FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES MIDDLE EAST DECEMBER 2014

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the International Trade Centre concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

This document has not formally been edited by the International Trade Centre.

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Contents 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1 2. Market Dynamics .................................................................................................................................. 1

2.1. United Arab Emirates - Dubai ..................................................................................................... 1 2.2. Oman .......................................................................................................................................... 1 2.3. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ............................................................................................................ 1

3. Media .................................................................................................................................................... 2 3.1. Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 2 3.2. United Arab Emirates .................................................................................................................. 2 3.3. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ............................................................................................................ 5 3.4. Oman .......................................................................................................................................... 7

4. Price Information ................................................................................................................................... 9 4.1. Mango fruit juice and pulps ......................................................................................................... 9 4.2. United Arab Emirates .................................................................................................................. 9 4.3. Oman ........................................................................................................................................ 12 4.4. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia .......................................................................................................... 13

5. Exchange Rates .................................................................................................................................. 15 6. References .......................................................................................................................................... 16

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1. Introduction

This is the second report in what will become a series of monthly investigations into various markets in the Middle East/GCC. The scope of the markets will be expanded over the course of 2015.

The initial focus is on fresh and dried mango as well as chilies in the GCC area. Additionally there will be monthly comment on the global market for mango puree and juices. This comment should be viewed in conjunction with the ITC Market Insider platform:

http://www.intracen.org/itc/market-insider/fruit-juices-pulps-and-purees/

Being the second of these reports, we would particularly ask for feedback. As the reports are filed, a clearer picture will emerge of market trends and the ability to forecast market sizes and prices will improve.

2. Market Dynamics

2.1. United Arab Emirates - Dubai

The current market is full of fresh vegetables, many coming from Oman, which means prices are not high and even luxury items in demand by Western ex-pats for the Christmas celebrations, were reasonable. With the cooler months, most products are available and the usual abundance from Salalah keeps the store shelves well stocked and the supply continuous from across the border.

Most prolific are eggplants, beetroot, onions, cauliflowers, carrots, cabbages, broccoli, snap pears, bitter melons, okra, acorn squash, turnips, pakoda, kohlrabi, baby marrows and paprika. The supply of green beans has now picked up and they are back in plentiful supply.

Chilies: Along with the other vegetables, there are now a lot of very fresh chilies coming in from Oman at cheaper prices, making them the most popular for UAE customers. Wholesalers are able to travel direct to Oman themselves overnight and deliver the fresh produce direct to the market that morning – therefore picked and sold in less than 24 hours. Other countries chilies cannot compete for freshness and therefore the demand is for the Omani product.

Mango: The supply of Alphonso mangoes from India has picked up this month with a constant supply still continuing from Indonesia, which was virtually the sole supplier last month. Indonesian mango remains cheap, as well as readily available, so this remains the fruit of choice for Asia expats. However, the Australian R2E2 mango is in high demand from Western and Arab customers, but is in short supply.

Dried Mango: Dried Mango comes only from Thailand at present and is readily available in the wholesale market.

2.2. Oman

Fresh, locally grown, chilies ae prolific and in high demand. There are also a few chilies coming from Iran and India, but the freshness of the local product makes it more popular.

Alphonso mango is coming from India and Indonesia this month, as for United Arab Emirates (UAE); however the demand is lower with a cheaper Pakistani product available. Very few shops carry mango and most of those sold are direct from the market to the end-user. No dried mango was available in the Omani market this month.

2.3. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The price of tomatoes is now cheaper in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and not as expensive as last month, due to an influx of Egyptian product now available.

The usual supply of fruit & vegetables from Syria and Jordan at this time of year is virtually non-existent, with the exception of Kaka, leaving local wholesalers with the task of finding new suppliers and therefore currently struggling to fill some gaps in the market.

Citrus, traditionally coming from these countries, is being replaced by South Africa, Egypt and Turkey for lemons, with very good prices and oranges only coming from Egypt. The Spanish product, found readily

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last month, is now in short supply.

