Fruits And Vegetables Market In Saudi Arabia Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Saudi Arabia Fruits and Vegetables Market Analysis

The Saudi Arabia Fruits And Vegetables Market size is estimated at USD 8.51 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 10.76 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The Saudi Arabian fruits and vegetables market is experiencing significant transformation driven by the government's ambitious food security initiatives and technological advancements in agriculture. The shift toward greenhouse production has revolutionized the cultivation landscape, enabling year-round production of various crops despite challenging climatic conditions. The adoption of modern farming techniques, including vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture, has particularly benefited the production of crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. This technological integration has led to improved yield efficiency and quality of agricultural products, with Jordan emerging as a key trading partner, supplying approximately 69.5% of the country's cucumber imports.

Consumer preferences in Saudi Arabia are increasingly gravitating toward healthier dietary choices, influenced by rising urbanization and greater health consciousness. The growing awareness about organic fruits and vegetables and food origin has created a robust demand for locally grown fresh produce, despite their premium pricing compared to imported alternatives. This shift is particularly evident in the dates segment, where consumption reached approximately 1.37 million metric tons in 2021, highlighting the strong domestic market for traditional and healthy produce. The trend extends beyond dates to encompass a wider range of fruits and vegetables, with consumers showing increased interest in organic and pesticide-free options.

The retail landscape for fruits and vegetables in Saudi Arabia is undergoing substantial modernization, characterized by the expansion of supermarket chains and hypermarkets. These modern retail formats are implementing sophisticated supply chain management systems and quality control measures to ensure consistent product quality and availability. The retail sector's evolution has been accompanied by the emergence of online grocery platforms and digital marketplaces, providing consumers with convenient access to fresh food. Major retailers are increasingly partnering with local farmers and international suppliers to maintain a steady supply of both traditional and exotic agricultural produce.

Agricultural sustainability and water conservation have become central themes in Saudi Arabia's fruit and vegetable sector development. The country is actively promoting water-efficient farming techniques and investing in research and development for drought-resistant crop varieties. The implementation of precision agriculture technologies, including smart irrigation systems and soil monitoring devices, is helping optimize resource utilization while maintaining production quality. These initiatives are complemented by strategic partnerships with international agricultural technology providers, fostering innovation in sustainable farming practices and supporting the country's long-term food security objectives.

Saudi Arabia Fruits and Vegetables Market Trends

Technological Integration and Modern Farming Practices

The Saudi Arabian fruits and vegetables market is experiencing significant transformation through the integration of advanced agricultural technologies and modern farming practices. The government's commitment to agricultural innovation is evident through its January 2023 announcement of a USD 1 billion investment specifically targeted at boosting greenhouse produce. This substantial investment, planned in cooperation with relevant authorities and private sector companies, demonstrates the country's dedication to modernizing its agricultural sector through the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable farming practices.

The adoption of drone technology has emerged as a revolutionary force in transforming traditional agricultural installations, particularly in protected houses. These advanced systems are capable of creating detailed 3D maps for early soil analysis, facilitating precise seed planting planning, and collecting crucial data for managing plant irrigation and nitrogen levels in previously uncultivable land. The economic impact of this technological integration is substantial, with drone seeding demonstrating an impressive 85% reduction in operational costs. Furthermore, the success of these modern farming practices is evidenced by the notable increase in tomato production, which saw a more than 10% rise in 2022 compared to 2020, directly attributed to the development of greenhouse and vertical farming initiatives.

Increased Opportunity for Dates

The dates sector represents a significant growth driver in the Saudi Arabian fruits and vegetables market, with the country producing approximately one-sixth of the world's dates production. The strategic importance of this sector is underscored by the government's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to position dates as one of the most important sectors attracting national investments. The launch of the "Saudidates" digital platform in 2022 marks a significant milestone in modernizing the sector, providing an innovative and efficient business-to-business electronic marketplace where global buyers can purchase dates in bulk directly from Saudi sellers.

The market's growth is further supported by the establishment of strong international trade partnerships, with Kuwait, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Indonesia emerging as major export destinations for Saudi dates. The National Center for Palm and Dates has played a crucial role in facilitating export procedures and opening new sales outlets outside the Kingdom, contributing to the sector's expansion. Additionally, the introduction of the "Saudi dates trademark" has enhanced quality assurance and promoted good agricultural practices in palm production, strengthening the country's position in the global dates market.

Growing Health Consciousness Among Consumers

The increasing health awareness among Saudi Arabian consumers, particularly the millennial population, has emerged as a significant driver for the fresh produce market. This demographic shift towards health-conscious consumption patterns has led to a substantial increase in demand for fresh food, driven by growing recognition of the nutritional benefits of organic fruits and vegetables. The trend is particularly notable in the consumption of products rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are increasingly valued for their role in maintaining overall health and wellness.

