Market Trends of Algeria Fruits And Vegetables Industry
Growing Vegetable Production Supports the Market
- Algeria stands as a leading player in global vegetable production, contributing 6.8% to the world's total output, according to the data from FAOSTAT. The nation's increasing vegetable yield has bolstered both its food security and economic growth. Key vegetables like potatoes, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers thrive predominantly in the eastern plains, especially around Bejaia and Annaba.
- With a rising population and a consistent demand for fresh produce, Algeria's vegetable output is on the upswing. Data from FAOSTAT highlights this trend, showing an increase from 7.6 million metric tons in 2021 to 7.9 million metric tons in 2022. This surge in production is paralleled by an expansion in the area dedicated to vegetable cultivation. Specifically, the harvested area expanded from 301 thousand hectares in 2021 to 307 thousand hectares in 2022, as reported by FAOSTAT.
- In a notable shift within Algeria's traditionally male-dominated agricultural landscape, women are spearheading eco-friendly vegetable cultivation on smallholdings. Concurrently, young entrepreneurs are leveraging social media to market their greenhouse-grown produce. A testament to this trend, in 2024, two women entrepreneurs inaugurated an eco-friendly farm in Zeralda, successfully selling their produce via WhatsApp. Such initiatives not only bolster the nation's vegetable output but also stimulate market growth. Thus, the expanding cultivation area, combined with innovative eco-friendly practices, is propelling the market's upward trajectory during the forecast period.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
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Strong Export Potential of Fruits Enhances Market Prospects
- Algeria plays a crucial role in the global fruit market, exporting a wide array of fruits. The primary varieties exported include dates, oranges, watermelons, and tropical fruits. According to the ITC trade map, major destinations for these exports are Morocco, France, the United States, and Mauritania. The ITC trade map data shows a steady increase in the value of fruit exports to these destinations during the study period. For instance, the export value of fruits from Algeria rose to USD 132 million in 2023, up from USD 131 million in 2022. This growth in export value indicates a strong market potential.
- Alongside the rising export values, improvements in fruit production capacities are enhancing productivity and boosting exports. For example, in 2022, Agrotonomy developed five new aeroponic technology-based vertical farms in Africa and is currently working on a project to establish a new vertical farm in Algeria for growing fruits and vegetables. Food security remains a significant challenge in Algeria, but the country is actively addressing this issue while also aiming to increase exports. The UN reports that Algeria has the lowest malnutrition rate in Africa, and the country is seeking foreign investments to further improve its export performance.
- Since 2023, Algeria has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen the competitiveness of its agri-food and beverage sector. One key initiative is the 2023 launch of the project "Strengthening the Competitiveness of the Agri-food and Beverage Sector," which focuses on enhancing the export competitiveness of Algeria's agri-food sector. These initiatives not only support fruit exports but also drive market growth.