Unlike its neighbours in UAE and Oman, KSA has very few mangoes in the market, although more than last month and what is there is predominantly from Kenya and is very expensive.

Green, chili and red peppers are still expensive, although overall prices of vegetables are better and cheaper than last month.

3. Media

3.1. Overview

With Russian bans on EU produce taking hold, an increasing number of global growers are looking toward the lucrative markets and market hubs in the Middle East. Maintaining quality continues to be a key issue and while one grower identified fast customs turnaround for produce as an advantage, others are looking toward technological solutions to improve the shelf life of produce. Food security of the region as a whole remains a key focus of authorities. Health benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables continue to be vigorously promoted throughout the media citing a scientific basis for their claims of beating disease and improving general health and longevity. Organic produce is also gaining an increasing profile.

3.2. United Arab Emirates

15 Dec 2014 Pakistani citrus fruit growers expect larger orders of citrus fruits from UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, in addition to some European countries, because of improved processing, grading and packaging of citrus fruits. After the successful launching of mango farm tracking earlier this year, Pakistan is now replicating this initiative with citrus fruits. Final official figures for last season’s exports are not available, but exporters claim they surpassed the target of 300,000 tons. This season’s target remains the same, and leading exporters claim that actual shipments will reach 400,000 tons. (See reference 1)

UAE is hosting some advanced technological solutions to growing of fresh fruit and vegetables. Panasonic has built three electronically controlled greenhouses. For about €37,000 per greenhouse, Panasonic promises 8 harvests instead of the usual 5 in a region that has suffered from very hot summers over the last decade or so.

Toshiba has just launched an experimental farm in Yokosuka where chard, spinach and mizuna are grown on polystyrene sheets on top of fertilised water. Pesticides are not needed in these enclosed, clean spaces.

Toshiba hope to produce €2 million of vegetables per year in their ‘farm of the future’ and to export the concept abroad, especially to zones known to be difficult for farming. Sharp, the inventor of the LCD, is testing their strawberry site in Dubai, where LED lights diffuse a purple light that encourages photosynthesis. A bigger factory could be opened by spring 2016 in the UAE to supply the regional market that appreciates the particularly sweet Japanese strawberries. (See reference 2)

The Russian Federation has started with the export of cucumbers to the United Arab Emirates. Air transport for cucumbers costs 40 roubles (60 eurocents) per kilo, transport by sea costs 30 roubles (45 eurocents) per kilo, while cucumbers are purchased in the Emirates for 300 roubles (4.53 Euro) per kilo.

‘In the Emirates, this Vegetable is being sold at 300 roubles per kilogram. It produces a good margin,’ the General Director of Churilovo, Sergey Chigintsev said. Talks with the UAE were difficult because the country’s fruit and vegetable market is held by Indian suppliers. At first the Arab counterparts did not want to purchase Russian cucumbers, but they changed their mind after tasting them. The advantages of working with the UAE is the country's tax-free system, under which customs clearance is fast

"The plane comes, and after 1.5 hours you can unload your products." (See reference 3)

The country’s largest genuine farmers’ market opened in Dubai at the end of November and reflects a growing awareness of and interest in, organic products. A Sharjah farmer, who was the first to be certified as organic, says the staple produce are tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, herbs, aubergine, marrows and spinach. The first seeds are planted in October and the growing season lasts until about May. Only a handful of vegetables survive the summer months. Last year there were 30 organic farms in the country. The larger farm is 4.65 hectares in Al Dhaid, employing 50 staff, and the smaller is 2.5 hectares in Al

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Zubair. They yield more than 100 kilograms of produce per day during the busiest periods. There are 35 greenhouses on the site, most of them protecting cucumbers.

