Vegetable Importers In UAE: Verified With Highest-Value Buyers
Vegetable importers in UAE 2025: Lulu Group leads with 7,272 shipments. US, India, Netherlands supply 46% of imports. Capsicum and tomatoes top HS codes.
Key Takeaways
The UAE imports approximately 80% of its agricultural products, with vegetable importers in UAE collectively driving over 3 million metric tons of fresh vegetable and fruit imports annually against domestic production of 233,009 metric tons (2020).
Lulu Group entities dominate the top vegetable importers in UAE, with three Lulu-affiliated companies accounting for 7,272 shipments in 2025, led by Lulu Hyper Market LLC (3,111 shipments, $1.79 million import value, 5.17% shipment share).
The United States leads UAE vegetable supply at $18.32 billion (31.67% value share) in 2025, followed by India at $5.94 billion (10.27%) and the Netherlands at $2.49 billion (4.30%).
Capsicum (HS 07096099) is the largest UAE vegetable import category at $2.82 billion (4.85% share), followed by tomatoes (HS 07020003) at $2.27 billion (3.91%) and dried onions (HS 07122000) at $1.58 billion (2.72%).
Vegetable Importers In UAE 2025 (By Shipment)
The UAE remains one of the most import-dependent vegetable markets in the world, sourcing the bulk of its supply from international producers. Domestic vegetable production reached only 233,009 metric tons in 2020, against an annual import volume of over 3 million metric tons of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Based on yTrade customs data, the top five UAE vegetable importers by shipment count in 2025 collectively recorded over 11,500 shipments, with combined import value exceeding $5.13 million across the leading buyers tracked.
The top three vegetable importers in UAE (Lulu Hyper Market LLC, Lulu Hypermarket LLC, and Barakat Vegetable and Fruits Co.L) accounted for 7,660 shipments and a combined import share of 12.72%, signalling significant concentration among hypermarket chains and dedicated fresh produce distributors.
Lulu Hyper Market LLC: 3,111 shipments, 5.17% shipment share, the leading vegetable importer by shipment count in 2025
Lulu Hypermarket LLC: 2,421 shipments, 4.02% shipment share, the highest single import value among the top 5
Barakat Vegetable and Fruits Co.L: 2,128 shipments, 3.53% shipment share, dedicated fresh produce distributor
Kibsons International LLC: 2,104 shipments, 3.49% shipment share, online grocery and fresh produce specialist
Lulu Hyper Market. L.L.C: 1,740 shipments, 2.89% shipment share, the third Lulu-affiliated entity in the top 5
| Rank | Importer | Shipments | Weight | Shipment Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LULU HYPER MARKET LLC | 3,111 | 876.21K | 5.17% |
| 2 | LULU HYPERMARKET LLC | 2,421 | 2.03M | 4.02% |
| 3 | BARAKAT VEGETABLE AND FRUITS CO.L | 2,128 | 112.97K | 3.53% |
| 4 | KIBSONS INTERNATIONAL LLC | 2,104 | 29.72K | 3.49% |
| 5 | LULU HYPER MARKET. L.L.C | 1,740 | 416.54K | 2.89% |
Hypermarket retail chains dominate UAE vegetable imports in 2025, with three Lulu Group entities collectively appearing in the top five and accounting for 7,272 shipments. From Mordor Intelligence, the UAE fruits and vegetables market reached USD 6.81 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a 7.6% CAGR through 2030, with vegetables expanding faster than fruits at 7.8% CAGR due to heavy investment in vertical farming and rising demand for fresh produce.
The concentration of import activity among hypermarket chains reflects the role of large retail buyers as the primary distribution channel, accounting for the majority of consumer-facing vegetable supply in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
According to Ken Research, Dubai serves as the country's primary logistics and re-export center, managing USD 9.18 billion in food exports and USD 9.26 billion in imports in 2023, while Abu Dhabi leads domestic production through the AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance Cluster (AGWA), targeting USD 24.5 billion contribution to GDP by 2045.
The UAE's National Farms initiative requires 70% local procurement by 2025 and 100% by 2030, creating downward pressure on import volumes for products where domestic substitution is feasible.
Identify reliable suppliers for the UAE vegetable market and verify their export track record using yTrade's importing solution.
Top UAE Vegetable Importing Countries 2025
In 2025, the United States led UAE vegetable imports with $18.32 billion in value (31.67% share), followed by India at $5.94 billion (10.27%) and the Netherlands at $2.49 billion (4.30%), based on yTrade customs data. The top three suppliers accounted for over 46% of total UAE vegetable import value, reflecting concentrated sourcing from established agricultural exporters with reliable cold-chain logistics.
United States: $18.32 billion (31.67% share), 1,361,667 shipments, the dominant supplier driven by high-value processed and specialty vegetable products
India: $5.94 billion (10.27% share), 36,042 shipments, primarily onions, garlic, and leafy vegetables benefiting from geographic proximity
Netherlands: $2.49 billion (4.30% share), 20,493 shipments, premium produce including bell peppers, tomatoes, and cold-chain greenhouse vegetables
Mexico: $2.33 billion (4.03% share), 145,275 shipments, significant supplier of fresh vegetables despite long shipping distance
Vietnam: $1.76 billion (3.05% share), 155,252 shipments, growing source of Asian vegetable varieties
| Rank | Country | Import Value (USD) | Weight | Shipments | Value Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UNITED STATES | 18.32B | 5,803.40B | 1,361,667 | 31.67% |
| 2 | INDIA | 5.94B | 3.89B | 36,042 | 10.27% |
| 3 | NETHERLANDS | 2.49B | 139.35M | 20,493 | 4.30% |
| 4 | MEXICO | 2.33B | 26.63B | 145,275 | 4.03% |
| 5 | VIETNAM | 1.76B | 158.74M | 155,252 | 3.05% |
| 6 | UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 1.73B | 2.10B | 180,588 | 2.99% |
| 7 | MALAYSIA | 1.40B | 5.90B | 461,484 | 2.43% |
| 8 | SINGAPORE | 1.35B | 4.38B | 3,244,393 | 2.33% |
| 9 | RUSSIA | 1.24B | 1.50B | 150,636 | 2.15% |
| 10 | PAKISTAN | 1.20B | 393.60M | 34,273 | 2.08% |
Top 1 UAE's Vegetable Import: United States
The U.S exports to the UAE benefit from established trade relationships and high-value specialty produce categories. Report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service stated that the UAE imported USD 12.5 billion worth of consumer-oriented products in 2022, with the European Union, India, Brazil, the United States, and Saudi Arabia among key suppliers.
The UAE's reliance on imports for approximately 80% of agricultural products creates consistent demand for high-quality vegetable exports, particularly in greenhouse-grown and organic categories.
Top 2 UAE's Vegetable Import: India
India's position as the second-largest UAE vegetable supplier reflects strong bilateral agricultural trade. Based on Mordor Intelligence, India accounts for the majority of onion imports to the UAE, with 430,000 metric tons of fresh produce shipped annually in recent years.
The UAE-India agricultural trading platform Agriota, established in 2020 by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and India's CropData Technology, continues to facilitate direct trade flows in vegetables, pulses, and spices.
Top 3 UAE's Vegetable Import: Netherlands
Netherlands exports to the UAE focus on premium greenhouse vegetables and cold-chain logistics. Dutch exporters supply bell peppers, tomatoes, and specialty leafy vegetables that benefit from consistent quality control and the Netherlands' position as a global agricultural re-export hub via Rotterdam.
The FreshPlaza report on Gulf state imports notes the UAE's growing role as a regional distribution hub strengthens demand for premium European produce that can be re-exported across the GCC.
Track UAE vegetable import trends, exporter performance, and shipment-level pricing using yTrade's customs-direct data across 200+ countries.
Top UAE Vegetable Imports by HS Code 2025
UAE vegetable imports in 2025 are concentrated in fresh and chilled categories, led by HS 07096099 (capsicum/pimenta, fresh or chilled) at $2.82 billion (4.85% value share), HS 0709609901 (capsicum/pimenta, fresh or chilled, alternate code) at $2.33 billion (4.02%), and HS 07020003 (tomatoes, fresh or chilled) at $2.27 billion (3.91%), based on yTrade customs data.
The top three HS codes alone account for 12.78% of total UAE vegetable import value, reflecting strong consumer demand for fresh peppers and tomatoes across retail and foodservice.
