The Kuwaiti fruits and vegetables market is projected to register a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period.
Kuwait is highly dependent on food imports, and its supply chains are built with the other countries. The COVID-19 crisis disrupted the supply chains globally, leading to food insecurity in Kuwait. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the country experienced a shortage of onions. The government sent trucks to buy 120,000 kg of onion from Yemen, which is also combating an unprecedented hunger crisis, thus exposing the vulnerability of dependence on food imports. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the country has moved to strengthen its food security by increasing international cooperation and agricultural technology investments.
The agricultural sector plays a minor role in the country’s economy. Kuwait imports most of its fruits and vegetables, as the domestic production capability is low due to unfavorable climate, soil infertility, and water scarcity. Vegetable production in 2020 was valued at 35,487 metric ton, and fruit production was valued at 7,464 metric ton. The growing market for fruits and vegetables in Kuwait is attributed to the increasing disposable incomes of the people and the increasing health concerns of the Kuwaiti population.
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Kuwait is highly dependent on food imports, and its supply chains are built with the other countries. The COVID-19 crisis disrupted the supply chains globally, leading to food insecurity in Kuwait. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the country experienced a shortage of onions. The government sent trucks to buy 120,000 kg of onion from Yemen, which is also combating an unprecedented hunger crisis, thus exposing the vulnerability of dependence on food imports. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the country has moved to strengthen its food security by increasing international cooperation and agricultural technology investments.
The agricultural sector plays a minor role in the country’s economy. Kuwait imports most of its fruits and vegetables, as the domestic production capability is low due to unfavorable climate, soil infertility, and water scarcity. Vegetable production in 2020 was valued at 35,487 metric ton, and fruit production was valued at 7,464 metric ton. The growing market for fruits and vegetables in Kuwait is attributed to the increasing disposable incomes of the people and the increasing health concerns of the Kuwaiti population.
Kuwait Fruits & Vegetables Market Trends
Import of Fruits and Vegetables to meet the Domestic Demand
The country has a total arable land of about 10,600 ha, about 0.6% of the total land area. This domestic production capacity is not enough to cater to the growing domestic demand for fruits and vegetables. Kuwait is the second-most populated country in the GCC region, with an average population growth rate of 3.5%. The country has low domestic production capabilities for fruits and vegetables, as the soil in the region is low in organic content, with low nutrient-holding abilities and poor moisture-retaining capacity. The natural water resources required for irrigation are minimal, with most of the water used being from desalination plants that consume a lot of electricity. Domestic farmers are unable to bear the costs as there are no subsidies for electricity. Thus, harsh climatic conditions and vulnerable water and soil resources are the major constraints faced by the agricultural sector in Kuwait. Hence, the country is mainly dependent on the import of fruits and vegetables. The United States, Lebanon, India, and South Africa are the major exporter of fruits to the country. Together, they account for 48% of the country's fruit imports. India, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt are the major exporters of vegetables to the country, accounting for 45% of the total vegetable import.
Increased Area and Innovation in Agriculture
The agricultural areas in the country are located in Wafra, the South of Kuwait, Al-Abdali in the North of Kuwait, and Al-Sulaibiya in the center. The area harvested under fruit cultivation increased to 341 ha in 2020 from 157 ha in 2017. The area harvested under vegetable cultivation also increased to 1,086 ha in 2020 from 1,026 ha in 2019. Also, the area under tomato cultivation increased to 803 ha in 2020 from 745 ha in 2017. Supplemental irrigation and protected greenhouse production are heavily relied on due to the country's environmental and water resource constraints. The first large-scale indoor vertical farm in the Middle East opened in Kuwait in 2020, producing 250 varieties of greens and herbs using Dryponics technology. With approximately 3,000 square meters of farming space, the innovative facility has a daily output capacity of up to 550 kg of salad, herbs, and cresses and uses cutting-edge vertical farming methods consuming 90% less water than traditional farming. Also, the government recognizes the need to bring in dryland urban agriculture and innovative technologies and skilled labor to enhance its food production.
Additional benefits of purchasing the report:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
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Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
4 MARKET DYNAMICS
5 MARKET SEGMENTATION
6 INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND PRICE SCENARIOS
7 REGIONAL ANALYSIS
8 COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
Methodology
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