Market Size of UAE Tomato Industry
Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
Forecast Data Period | 2024 - 2029 |
Market Size (2024) | USD 168 Million |
Market Size (2029) | USD 245 Million |
CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 5.50 % |
UAE Tomato Market Analysis
The UAE Tomato Market size is estimated at USD 168 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 245 million by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- With its high per capita food consumption, the United Arab Emirates stands out as the most promising agricultural market in the GCC region. Ras al-Khaimah, a key emirate in the UAE, is the primary producer of the nation's vegetables, including tomatoes. The UAE's tomato market is thriving, driven by a growing consumer preference for locally sourced fresh produce, the rising adoption of advanced farming technologies, and supportive government policies that promote tomato cultivation.
- Despite these advancements, the UAE's climate poses challenges for tomato cultivation. The country's geographic constraints, including a scarcity of natural waterways, extreme temperatures, subpar soil quality, limited arable land, and minimal rainfall, have historically hindered the growth of a robust agricultural sector. Yet, buoyed by favorable government policies and the widespread adoption of modern agricultural techniques like hydroponics and greenhouse farming, the UAE's tomato market is witnessing significant growth. For instance, in 2022, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment mandated that government entities, including hospital authorities and the armed forces, prioritize purchases of locally grown produce, such as tomatoes. This move aims to bolster companies investing in Agritech, enhancing fresh produce cultivation even in challenging environmental conditions.
- Additionally, numerous regional firms are delving into tomato cultivation, leveraging advanced farming technologies to ensure year-round availability and reduce reliance on imports. For instance, in 2021, Pure Harvest Smart Farms, a tomato production specialist, partnered with PlanTFarm. Together, they aim to design, construct, and operate indoor vertical farms in the Middle East and North Africa, with a focus on Dubai, utilizing PlanTFarm's cutting-edge technology.
UAE Tomato Market Industry Segmentation
A tomato is a fruit that is commonly treated as a vegetable in culinary contexts. It is the edible, fleshy fruit of the plant Solanum lycopersicum, which belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Tomatoes are typically red when ripe, though they can also be yellow, orange, green, or purple, depending on the variety. The UAE Tomato market report provides Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Volume and Value), Import Analysis (Volume and Value), Export Analysis (Volume and Value), and Price Trend Analysis in the country. The report offers market size and forecast in terms of value (USD) and volume (metric tons) for the above-mentioned segments.
UAE Tomato Market Size Summary
The UAE tomato market is experiencing growth driven by government initiatives and the adoption of modern agricultural practices. Despite the challenging climatic conditions that are not conducive to traditional tomato cultivation, the UAE has seen a rise in the use of hydroponics and greenhouse technologies, particularly in Ras al-Khaimah, which is the primary vegetable-producing region. The government's support for these advanced farming methods is fostering the development of various tomato varieties, such as cherry plum, cherry vine, beef, and Roma tomatoes, with cherry and beef tomatoes expected to see the fastest growth due to their increasing popularity as salad toppings. Companies like Madar Farms are pioneering indoor farming solutions to ensure year-round tomato availability, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing local production capabilities.
The UAE's agricultural sector faces significant challenges due to its arid environment, limited arable land, and scarce water resources. However, the government is actively addressing these issues through strategic investments in vertical farming and other innovative agricultural practices. Initiatives such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the development of vertical farming projects are aimed at increasing domestic food production and improving food security. These efforts are supported by financial backing for companies like AeroFarms and Madar Farms, which are working to transform the desert landscape into productive farmland. The use of hydroponics and smart irrigation systems is becoming increasingly popular, allowing for efficient water use and maximizing land productivity. As a result, these technological advancements are expected to boost tomato production in the UAE, aligning with the country's broader goals of enhancing food self-sufficiency and sustainability.
UAE Tomato Market Size - Table of Contents
-
1. MARKET DYNAMICS
-
1.1 Market Overview
-
1.2 Market Drivers
-
1.2.1 High Domestic Demand and Limited Local Production
-
1.2.2 Government Focus on Food Security
-
1.2.3 Rising Demand in the Foodservice Sector
-
-
1.3 Market Restraints
-
1.3.1 Cost of Controlled Environment Agriculture
-
1.3.2 High Import Dependency
-
-
1.4 Value Chain Analysis
-
-
2. MARKET SEGMENTATION
-
2.1 Production Analysis (Volume)
-
2.2 Consumption Analysis (Volume and Value)
-
2.3 Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value)
-
2.4 Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value)
-
2.5 Price Trend Analysis
-
UAE Tomato Market Size FAQs
How big is the UAE Tomato Market?
The UAE Tomato Market size is expected to reach USD 168 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.5% to reach USD 245 million by 2029.
What is the current UAE Tomato Market size?
In 2024, the UAE Tomato Market size is expected to reach USD 168 million.