GCC: Spinach Market 2025

Spinach Market Size in GCC

In 2022, the GCC spinach market increased by 3.5% to $X, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Spinach Production in GCC

In value terms, spinach production contracted slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a mild setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 10%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The United Arab Emirates (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of spinach production, comprising approx. 78% of total volume. Moreover, spinach production in the United Arab Emirates exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Kuwait (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in the United Arab Emirates amounted to -2.6%. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Kuwait (-6.8% per year) and Qatar (-9.9% per year).

The average spinach yield dropped modestly to X tons per ha in 2022, with a decrease of -2.5% against 2021. Over the period under review, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 5.3%. Over the period under review, the spinach yield attained the peak level at X tons per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The spinach harvested area expanded to X ha in 2022, growing by 1.7% on the year before. In general, the harvested area, however, continues to indicate a noticeable contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the harvested area increased by 10% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to spinach production attained the peak figure at X ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Spinach Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2022, after three years of decline, there was significant growth in shipments abroad of spinach, when their volume increased by 107% to X tons. In general, exports saw significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 2,245%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, spinach exports soared to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports recorded significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 1,942% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2022, the United Arab Emirates (X tons) represented the major exporter of spinach in GCC, committing 100% of total export.

The United Arab Emirates was also the fastest-growing in terms of the spinach exports, with a CAGR of +35.0% from 2012 to 2022. The shares of the largest exporters remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) also remains the largest spinach supplier in GCC.

In the United Arab Emirates, spinach exports increased at an average annual rate of +50.2% over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2022, falling by -22.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, enjoyed strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the export price increased by 122%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for the United Arab Emirates.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the United Arab Emirates amounted to +11.3% per year.

Spinach Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2022, overseas purchases of spinach increased by 9.4% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports posted prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 152% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, spinach imports rose markedly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 104%. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, the United Arab Emirates (X tons) was the main importer of spinach, comprising 55% of total imports. Saudi Arabia (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 14% share, followed by Qatar (14%) and Kuwait (13%). Oman (X tons) and Bahrain (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into the United Arab Emirates increased at an average annual rate of +8.7% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Saudi Arabia (+34.8%), Bahrain (+24.3%), Kuwait (+19.1%), Oman (+9.7%) and Qatar (+8.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Saudi Arabia emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in GCC, with a CAGR of +34.8% from 2012-2022. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait increased by +14, +14 and +13 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported spinach in GCC, comprising 52% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Qatar ($X), with an 18% share of total imports. It was followed by Kuwait, with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the United Arab Emirates amounted to +14.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Qatar (+24.1% per year) and Kuwait (+26.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2022, approximately equating the previous year. Import price indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, spinach import price increased by +29.4% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 an increase of 74% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Qatar ($X per ton), while Oman ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Qatar (+14.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform