Introduction – United Arab Emirates’s Bean Market: A Quantitative Overview
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of global agriculture giants, but when it comes to beans, the UAE is making a name for itself. With steady improvements in production and a growing export portfolio, the UAE has positioned itself as a key player in the regional and global bean trade.
Let’s break it down. In 2022, the country saw a 60% surge in green bean yields, hitting an impressive 13 tons per hectare. That’s a huge leap forward in agricultural productivity. By 2019, UAE farms were already producing over 11,000 tons of beans across nearly 800 hectares of land.
But where the UAE really shines is in exports. In 2023 alone, the country exported over 16 million kilograms of dried, shelled beans worth more than $12 million, and nearly 14 million kilograms of preserved beans valued at $18.12 million.
What does this mean for businesses? It means you’ve got a rich ecosystem of suppliers that are active, capable, and globally connected. But navigating this growing market requires a data-driven approach. You’ve got to look beyond just price tags and understand export capabilities, volumes, certifications, and market reputation.
And that’s where platforms like Freshdi come in. They help buyers tap into verified suppliers, track RFQ trends, and get real-time insights into who’s performing and who’s not.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Let’s talk numbers.
The UAE exported two major categories of beans in 2023:
- Dried, Shelled Beans: 16,199,700 kg, valued at $12.28 million
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Main destinations: Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, India, Somalia, Qatar
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Preserved Beans (without vinegar): 13,769,400 kg, worth $18.12 million
- Main markets: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, Kuwait, Somalia
Saudi Arabia tops the list in both categories, highlighting strong intra-GCC trade dynamics. But what’s interesting is the diversity of markets — from Asia to East Africa — showing UAE suppliers are meeting a wide range of quality and packaging standards.
On Freshdi, demand trends (based on RFQ volumes) mirror these stats. Buyers from India, Vietnam, and GCC countries are actively sourcing from UAE-based suppliers. This demand is not seasonal fluff — it’s consistent and growing, especially for processed and ready-to-use bean variants.
Top 5 Verified Bean Suppliers in United Arab Emirates – Top Tier Based on Export Data
Using data from export achievements, certifications, and buyer feedback from Freshdi, here are the top-performing suppliers in Q3 2025:
- MEHRAN REISI GENERAL TRADING LLC
- Known for: High-quality green coffee beans and other legumes
- Strengths: Consistent export record, responsive to RFQs, competitive pricing
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Why they stand out: Great for buyers looking for bulk green beans with stable supply terms
- Known for: Frozen green bean products
- Strengths: Food-grade certifications, excellent packaging, ready-to-use products
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Why they stand out: Ideal for HORECA (hotels, restaurants, catering) and retail chains
- Known for: Vanilla beans and specialty legumes
- Strengths: Organic certifications, African origin exports via UAE hubs
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Why they stand out: A trusted exporter leveraging UAE logistics for global reach
- Known for: Cocoa and bean-related products
- Strengths: Diverse portfolio, strong fulfillment capabilities
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Why they stand out: Great for multi-product sourcing and cross-category procurement
- Known for: Broad (faba) beans and other dried legumes
- Strengths: Active across Asia and Africa, strong RFQ response rate
- Why they stand out: Their broad bean quality is praised across the Middle East
Dynamic Ranking Note: These are the top suppliers based on Q3 2025 data, but rankings can shift based on monthly RFQ activity, buyer reviews, and export performance. Platforms like Freshdi frequently update rankings such as “Supplier of the Month” to reflect real-time market dynamics.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Understanding bean demand isn’t just about how many kilos are shipped — it’s about what types of beans are hot and when prices are peaking.
Here’s what recent trends show:
- Green Beans: Demand spikes between September and December, aligning with harvests in other regions. UAE’s frozen green beans help fill gaps in fresh supply.
- Dried Beans: These are less seasonal but see price increases during Ramadan and festive months due to higher consumption in GCC countries.
- Preserved Beans: Growing year-round demand in retail and HORECA sectors due to ease of use and longer shelf life.
Price-wise, UAE-sourced beans are competitive thanks to proximity to major markets and advanced logistics infrastructure. And with Freshdi’s insights, buyers can actually track historical pricing trends — helping them buy low and stock up before prices rise.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
The UAE is not just a desert nation—it’s a thriving bean export powerhouse with a growing agricultural footprint. From dried beans to frozen and preserved variants, UAE suppliers are pushing boundaries and entering new markets with confidence.
If you’re a buyer looking to secure reliable bean suppliers, here’s your quick checklist:
Checklist for Buyers: Selecting the Right Bean Supplier
- ✅ Check export volumes and destination markets
- ✅ Verify certifications (food safety, organic, etc.)
- ✅ Review RFQ response rates and feedback on Freshdi
- ✅ Compare pricing trends over last 6–12 months
- ✅ Confirm logistics readiness and lead times
Platforms like Freshdi make all this easier. They offer:
– Real-time RFQ trends
– Verified supplier profiles
– Export performance reports
– “Supplier of the Month” insights
– Direct messaging & quotation tools
By using data to drive sourcing decisions, you minimize risk, cut costs, and align with top-tier performers.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for UAE’s Bean Market?
With the GCC bean market projected to grow at 3.8% CAGR through 2035, and the broader Middle East market set to hit 805,000 tons, the opportunities are massive. The UAE is already contributing 91% of GCC dry bean exports and 18% of all Middle East exports. As production tech improves and logistics become even more streamlined, the UAE is poised to be the bean hub of the future.
If you’re not sourcing from the UAE yet — you’re missing out.
FAQs
1. What types of beans are most commonly exported from the United Arab Emirates?
The UAE mainly exports dried, shelled beans and preserved beans (without vinegar), with green beans and broad beans being the most prominent.
2. Are UAE bean suppliers certified for international food standards?
Yes, most top-tier suppliers listed on Freshdi hold certifications like ISO, HACCP, and organic certifications where applicable.
3. How can Freshdi help in choosing the right bean supplier?
Freshdi offers real-time RFQ data, supplier performance metrics, buyer reviews, and dynamic rankings to help you choose with confidence.
4. Which countries import the most beans from the UAE?
Saudi Arabia leads the way, followed by Vietnam, India, Somalia, Oman, and Qatar.
5. How often are supplier rankings updated on Freshdi?
Freshdi updates its rankings monthly or quarterly, depending on new RFQs, buyer feedback, and export activity.
References
- Indexbox.io – UAE Green Bean Production
- Selina Wamucii – UAE Bean Prices
- WITS World Bank – UAE Bean Exports 2023
- WITS World Bank – Preserved Beans Exports
- Indexbox.io – GCC Dry Bean Market 2024
- Indexbox.io – Middle East Bean Market
- Freshdi – Verified Supplier Listings