The market is responding to this health-conscious trend through diversification of product offerings and improved accessibility of fresh produce. Retailers and suppliers are expanding their range of fresh fruits and vegetables to meet the sophisticated demands of health-conscious consumers. This shift in consumer behavior is further supported by the increasing availability of organic and premium produce options across various retail channels, including traditional markets, supermarkets, and emerging online platforms. The growing emphasis on healthy eating habits has also led to increased consumption of specific products known for their health benefits, such as citrus fruits rich in vitamin C and vegetables high in dietary fiber and essential nutrients. Additionally, the focus on seasonal produce and hydroponic produce is gaining traction, aligning with consumer preferences for sustainable and nutrient-rich food options.

Segment Analysis: Fruits

Dates Segment in Saudi Arabia Fruits Market

The dates segment continues to dominate the Saudi Arabian fruits market, holding approximately 45% market share in 2024. This significant market position is attributed to dates' deep religious and cultural significance in Saudi Arabian society, with the country producing about one-sixth of the world's total date production. The Kingdom's various regions produce over 31 million palm trees, with more than 400 varieties spread throughout different agricultural areas, including premium varieties like Ajwa, Sukkari, Barni, Shalabi, and Sogea. The Saudi government's Vision 2030 initiative has further strengthened this segment by investing heavily in date palm cultivation and processing infrastructure, aiming to make the country the world's largest exporter of dates. The dates segment is a crucial part of the fresh produce market, contributing significantly to the overall fresh fruit consumption in the region.

Watermelon Segment in Saudi Arabia Fruits Market

The watermelon segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category in the Saudi Arabian fruits market, projected to grow at approximately 4% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer preference for watermelon's refreshing properties in the region's hot climate and its rising adoption in various forms, including fresh consumption, juices, and smoothies. The segment's expansion is supported by significant developments in farming techniques, particularly in the Buraidah and Qassim regions, which have made remarkable progress in watermelon cultivation and marketing. The implementation of advanced agricultural technologies and improved irrigation systems has substantially enhanced yield quality and quantity, positioning watermelon as a key growth driver in the Saudi fruit market. Watermelon plays a vital role in the fresh produce sector, aligning with the increasing demand for fresh fruit options.

Remaining Segments in Fruits Market

The Saudi Arabian fruits market encompasses several other significant segments, including grapes, citrus, olives, berries and pomegranates, figs, bananas, mangoes, peaches, cantaloupe, apples, and frozen fruits. Each of these segments plays a unique role in meeting diverse consumer preferences and nutritional needs. Grapes and citrus fruits have established themselves as essential components of the Saudi diet, while berries and pomegranates are gaining popularity due to their health benefits. The frozen fruits and vegetables segment is emerging as a convenient option for year-round fruit consumption, particularly in urban areas. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and stability, supported by both domestic production and strategic import partnerships.

Segment Analysis: Vegetables

Tomatoes Segment in Saudi Arabia Vegetables Market

Tomatoes represent the largest segment in Saudi Arabia's vegetables market, with consumption volumes exceeding 500,000 metric tons annually. The segment's dominance is driven by tomatoes being a crucial ingredient in many traditional Saudi dishes and cuisines. Domestic production has been steadily increasing through greenhouse cultivation and modern farming techniques, particularly in regions like Al-Sulaybiya. Additionally, imports from major suppliers like Jordan, which accounts for approximately 55% of imported tomatoes, help meet the growing domestic demand. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the extensive distribution network and storage facilities that maintain year-round availability despite seasonal production fluctuations. Tomatoes are a staple in the fresh vegetable market, contributing significantly to the overall fresh produce sector.

Cauliflower Segment in Saudi Arabia Vegetables Market

The cauliflower segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category in Saudi Arabia's vegetable market, projected to expand significantly during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing health consciousness among Saudi consumers and the vegetable's versatility in various cuisines. Modern farming techniques, including greenhouse cultivation and controlled environment agriculture, are enabling year-round production despite challenging climatic conditions. The segment's growth is further supported by strong import relationships with countries like Spain, which contributes approximately 77% of cauliflower imports, ensuring a steady supply to meet rising demand. Additionally, retail chains and online platforms are actively promoting cauliflower as a healthy alternative, contributing to its increasing popularity. Cauliflower is becoming a key player in the fresh vegetable market, aligning with consumer trends towards processed fruits and vegetables.

Remaining Segments in Vegetables Market

The vegetables market in Saudi Arabia encompasses several other significant segments, including onions, potatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplants, each playing a vital role in the overall market dynamics. Onions maintain a strong presence due to their essential role in Saudi cuisine, while potatoes benefit from extensive government support and subsidies. Cucumber and pepper segments are predominantly driven by greenhouse cultivation, ensuring year-round availability. The market also includes specialized segments like lettuce and carrots, which are gaining prominence through modern retail channels and increasing health consciousness. Additionally, the frozen fruits and vegetables segment is emerging as a convenient alternative, particularly in urban areas, while zucchini and cabbage maintain steady demand through traditional and modern retail channels. The market also sees potential growth in dried fruits and vegetables, catering to diverse consumer needs.