Introduction – United Arab Emirates’s Sunflower Oil Market: A Quantitative Overview
When it comes to bulk food commodities, few oils are as widely used and traded as sunflower oil. From frying pans in restaurants to bottles in grocery stores, its global demand is undeniable. And right in the heart of this trade is the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—a hub for sourcing, refining, and re-exporting sunflower oil worldwide.
Why the UAE? Its strategic location, strong logistics infrastructure, and free trade zones make it a natural choice for global buyers. But beyond geography, the numbers speak volumes. In recent years, the UAE has steadily climbed the ladder in sunflower oil exports, becoming one of the top re-exporters in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Thousands of tons are moved each quarter, heading to destinations across Africa, South Asia, and Europe.
For importers, distributors, and food manufacturers, selecting the right supplier is no longer just about price—it’s about data-driven decisions. In this article, we’ll break down the stats, examine current demand, and spotlight the Top 9 Sunflower Oil Suppliers in the United Arab Emirates in Quarter 3 of 2025 based on export volume, certifications, and buyer feedback.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of the UAE’s sunflower oil export game. While the UAE doesn’t grow sunflower seeds in significant quantities domestically, its real strength lies in refining and re-exporting. The country imports crude sunflower oil in bulk, processes it in state-of-the-art facilities, and exports it in consumer-ready or bulk packaging.
Production & Export Snapshot:
- Refined Sunflower Oil Exports (Q2 2025): Approx. 120,000 metric tons
- Top Destinations: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, Kenya, Pakistan
- Export Growth YoY (2024–2025): +11.4%
- Average FOB Price (Q3 2025): $1,030/MT
According to RFQ (Request for Quote) trends on Freshdi, there has been a noticeable surge in interest from African and Southeast Asian buyers. These regions are increasingly turning to the UAE for reliable supply, shorter delivery times, and better packaging quality.
Freshdi’s platform data reveals:
– A 22% increase in RFQs for sunflower oil in Q3 compared to Q2
– Bulk 5L and 20L packaging are the most requested
– High demand for ISO and HACCP-certified suppliers
So, what does this tell us? Buyers are actively seeking certified, high-volume exporters with proven track records—and that’s exactly who we’ll highlight next.
Top 9 Verified Sunflower Oil Suppliers in United Arab Emirates – Leading Exporters by Volume
All of the suppliers listed below have been vetted based on their export volume, buyer ratings, certifications, and visibility on Freshdi, a global B2B platform that connects buyers with verified suppliers.
1. Menhaj Al Najah Foodstuff
Known for top-tier sunflower oil in various packaging sizes, Menhaj Al Najah Foodstuff has earned a solid reputation for timely deliveries and consistent quality. Their refined oil meets international standards and is popular across African markets.
2. ASIA AND AFRICA GENERAL TRADING L.L.C.
With a broad distribution network, this supplier specializes in exporting to East and West Africa. They offer private labeling services and are known for competitive pricing and flexible MOQs.
3. Zurich International
Zurich International has positioned itself as a premium sunflower oil supplier, focusing on high-purity oil and strict quality assurance. Their products are ISO-certified and traceable.
4. A70 Investment
Backed by robust infrastructure, A70 Investment exports to over 15 countries. Their edge? Efficient packaging solutions and excellent after-sales service. Their buyer reviews on Freshdi are consistently positive.
5. Elyon International General Trading Fze
Elyon is particularly strong in the Middle East and North Africa region. They offer refined sunflower oil in both consumer and industrial packaging, catering to importers and food processors.
6. Moharam Group
With a strong export focus and extensive certifications, Moharam Group offers consistent product quality and transparent trade documentation. Their oils are highly demanded in Egypt and Sudan.
7. Royal World International General Trading LLC
Operating in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone, this supplier has a logistical advantage. They provide refined sunflower oil in retail-ready packaging and are known for swift loading and dispatch timelines.
8. Asma Baloch
This supplier has carved a niche in custom packaging and branding. Ideal for startups and new importers, Asma Baloch offers flexible terms and detailed compliance documentation.