HS 07096099 (capsicum/pimenta, fresh or chilled): $2.82 billion (4.85%), 82,372 shipments, the largest UAE vegetable import category
HS 0709609901 (capsicum/pimenta, fresh or chilled, alternate classification): $2.33 billion (4.02%), 23,703 shipments
HS 07020003 (tomatoes, fresh or chilled): $2.27 billion (3.91%), 73,883 shipments, foundational ingredient across UAE retail and foodservice
HS 07122000 (onions, dried, whole/cut/sliced/powder): $1.58 billion (2.72%), 21,063 shipments, dominated by Indian and Pakistani exporters
HS 0709200000 (asparagus, fresh or chilled): $696.11 million (1.20%), 42,529 shipments
| Rank | HS Code | Product | Import Value (USD) | Weight | Shipments | Value Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 07096099 | Capsicum/pimenta, fresh or chilled | 2.82B | 2,341.52B | 82,372 | 4.85% |
| 2 | 0709609901 | Capsicum/pimenta, fresh or chilled | 2.33B | 24.57B | 23,703 | 4.02% |
| 3 | 07020003 | Tomatoes, fresh or chilled | 2.27B | 34.94B | 73,883 | 3.91% |
| 4 | 07122000 | Onions, dried (whole/cut/sliced/powder) | 1.58B | 271.10M | 21,063 | 2.72% |
| 5 | 0709200000 | Asparagus, fresh or chilled | 696.11M | 242.27M | 42,529 | 1.20% |
| 6 | 07031019 | Onions and shallots, fresh or chilled | 690.32M | 2.42B | 122,424 | 1.19% |
| 7 | 0702000304 | Tomatoes, fresh or chilled | 626.46M | 20.34B | 14,930 | 1.08% |
| 8 | 0710802000 | Frozen vegetables n.e.c. | 565.55M | 240.97M | 12,814 | 0.97% |
| 9 | 0709999000 | Edible vegetables n.e.c., fresh or chilled | 489.77M | 2.30B | 1,204,876 | 0.84% |
| 10 | 0703209000 | Garlic, fresh or chilled | 450.72M | 416.33M | 27,651 | 0.78% |
Top 1 UAE Vegetable Import: Capsicum (Bell Peppers, Pimenta)
Capsicum imports dominate the UAE vegetable import landscape with combined value across HS 07096099 and HS 0709609901 of $5.15 billion in 2025, representing 8.87% of total UAE vegetable imports.
Bell peppers, chillies, and pimenta are imported primarily from the Netherlands, Spain, and Iran for fresh varieties, with India and Egypt supplying chilli and processed pepper categories.
The high import volume reflects strong UAE retail and foodservice demand, with bell peppers and chillies being staple ingredients across Emirati, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Western cuisine served in the country's restaurant sector.
Top 2 UAE Vegetable Import: Tomato
Tomato imports across HS 07020003 and HS 0702000304 reached a combined $2.90 billion in 2025, accounting for 4.99% of UAE vegetable imports.
Iran has historically been a top supplier of tomatoes to the UAE, with the Netherlands and Spain providing premium greenhouse-grown varieties.
According to Mordor Intelligence, tomato production is one of the focus areas for UAE controlled-environment agriculture under the National Farms initiative, suggesting domestic production may gradually substitute imports in this category.
However, peak demand seasons and cuisine-specific varieties (Roma, cherry, vine-ripened) maintain consistent import requirements.
Top 3 UAE Vegetable Import: Onion
Onion imports across HS 07122000 (dried) and HS 07031019 (fresh and shallots) reached a combined $2.27 billion in 2025, representing 3.91% of UAE vegetable imports by value. India remains the dominant supplier of fresh onions to the UAE, with Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey providing supplementary volumes.
In fact, India accounts for 430,000 metric tons of fresh produce annually shipped to the UAE, predominantly onions. The high shipment count for fresh onions (122,424 shipments) reflects the staple nature of the product across UAE retail, foodservice, and household consumption.
Domestic UAE production cannot match the scale or cost structure of Indian and Pakistani onion exports, ensuring continued import dependency in this category through 2030.
Verify UAE vegetable suppliers, track competitor sourcing patterns, and screen counterparties for compliance using yTrade's importing solution.
UAE Vegetable Production Market (2025-2026)
UAE vegetable production in 2025-2026 continues to operate under structural constraints driven by arid climate, limited arable land, and water scarcity, while government initiatives push aggressive self-sufficiency targets.
Based on Mordor Intelligence, the UAE fruits and vegetables market reached USD 6.81 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a 7.6% CAGR through 2030, with vegetables specifically expanding at 7.8% CAGR, outpacing fruits.
Production Volume And Domestic Capacity
Domestic vegetable production remains a fraction of total consumption, with the UAE importing approximately 80% of its agricultural products.
