GCC Fruits And Vegetables - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The GCC Fruits And Vegetables Market size is estimated at USD 16.75 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 21.17 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

GCC countries have a diverse population with a diverse demand for fruits and vegetables. Around half of the population are non-citizens and have migrated from other parts of the world. According to the International Statistics Institute (ISI), the population of GCC countries was 56.4 million in 2021, out of which 27.7 million are citizens and 28.7 million are non-citizens with varied food preferences. In addition, the government is promoting healthy eating habits and reducing dependence on food imports, which have brought changes in local consumption patterns. Therefore, due to changing food preferences, consumers are willing to spend more on fresh, high-quality, flavorful, safe, and convenient produce.

The increasing population in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia has increased the reliance on imported food staples. Factors such as declining groundwater levels, arid climate, and soil salinity have contributed to this dependence. In response, these countries are implementing strategies to reduce reliance on imports, resulting in significant growth in their domestic farming and agriculture sectors. Regional companies are investing in advanced techniques to cultivate local fruits and vegetables, ensuring a steady supply for consumers throughout the year. For example, VFarms, a member of Qatar Science & Technology Park, showcased cutting-edge indoor cultivation facilities at Expo 2023 Doha. This facility allows farmers to grow crops using atmospheric water collected through solar power, enabling year-round cultivation of various crops, such as vegetables and berries, regardless of seasonal changes.

GCC Fruits And Vegetables Market Trends

Increasing Adoption of Technology in Horticulture

Six countries in the GCC depend on imports (85%) to meet their food demand. This dependence on imports causes countries to be affected by supply chain bottlenecks. The GCC countries' population is anticipated to reach 58.3 million by 2030 and 72.3 million by 2050, highlighting the importance of new farming methods to feed the population without limitations. Moreover, the agricultural sector in the GCC countries encounters distinct difficulties because of dry climates and scarce natural resources. Therefore, innovative methods like hydroponics, vertical farming, and controlled-environment farming are increasingly used to efficiently utilize resources, lower water usage, and increase crop production. These methods allow farmers to improve crop yields and reduce losses from environmental factors by utilizing advanced irrigation systems, precision agriculture tools, and genetic modifications. For instance, in 2022, the Institute of Urban Agriculture (IUA) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) enhanced vegetable production in Qatar by implementing a new method that combines hydroponics and solid active fiber soil, known as the Leitu technique. This technique uses an ecological material made from straw, cotton stalks, and other agricultural and forestry waste instead of soil. The Leitu technique allows for cultivating a comprehensive range of vegetables, such as leafy greens, eggplants, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Due to increased awareness among GCC decision-makers about the necessity of a local food supply, significant investments are now directed toward hydroponic farming. In 2023, the National Bank of Bahrain provided financial assistance of USD 8.75 million to Al Amin Gardens for building Bahrain's first hydroponic farm.

Saudi Arabia is the Biggest Consumer of Fruits and Vegetables

The increasing health awareness among consumers, especially millennials, has driven the demand for fresh produce, such as fruits. Fruits are highly nutritious and loaded with vitamins C and A, nutrients, minerals, and other necessary antioxidants, so their demand has increased among consumers over the last few years. The country largely depends on imports to meet its fruit consumption needs.

People in Saudi Arabia have developed a preference for different types of grapes. There is a higher demand for varieties, such as red grapes, with large seeded sweet-tasting berries. Grapes yield large amounts of juice and take many forms in the food processing industry. Fresh grapes are usually popular among Arabs to be eaten raw in the fall and sometimes throughout the year. They are frequently served as a dessert, often with cheese, creating an exquisite combination. Moscatel grapes are served with foie gras, a specialty food made from the liver of a duck or goose. Grapes can also be combined with other fruits to create an exquisite Macedonian dish. While nearly half of all grapes are used to make wine, one-third is consumed as fresh fruit, and the remainder is dried, consumed as grape juice, or stored as grape musts (concentrated and non-concentrated).

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