Introduction – United Arab Emirates’s Strawberry Market: A Quantitative Overview
When you think of strawberries, the sunny deserts of the UAE might not be the first place that comes to mind. Yet, the United Arab Emirates has carved out a unique role in the strawberry trade within the Gulf region. As of 2024, while the country faces climatic limitations for large-scale production, it’s become a heavyweight in the regional strawberry trade thanks to robust imports and strategic re-exporting initiatives.
Let’s break down the numbers. The entire GCC produced just 227 tons of strawberries in 2024 — all of which came from Kuwait. This means the UAE doesn’t grow its own strawberries at scale yet. Instead, it imported a whopping 7,300 tons of fresh strawberries, taking up nearly 25% of the GCC’s total imports. And here’s the kicker — the UAE paid the highest price per ton among its neighbors, averaging $6,031. What does that tell us? The UAE is serious about premium quality.
Even more impressive is the UAE’s position as a re-export hub. Despite not growing its own berries, it managed to export 397 tons of strawberries — that’s 83% of the GCC’s total exports! Destinations like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Somalia, and Bahrain receive strawberries re-exported from the UAE, often at a value-added price of $5,201 per ton.
But the future is shifting. In July 2024, a $680 million joint venture between U.S. vertical farming startup Plenty and UAE’s Mawarid was announced. The goal? Build high-tech indoor farms across the region, with the first in Abu Dhabi aiming to produce over 4.5 million pounds of strawberries annually starting in 2026. Game changer? Absolutely.
With all this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the data, trends, and — most importantly — the Top 7 Strawberry Suppliers in the United Arab Emirates in July 2025.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
The UAE’s strawberry market isn’t just about moving volume — it’s about strategic distribution, premium quality, and smart sourcing. Since domestic production is minimal, the country relies heavily on global imports. The majority of these strawberries come from the United States, South Africa, and the UK, reflecting a demand for high-grade fruit.
According to RFQ trends and buyer interactions on platforms like Freshdi, there has been a consistent uptick in demand for strawberries, particularly from hospitality and retail sectors. Hotels, bakeries, and juice bars are among the top buyers, seeking fresh strawberries for seasonal menus and product development.
Freshdi’s real-time data tools also show rising interest in organic and hydroponic strawberries, aligning with global health trends and the UAE’s sustainability goals. These insights help buyers make smarter sourcing decisions.
Top 7 Verified Strawberry Suppliers in United Arab Emirates – Leading Exporters by Volume
Choosing who to buy from in a market like the UAE can feel overwhelming. But if you’re looking for reliability, global compliance, and consistent quality, these are the names you should know. Based on export performance, industry reputation, and user feedback from Freshdi, here are the top 7:
1. United Sales Partners LLC
- Based in Dubai, this company is known for its diversified food product offerings, including strawberry-based dairy desserts.
- They’ve gained trust for prompt delivery, HACCP-compliant operations, and strong customer service.
- Their strawberry yogurt products are especially popular in the HORECA and retail sectors.
2. GOLDEN AMAZON FOODSTUFF TRADING L.L.C
- Specialists in fruit preserves and jams, this supplier offers premium strawberry jam made from imported berries.
- They cater to both local supermarkets and niche retailers across the GCC.
- Their sourcing and packaging quality have received positive reviews on Freshdi.
3. Berry Bloom UAE
- Known for importing fresh strawberries from Egypt and Spain.
- Supplies fresh produce to hotels and organic stores across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
- Offers subscription-based delivery models for businesses with recurring needs.
4. Fresh Harvest Produce
- A B2B distributor focusing on high-quality fruits including strawberries.
- Works closely with farms in South Africa and the UK.
- Provides cold-chain logistics and export-ready packaging.
5. Al Rabeeh Fresh Fruits LLC
- Specializes in bulk strawberry imports, mainly from the U.S.
- Supplies hypermarkets and food manufacturers.
- Competitive pricing and seasonal promotions make them a top pick for budget-conscious buyers.
6. Green Oasis Foodstuff Trading
- Known for hydroponically grown strawberries sourced from local UAE farms and partners.
- Great for buyers looking for “farm-to-fork” traceability.
- Focuses on sustainable packaging and eco-friendly logistics.
7. Emirates Agro Exports
- Focuses primarily on re-exporting strawberries to other GCC countries.
- Offers value-added services such as labeling, repackaging, and private labeling.