In the past month, outdoor markets have been popping up around the country. The Ripe Food and Craft Market now runs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. There are also a growing number of organic supermarkets, including the Organic Foods and Cafe in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which imports much of its stock, Blue Planet Green People, The Farm House and Greenheart Organic Farms Shop. Some of the major supermarkets including Spinneys, LuLu and Carrefour also stock a small variety of products, and it appears that from here onwards the availability of organic product is only set to grow and grow. (See reference 4)

The Norwegian government recently made known its intention that by 2020, 15% of food production and consumption will be organic. In France, consumption of organic fruit and vegetables has increased by almost 10% and for the United Arab Emirates the market for packaged organic food is expected to have grown by 30% in 2018. (See reference 5)

The embargo imposed by the Russian Federation in late July has caused Moldovan farmers to seek new markets. Attempts have been made to enter less traditional markets, such as the Middle East countries. At least one grower has already managed to export a shipment of 40 tons of apples to Egypt and Dubai following participation in Dubai’s recent international exhibition World of perishables. The biggest challenge is to invest in the technical means necessary to find a good balance between the cost of packaging and prices, to ensure the goods arrive in good condition. (See reference 6)

Spain currently has issues with orange overproduction, with a harvest this year expected to reach 3.397 million tons. Of this, almost 50% is exported. 80% of that fruit is shipped to destinations within the European Union (EU). Outside the European Union, where 20% of all orange exports are shipped (323,600 tons), the main destinations are The Russian Federation, Switzerland, the United States of America, Norway, Canada, Algeria, U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia. (See reference 7)

Polish growers also look with hope to the United Arab Emirates, and more specifically Dubai, as it would allow Polish apple exports to be shipped to even more countries. ‘From this place, our apples can then be easily shipped to North Africa. It can be a great destination from a logistics standpoint,’ stated Jolanta Kazimierska, president of the Fruit Union. Polish apples have been looking for new markets in recent months after Vladimir Putin closed the Russian Federation border. Poland, the world's largest exporter, shipped 75% of its entire production in The Russian Federation, almost 900 thousand tons. (See reference 8)

A total of 6,733 visitors from 94 nations came to the IPM DUBAI and World of Perishables (WOP) DUBAI 2014 that took place in parallel - 26% up on the previous year. The growth is primarily be attributed to the general economic upswing in the region and, in particular, to increased tourism. WOP DUBAI: More Exhibition Area and Enlarged Country Participations

In 2014, WOP DUBAI was bigger and more international than ever. 170 exhibitors from 24 countries introduced their innovations from the fields of fresh goods, goods security, technical equipment, transport, trading and service. Australia, Morocco and Poland were officially there for the first time and Belgium, China and Portugal extended their participation. (See reference 9)

FOOD freshly, the international fresh produce preservation specialist, has launched a new subsidiary in Dubai to bring its innovative 3-PPP Concept© for food hygiene to the UAE and the Middle East market.

Supported by a dedicated sales executive and local warehouse facilities, FOOD freshly Dubai will market its freshness retainer formulations and Fruit Cleaner Antiox®, along with other related dosing and measuring equipment services. The company exhibited at the recent WOP Dubai trade show and has confirmed the official signing of the biggest order in its history from a UAE based company. (See reference 10)

Statistics from the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) revealed that the number of GCC food industry firms increased from 1,602 in 2009 to 1,857 in 2013, a cumulative growth rate of 3.8%.

Investments for the same period of time jumped from US$12.4 billion to $18.1 billion, a cumulative growth rate of 10% for five years. In addition, the work force increased from about 149,000 workers in 2009 to approximately 196,000 in 2013, a cumulative growth rate of 7%.

Food industries are becoming increasingly important to GCC countries in light of Gulf food security objectives. Processing and preserving of fruits and vegetables statistics include processing and preserving vegetables, preserving olives in salt or oil, preserving fruits and processing potatoes. GOIC figures

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revealed that this sector’s share in 2013 was around 11% of the total number of firms, 4.6% of the total investments and 6.2% of the work force.

The number of firms working in this area increased from 174 in 2009 to 204 in 2013, a cumulative growth rate of 4.1%. Investments for the same period of time dropped from $ 871 million to US$828 million, a cumulative decline rate of -1.3%. The number of workers increased from 11,568 in 2009 to 12,191 in 2013, a cumulative growth rate of 1.3%. (See reference 11)

Nutritional habits can decrease cancer risk. The benefits of eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale, as well as tomatoes, carrots, berries, cherries and grapes and the science behind the claims. (See reference 12)

Poland, one of the world’s biggest exporters of apples, has tapped the UAE as a new, strategic market for its most popular agricultural export.

