Page 41 - AA 2025 Year Book Summary

Saudi Arabia

Increased Opportunity for Dates Fruits
The dates sector represents a significant growth driver Dates Segment in Saudi Arabia Fruits Market
in the Saudi Arabian fruits and vegetables market, with the The dates segment continues to dominate the Saudi
country producing approximately one-sixth of the world’s Arabian fruits market, holding approximately 45% market
dates production. The strategic importance of this sector share in 2024. This significant market position is attributed
is underscored by the government’s Vision 2030 initiative, to dates’ deep religious and cultural significance in Saudi
which aims to position dates as one of the most important Arabian society, with the country producing about one-
sectors attracting national investments. The launch of the sixth of the world’s total date production. The Kingdom’s
“Saudidates” digital platform in 2022 marks a significant various regions produce over 31 million palm trees, with
milestone in modernizing the sector, providing an inno- more than 400 varieties spread throughout different ag-
vative and efficient business-to-business electronic mar- ricultural areas, including premium varieties like Ajwa,
ketplace where global buyers can purchase dates in bulk Sukkari, Barni, Shalabi, and Sogea. The Saudi govern-
directly from Saudi sellers. ment’s Vision 2030 initiative has further strengthened this
The market’s growth is further supported by the estab- segment by investing heavily in date palm cultivation and
lishment of strong international trade partnerships, with processing infrastructure, aiming to make the country the
Kuwait, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and In- world’s largest exporter of dates. The dates segment is
donesia emerging as major export destinations for Saudi a crucial part of the fresh produce market, contributing
dates. The National Center for Palm and Dates has played significantly to the overall fresh fruit consumption in the
a crucial role in facilitating export procedures and open- region.
ing new sales outlets outside the Kingdom, contributing Watermelon Segment in Saudi Arabia Fruits Market
to the sector’s expansion. Additionally, the introduction of The watermelon segment is emerging as the fastest-
the “Saudi dates trademark” has enhanced quality assur- growing category in the Saudi Arabian fruits market,
ance and promoted good agricultural practices in palm projected to grow at approximately 4% during 2024-2029.
production, strengthening the country’s position in the This growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer
global dates market. preference for watermelon’s refreshing properties in the
Growing Health Consciousness Among Consumers region’s hot climate and its rising adoption in various
The increasing health awareness among Saudi Arabian forms, including fresh consumption, juices, and smooth-
consumers, particularly the millennial population, has ies. The segment’s expansion is supported by significant
emerged as a significant driver for the fresh produce mar- developments in farming techniques, particularly in the
ket. This demographic shift towards health-conscious con- Buraidah and Qassim regions, which have made remark-
sumption patterns has led to a substantial increase in de- able progress in watermelon cultivation and marketing.
mand for fresh food, driven by growing recognition of the The implementation of advanced agricultural technolo-
nutritional benefits of organic fruits and vegetables. The gies and improved irrigation systems has substantially
trend is particularly notable in the consumption of prod- enhanced yield quality and quantity, positioning water-
ucts rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are melon as a key growth driver in the Saudi fruit market.
increasingly valued for their role in maintaining overall Watermelon plays a vital role in the fresh produce sector,
health and wellness. aligning with the increasing demand for fresh fruit op-
The market is responding to this health-conscious trend tions.
through diversification of product offerings and improved Remaining Segments in Fruits Market
accessibility of fresh produce. Retailers and suppliers are The Saudi Arabian fruits market encompasses several
expanding their range of fresh fruits and vegetables to other significant segments, including grapes, citrus, ol-
meet the sophisticated demands of health-conscious con- ives, berries and pomegranates, figs, bananas, mangoes,
sumers. This shift in consumer behavior is further support- peaches, cantaloupe, apples, and frozen fruits. Each of
ed by the increasing availability of organic and premium these segments plays a unique role in meeting diverse
produce options across various retail channels, including consumer preferences and nutritional needs. Grapes
traditional markets, supermarkets, and emerging online and citrus fruits have established themselves as essential
platforms. The growing emphasis on healthy eating habits components of the Saudi diet, while berries and pome-
has also led to increased consumption of specific products granates are gaining popularity due to their health bene-
known for their health benefits, such as citrus fruits rich in fits. The frozen fruits and vegetables segment is emerging
vitamin C and vegetables high in dietary fiber and essen- as a convenient option for year-round fruit consumption,
tial nutrients. Additionally, the focus on seasonal produce particularly in urban areas. These segments collectively
and hydroponic produce is gaining traction, aligning with contribute to the market’s diversity and stability, sup-
consumer preferences for sustainable and nutrient-rich ported by both domestic production and strategic import
food options. partnerships.
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