9. Salpama DMCC
Salpama DMCC is a multi-oil exporter, known for both sunflower and rapeseed oil. Their modern facilities ensure quality and consistency. Their product range is popular in North and East Africa.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Keep in mind that supplier rankings on platforms like Freshdi are dynamic. “Suppliers of the Month” or “Top Exporters of the Quarter” are updated based on recent RFQ activity, trade deal completions, and buyer feedback.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Understanding the market isn’t just about knowing who the top players are—it’s about knowing when to buy, what to look for, and how to predict trends.
1. Variant Demand Patterns
There’s a clear divide in buyer preferences:
– Refined, odorless sunflower oil is in high demand for retail and culinary use.
– Crude sunflower oil is sought by food processors and industrial users for further refining.
Freshdi’s RFQ data shows that refined oil leads in terms of total inquiries, especially in 5L and 20L plastic jerrycans.
2. Seasonal Price Shifts
Sunflower oil prices tend to spike in Q1 and Q3 due to seasonal harvests and shipping cycles. Historical data suggests:
– Q1: Lower output in producing countries leads to price hikes.
– Q3: Pre-holiday stocking by global buyers increases demand.
Buyers using Freshdi often set up automated price alerts to catch these shifts early and lock in favorable contracts.
3. Historical Data = Better Strategy
By analyzing past RFQ volumes, average prices, and supplier performance data, businesses can forecast trends and plan purchases more effectively. This is where platforms like Freshdi become invaluable—they consolidate this data into digestible insights.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
The United Arab Emirates continues to solidify its role as a vital hub for sunflower oil exports. With its robust logistics, advanced refining capabilities, and access to both Eastern and Western markets, it provides unmatched advantages for global buyers.
But sourcing smartly in today’s market means going beyond just picking a supplier off a list. It means using real-time data, verified reviews, and trend analysis to make informed decisions.
That’s where Freshdi steps in—offering:
– Real-time RFQ trends
– Verified supplier profiles
– Market pricing dashboards
– Supplier performance analytics
So whether you’re a new importer or a seasoned distributor, aligning with the right data and partners can make all the difference.
Strategic Sourcing Checklist for Sunflower Oil Buyers
✅ Check supplier certifications (ISO, HACCP, Halal)
✅ Compare RFQs and quotes on platforms like Freshdi
✅ Analyze export volumes and buyer reviews
✅ Watch for seasonal price fluctuations
✅ Plan purchases in Q2 or Q4 for better pricing
✅ Prioritize suppliers with flexible MOQs and fast lead times
✅ Use Freshdi alerts to track price shifts and supply gaps
Future Outlook: What’s Next for UAE’s Sunflower Oil Market?
The global demand for healthier cooking oils is growing, and sunflower oil is at the center of this trend. With increasing demand from Africa and Southeast Asia, the UAE is expected to scale up both refining and packaging capacity.
We also anticipate:
– More private-label opportunities
– Growth in non-GMO and organic sunflower oil variants
– Greater use of AI-powered supplier matching on B2B platforms like Freshdi
In short? The UAE is only getting stronger as a sunflower oil export powerhouse—and you’ve got the tools to tap into it smartly.
FAQs
1. What makes the UAE a major player in the sunflower oil export market?
The UAE imports and refines sunflower oil, then re-exports it through its efficient ports. Its advanced packaging, certification standards, and trade-friendly policies make it a top choice for global buyers.
2. How do I verify a sunflower oil supplier from the UAE?
Use platforms like Freshdi to view verified supplier profiles, certifications, export history, and buyer reviews—all in one place.
3. What sizes and packaging options are most common for sunflower oil exports?
Most suppliers offer 1L, 5L, and 20L options in plastic jerrycans. Some also provide bulk tanker shipments for industrial use.
4. Are prices stable year-round?
Not exactly. Prices tend to rise in Q1 and Q3 due to seasonal demand and supply chain factors. It’s best to monitor trends and buy in Q2 or Q4 when possible.
5. Can I request private labeling from UAE sunflower oil suppliers?
Yes, many top suppliers offer private label services. This is especially popular with retailers and distributors who want their own branded product.
For better decisions and access to the most active exporters, always check verified suppliers and real-time market trends on Freshdi.