Since The Russian Federation’s ban on agricultural products from European Union countries this year, Poland has been looking to Asia and the Middle East to fill a gap in the global market. The country exports a total of around 3.7 million tons of apples, with the EU and North Africa as its main markets.

The UAE is an important platform for Polish produce promotion in the Asian, Middle East and West African countries. Apart from apples, Poland also wants to start exporting other agricultural products to the UAE. There are good prospects for Polish vegetables and possibly berries. (See reference 13)

The recently opened Ripe Food and Craft market held every Saturday at The Collection on St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi, has elicited an enthusiastic response from residents with hundreds flocking to buy organic fruit and vegetables. Customers said there was a lot of cheap, seasonal produce. For instance a fresh avocado costs Dh10, Dh5 less than in supermarkets. A bag of cucumber and a bunch of rocket leaves cost Dh10 each. A small bag of red radish is priced at Dh15, and a bag of zucchini, Dh10. By 1pm all veggies had been sold out. Ripe Markets in Dubai and Sharjah were established in 2012 and work with a number of local organic farms. (See reference 14)

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman is turning food waste into compost to grow greens. The food waste, the bulk of its waste profile, is turned into compost, and used at an “urban farm” in the parking lot where seasonal vegetables, served in its restaurant are grown. (See reference 15)

The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) have tied up with the Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre (ADFSC) in a joint campaign to encourage the hospitality sector to use local produce in its food and beverage offerings. The ‘Go Local’ campaign was rolled out at a recent meeting in Al Ain, which is also its agricultural heartland, when the centre briefed F&B professionals from 14 hotels throughout the emirate on the wide range of local produce available under ADFSC’s ‘Local Harvest’ brand. ADFSC provides technical and operational support services to hundreds of Abu Dhabi farmers to help them grow and market their produce. (See reference 16)

Sundrop Farms has announced the launch of its presence in the Middle East region following a successful funding round with global investment firm KKR for the international development of Sundrop’s arid climate agribusiness.

Sundrop intends to replicate its landmark project in the South Australian desert near Port Augusta, in the Middle East and North America.

The regional headquarters will be based in the Dubai International Financial Centre. The company grows crops in state-of-the-art glasshouses using a unique proprietary technology developed to address the water and food security issues typical to arid regions.

Using solar power to create the heat, electricity and desalinated water needed to feed and power growing operations eliminates much of the need for groundwater and fossil fuels to produce its vegetables, which include pesticide-free, carbon-neutral tomatoes, capsicums and cucumbers. (See reference 17)

Al Maya Group is keen to increase its imports of Jordanian vegetables and other products. The value of Jordan's fruit and vegetable exports during the first three quarters of this year went up by more than 20% to JD410 million (US$577 million) from JD340 million (US$476) during the same period of last year.

The Group’s vegetable imports from Jordan include tomatoes, cauliflower, baby marrow, sweet pepper and chilies and it expects increasing demand for Jordanian vegetables in the UAE. ‘Imports could be increased multifold.’

Tomatoes rank number one with more than 35% of total vegetable exports value of Jordan.

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Trade data shows that Jordan is currently a major supplier of fruits and vegetables to the Gulf Arab market, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Al Maya Group has more than 40 supermarkets in the GCC countries in addition to other businesses and expanded its reach in Oman and Abu Dhabi by opening new outlets this year. (See reference 18)

India plans to introduce a system to allow international consumers of Indian mangoes to trace back the fruit to its farm of origin through the Internet as part of its efforts to persuade the European Union to lift ban on Indian mangoes.