According to FAO data referenced by industry reports, vegetable production volume stood at 233,009 metric tons in 2020, while annual fresh vegetable and fruit imports exceed 3 million metric tons.
The major domestically grown vegetables include tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant, squash, and cauliflower, with Ras al-Khaimah producing most of the country's vegetables alongside production zones in Al Ain (Abu Dhabi), Falaj al Mualla (Umm al Qawain), and Wadi adh Dhayd (Sharjah).
Government Policy And Self-Sufficiency Push
The UAE's National Farms initiative is reshaping vegetable production economics. Mordor Intelligence reported that the policy requires 70% of fresh produce sourcing in retail, hospitality, and foodservice to come from domestic producers by 2025, increasing to 100% by 2030. This creates a stable, multi-year demand base that incentivises investment in tomato, cucumber, and pepper production through controlled-environment agriculture.
The Plant the Emirates program, launched in October 2024, provides direct grants and subsidised loans for greenhouse technologies, hydroponics, and desert-adaptive farming systems, targeting a 20% increase in domestic output within five years.
Vertical Farming And AgriTech Investment
Controlled-environment agriculture is the central response to UAE production constraints. Pure Harvest Smart Farms, Badia Farms, and Madar Farms operate hydroponic and vertical farming systems producing leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers year-round.
The World Economic Forum stated that UAE Gulf food security initiatives are accelerating investment in alternative production systems.
Silal's Innovation Oasis in Al Foah operates across 34 hectares of research and development facilities, while Food Tech Valley initiatives target 3 million kilograms of annual food production through partnerships with vertical farming specialists like Intelligent Growth Solutions.
Pricing Trends And Market Outlook
UAE vegetable prices in 2025-2026 reflect three converging pressures.
First, water and energy costs for desalination-powered irrigation push domestic production prices above import alternatives in most categories.
Second, government procurement requirements under the National Farms initiative create premium pricing for locally grown produce.
Third, supply chain disruptions in source markets like Iran (the largest historical fresh produce supplier with watermelons, tomatoes, and cabbage) create import price volatility.
Looking forward to 2026, IMARC Group projects the broader UAE agriculture market will grow at 4.47% CAGR from 2025-2033, reaching USD 5.4 billion by 2033.
The Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024, effective May 30, 2025, implements mandatory greenhouse gas reporting across all emirates, encouraging farms to adopt energy-efficient greenhouses and renewable-powered cold storage. February 2025 saw Sharjah Self-Sufficiency Authority (EKTIFA) launch "Gheras," a local organic fruits and vegetables line, reinforcing the policy direction toward domestic substitution.
Despite aggressive self-sufficiency targets, the UAE will remain a net vegetable importer through 2030 due to arable land constraints and population growth. The market opportunity for international vegetable exporters lies in premium categories (organic, specialty, controlled-atmosphere shipped goods) where domestic production cannot match volume or variety at competitive cost.
Map UAE vegetable import flows by HS code, supplier, and destination using yTrade's trade data platform.
Conclusion
In short, vegetable importers in UAE operate in a market where 80% of supply is imported, dominated by hypermarket chains like Lulu Group and dedicated distributors like Barakat and Kibsons.
The US, India, and Netherlands together supply over 46% of total vegetable import value, while capsicum, tomatoes, and onions account for the largest HS code categories at $5.15 billion, $2.90 billion, and $2.27 billion respectively. With the UAE fruits and vegetables market projected to grow at 7.6% CAGR to 2030 and government policies pushing 100% local sourcing by 2030, the import landscape will reshape but remain critical for premium and specialty categories.
Explore the yTrade platform to track UAE vegetable importers, supplier countries, and HS code trends with customs-direct shipment records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the UAE import vegetables from?
The UAE imports vegetables primarily from the United States ($18.32 billion, 31.67% share), India ($5.94 billion, 10.27%), and the Netherlands ($2.49 billion, 4.30%) in 2025, based on yTrade customs data. Mexico, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Russia, and Pakistan complete the top 10 supplier countries.
How to import food products to the UAE?
Food product imports to the UAE require registration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), product registration through the Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department or relevant emirate authority, valid import permits, halal certification where applicable, and compliance with UAE.S GSO standards.
Importers must submit shipment documentation including bill of lading, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and health certificates. The MOCCAE Release of Agricultural Products Consignment service handles the official clearance process for fresh produce.
Does the UAE import vegetables?
Yes, the UAE imports approximately 80% of its agricultural products, including over 3 million metric tons of fresh vegetables and fruits annually.
yTrade contributor
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