Market Trends of Saudi Arabia Fruits And Vegetables Industry
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Leader in Date Production and Export
- Dates are a crucial economic crop for Saudi Arabia, thriving in the country's favorable climate. These conditions support both domestic consumption and significant export opportunities, driving market growth. In 2022, Saudi Arabia became the world's leading date exporter, according to the International Trade Centre, highlighting its strong position in the global date trade.
- Saudi Arabia's date exports in 2023 reached USD 390.1 million. The country achieved the highest annual growth rate in date exports over the past five years, reaching 113 countries. The kingdom produces around 300 types of dates. The Kingdom's production of dates and their derivatives has seen substantial development and growth, employing modern technologies and maintaining high-quality standards. This has contributed to increasing the export of its products and has propelled the country to claim the top spot in date exports globally.
- Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of the palm and date sector, which contributes nearly 12% to the agricultural gross product and 0.4% to the non-oil gross product. The government's focus on this sector, combined with increasing date exports, is projected to drive further growth in Saudi Arabia's agricultural market.
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Fruit & Vegetable Production And Consumption Is High In Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with a substantial increase in the cultivation area of fruits and vegetables. This growth is attributed to government policies, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the total cultivated area for fruits and vegetables in Saudi Arabia increased by 25.9% between 2019 and 2022. This expansion is primarily driven by the government's food security initiatives, such as the "National Agriculture Development Program" launched in 2023. This program aims to increase domestic production of fruits and vegetables by investing in modern irrigation systems, providing financial incentives to farmers, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- A significant development in Saudi Arabia's fruit and vegetable sector is the increasing adoption of greenhouse farming. This technology enables year-round production, irrespective of external weather conditions, and improves yields. The government has provided substantial support to greenhouse farmers, including subsidized loans and technical assistance. As a result, the number of greenhouses in Saudi Arabia has grown rapidly, leading to a significant increase in the production of high-value crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries. According to a report by Ain Shams University, as of 2023, the protected cultivation area of vegetables was 6,095 hectares.
- The growing cultivation area of fruits and vegetables in Saudi Arabia reflects the country's commitment to food security and agricultural development. By combining government support, technological innovation, and adaptation to changing consumer preferences, Saudi Arabia has established itself as a significant player in the global fruit and vegetable market. As the country continues to invest in its agricultural sector, further growth and diversification are projected in the coming years.
