The beginning of summer in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures averaging 44 degrees, boosts the consumption of fresh fruit. The market is huge, and several origins are seeking a place in it. Kashif Shahzad, Head of International Supply Chain at Global Star, gives us an overview of the trends in the Saudi Arabian fruit market this year.
"The summer season brings strong demand for juicy and refreshing fruits such as watermelon, sweet melon, mangoes, grapes, peaches, nectarines, papayas, and apricots. These fruits are widely consumed because of their high nutritional and hydrating value, and refreshing taste. This year, a significant portion of the summer fruit is imported from countries like South Africa, India, Pakistan, Greece, Spain, and Egypt. These countries offer high-quality fruit that is transported through efficient supply chains for maximum freshness."
According to Kashif, there is an increase in demand from Saudi customers for summer fruits, compared to the same period last year. "For mangoes alone, about 10,000 tons have been imported in preparation for the summer period, mainly from Pakistan."
Saudi Arabia is working to increase the share of locally produced fruit. Kashif explains: "The Saudi government has invested heavily in agricultural technology and infrastructure to support local farmers and boost food production in the country. These efforts have paid off, as Saudi Arabia has been able to reduce its dependence on imported fruit and increase its food self-sufficiency. As a result, the country is increasingly producing dates, figs, plums, papayas, mangoes, grapes, and pomegranates."
In terms of distribution channels, the trend is increasingly toward retail and large supermarkets, says Kashif, "Saudi Arabia is a country with a diverse retail landscape, which includes traditional markets, supermarkets, and shopping malls. In recent years, the country's economic growth and increasing urbanization have led to a shift toward modern distribution channels, such as supermarkets and malls. During the summer season, traditional markets, such as souks, can experience an increase in footfall due to their unique cultural atmosphere and the outdoor shopping experience they provide. However, consumers are also increasingly turning to online shopping in the country, as it can be very hot outside during the summer, and online shopping allows them to stay at home and avoid traffic and crowds in stores."
Price-wise, there is not much difference from last year, says Kashif: "Prices for most summer fruits have remained stable due to steady supply and strong competition. However, prices for some imported fruits such as watermelon and sweet melon have seen a slight increase due to logistics and shipping costs."
We, at Global Star Group of Companies, as we are involved in the trading and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables business, track market fluctuations and consumer preferences by monitoring retail sales, crop production, and demand trends. With the summer fruit season in full swing, we offer a wide range of imported and locally produced fruits, including watermelons, stone fruits, papayas, mangoes, and grapes."
"We are also part of the strategic commitment to produce locally," says Kashif. "We are contributing to the development of local farmers through training programs and by providing them with the necessary agricultural techniques, by setting up our state-of-the-art packing center in the Jizan region of Saudi Arabia. In addition, we also plan to reverse the trend and export the fruits to other Gulf countries and international markets. We believe in supporting local communities and contributing to the growth of the Saudi economy by promoting locally produced fruits. We want to continue this trend and expand our activities in different regions of the country to promote the production and consumption of fresh and healthy fruits."
Kashif Shahzad
Global Star
Tel: 00966 54 788 332
Kashif@fresh-globalstar.com
www.globalstarksa.com