- Ideal for wholesalers and regional distributors.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind that supplier rankings can shift monthly based on performance, volume, and buyer feedback. Platforms like Freshdi frequently update their “Suppliers of the Month” and “Top RFQ Responders” lists, providing real-time visibility into who’s leading the pack. So if you’re sourcing strawberries, check Freshdi’s latest supplier leaderboard for the most up-to-date picks.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Let’s talk about trends. Strawberries, while popular year-round in the UAE, hit peak demand during the cooler months — from November to March. That’s when juice bars, cafes, and patisseries ramp up their orders. This seasonal spike also affects pricing, with per-ton costs rising by 10-15% during high-demand quarters.
Another key trend is product variation. According to Freshdi’s RFQ data, the demand for organic and pesticide-free strawberries has grown by over 30% in the past year. Buyers are also exploring freeze-dried and puree formats for food processing and beverage manufacturing.
Export dynamics are equally interesting. The UAE’s export focus is largely on nearby GCC countries, where it holds a logistical advantage. Its role as a re-export hub is strengthened by advanced warehousing, cold-chain infrastructure, and its proximity to major shipping routes. This allows the UAE to bridge supply between Western producers and Middle Eastern buyers seamlessly.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
The UAE may not grow strawberries at scale (yet), but its strategic imports and re-exports make it a vital player in the Gulf’s strawberry supply chain. With premium pricing, world-class logistics, and a growing list of verified suppliers, the country offers a compelling sourcing destination for businesses across the region.
When sourcing strawberries in the UAE, it’s crucial to look beyond pricing. Factors such as supplier track record, logistics capabilities, and consistency in quality can make or break your business relationships. That’s where platforms like Freshdi come in — giving buyers access to verified supplier profiles, real-time RFQ tools, and market intelligence that simplifies complex decisions.
Key Takeaways
- The UAE is the GCC’s largest strawberry re-exporter, despite minimal domestic production.
- Imports mainly come from the U.S., UK, and South Africa, reflecting premium sourcing.
- Supplier performance can vary seasonally — stay updated through dynamic platforms like Freshdi.
- Demand is rising for organic, hydroponic, and processed strawberry variants.
- The upcoming vertical farming projects could shift the UAE from a re-exporter to a producer-exporter in the coming years.
Checklist for Buyers – Strawberry Sourcing in the UAE
✅ Look for suppliers with consistent RFQ response rates on Freshdi
✅ Prioritize those with HACCP, ISO, or GAP certifications
✅ Check seasonal price trends before locking in large orders
✅ Evaluate supplier logistics capabilities (cold-chain, export readiness)
✅ Monitor Freshdi’s monthly supplier rankings for top performers
Future Outlook
With major investments in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), the UAE’s strawberry supply chain is evolving. By 2026, vertical farming projects like the Plenty-Mawarid joint venture aim to reduce import dependence and offer fresher, locally-grown berries. This shift will not only enhance food security but also open up more B2B opportunities for local and regional buyers.
For businesses in food retail, HORECA, or distribution, this represents a golden opportunity to re-evaluate sourcing strategies and tap into a smarter, more resilient supply chain.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
Freshdi isn’t just another B2B marketplace — it’s your strawberry sourcing command center. From supplier verification and RFQ tracking to real-time price intelligence and demand analysis, Freshdi helps you:
- Discover vetted suppliers quickly
- Track market trends and seasonal shifts
- Negotiate smarter with data-backed insights
- Reduce sourcing risks through supplier performance data
Whether you’re a buyer in Dubai or a distributor in Riyadh, Freshdi gives you the tools to make confident, informed decisions.
References
- IndexBox: GCC Strawberry Market Overview 2024
- Reuters: Vertical Farming Startup Plenty Expands in UAE
FAQs
1. Why doesn’t the UAE grow its own strawberries at scale?
Due to its arid climate and limited arable land, traditional strawberry farming is challenging in the UAE. However, vertical farming initiatives are set to change that soon.
2. Are strawberries imported to the UAE safe and high quality?
Yes. The UAE imports premium-grade strawberries from certified suppliers in the U.S., UK, and South Africa, often with rigorous quality checks.
3. Is it cheaper to buy strawberries from local UAE suppliers or directly from producers abroad?
Local suppliers offer value with packaging, logistics, and faster delivery. Direct imports might be cheaper per unit but come with higher risks and longer lead times.
4. How can I verify a strawberry supplier in the UAE?
Use platforms like Freshdi to access verified supplier profiles, customer reviews, and performance-based rankings.
5. What is the best time to source strawberries in the UAE?
Peak demand is between November and March — plan your procurement before this window for better pricing and availability.
