and then saw a notable 14% surge to 8,335 t in 2023. This latter expansion was closely tied to the geographical broadening of demand as processed foods gained popularity in smaller cities. Concurrently, the market's value demonstrated consistent strength, fueled by the enduring shift towards health-oriented, organic, and premium product variants.

Underpinning these movements were broader industry developments, including significant investments in processing infrastructure aimed at boosting export capacity and a regulatory focus on international quality certifications like HACCP and ISO. Furthermore, the rising popularity of frozen vegetables as a convenient alternative introduced a competitive dynamic, while innovation in hybrid and plant-based foods kept the product segment evolving.

Production sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts, 2017-2020

Southern Asia's production of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2019, output reached its lowest point at 7,414 tonnes, but then increased by 7.3% to 7,952 tonnes in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Southern Asia's production value of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 17,904 thousand US dollars, marking a 1.9% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 11%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%.

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

Exports sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed considerable volatility during the observed period. In 2017, exports hit their lowest point, then surged by 75.2% in 2018 to reach 2,152 tonnes in 2019, which was the peak year. However, in 2020, exports declined by 2.2% to 2,104 tonnes. Overall, exports varied by a factor of 1.9 between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Southern Asia's exports of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts were distributed across numerous markets. The top three destinations—the United Kingdom (13.9% of export volume), the United Arab Emirates (9.9%), and Saudi Arabia (8.8%)—collectively accounted for just 32.7% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values exhibited significant volatility during these years. In 2017, values were at their lowest, then jumped by 91.1% in 2018 to peak at 5,099 thousand US dollars in 2019. In 2020, export value fell by 7.1% to 4,737 thousand US dollars. Overall, export values varied by a factor of 2.2 between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Southern Asia's export value of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts was spread across many countries. The top three markets—the United Kingdom (16.0% of export value), Canada (11.3%), and the United Arab Emirates (8.5%)—together represented only 35.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes displayed marked volatility during this period. In 2020, imports bottomed out at 1,489 tonnes, representing a sharp 74.9% decrease from the previous year. The peak occurred in 2017, with imports 8.4 times higher than in 2020. In 2019, imports saw a modest increase of 2.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand dominated Southern Asia's imports of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts, accounting for 69.3% of import volume. The United Arab Emirates (4.7%) and Switzerland (4.4%) were the next largest suppliers. Together, these three countries represented 78.4% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Southern Asia's import value of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts dropped sharply in 2020 to 3,177 thousand US dollars, a 43.0% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 64.9%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 29.5%. The most significant decrease occurred in 2018, with a 45.1% drop, while 2019 saw a 12.3% increase.

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

During 2017-2020, Thailand remained the leading source for Southern Asia's imports of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts in value terms, with a 60.5% share. The United Arab Emirates (5.4%) and Turkey (4.0%) followed. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 69.9% of total import value.

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

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