‘The success of Grapenet has encouraged us to replicate the system in mangoes,’ said Sudhanshu, deputy general manager of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. The EU had imposed a temporary ban on Alphonso mangoes and four vegetables from India from May 1, stating that it had found fruit fly infestation in the fruit. This impacted exports to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the second largest export market for Indian mangoes after the UAE. Following the ban, Maharashtra, the largest exporter of mangoes in the country, started using HortiSAP, an IT-based pest surveillance system extensively for mangoes. (See reference 19)

3.3. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Honduras exports mangoes to 36 countries and is also seeking to penetrate Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Hong Kong in the medium term. The 2014-2015 melon harvest in Choluteca and Valle was due to begin mid-December.

The goal for this season is to generate 70 million dollars in exports, almost 11% more than the US$63.1 million made in the 2013-2014 season. In the past two years, employers in this category have exceeded export targets. According to the Secretary of Agriculture, Jacobo Paz, one of the novelties in this crop year is the incursion of the Honduran melon in new markets, mainly Japan and Taiwan. (See reference 26)

Fruit and vegetable prices at the central vegetable market in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia have been registering strong fluctuations, increasing and falling by up to 20%.

Abu Zinada attributed this to several factors, especially the decision to ban foreign workers from working in the central market, which prompted overseas suppliers to reduce their shipments, but also the arrival of the winter, which results in lower fruit and vegetable production volumes.

The effects of snow and cold temperatures are particularly clear with tomatoes. One day they can cost 15 riyals, and the next 50 riyals. High demand in light of the lack of supply has an impact on prices. (See reference 27)

Spanish broccoli growers say they anticipate establishing new markets in including Dubai and Saudi Arabia soon after tests over summer yielded good results. While high temperatures and lack of water resources in October and November within Spain's most important production area caused some anxiety, sufficient volumes will be harvested. The autumn season was saved through geographical diversification.

Prices weren’t good, particularly during October, when there were shortages at the start of the season but now remain “stable at reasonable levels”. Better weather and quality in November lifted quality and sales.

Consumption has now dropped a little and thus prices are also lower, ranging between 0.30 and 0.40 Euro per kilo at origin, and 0.75 and 0.85 Euro per kilo at the warehouse. These prices barely serve to cover production costs, as broccoli costs about 30 or 35 cents to produce. However it’s expected demand will grow in the weeks before Christmas and colder temperatures will limit production.

According to the latest data supplied by Murcia's Council of Agriculture and Water, the broccoli production in 2014 is estimated to reach 216,179 tons; up 20% compared to last year and 23% higher than the average of the past five years. Globally, Spain is the third largest producer behind China and India. (See reference 28)

In a surprise move, the Riyadh municipality launched a public health campaign on various streets in Batha and penalized 186 establishments for flouting market regulations according to a source in the municipality. Municipal teams raided 11 premises in these areas that were being used for the storage of fruits and vegetables in unhygienic conditions. The field teams arrested 48 vendors selling accessories and other goods including 46,500 cartons of fruits and vegetables, which the municipality donated to charities. (See reference 29)

The Ministry of Labor intends to nationalize the retail sector, especially baqalas (corner shops), in various

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parts of the Kingdom by setting up cooperative consumer societies, a ministry official said. The move comes following a Cabinet decision that has taken into consideration the monopoly of expatriates on some commercial activities.

The Ministries of Labor and Interior continue to nationalize commercial activities, making good returns, the official said, adding that cooperative societies would be able to fight monopolies and fraud.

‘They can also work as marketing outlets for national products, such as fruits and vegetables supplied by agricultural cooperative societies,” the official said. Establishing cooperative consumer societies is a task recently undertaken by a number of government bodies such as the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Social Affairs, Municipal and Rural Affairs, Finance, Labor and other government bodies. (See reference 30)

The Al-Ahsa municipality seized and destroyed 1,707 rotten food items in November this year as part of the municipality’s program to maintain public health. Khalid Bushel, spokesman for the municipality, said 920 kg of cooked food, vegetables and dairy products unfit for human consumption in the cities of Hofuf and Mubaraz were confiscated and destroyed by the municipality. (See reference 31)

Several illegal expats trying to sell vegetables or others produce are gathering once again at Al-Sitteen bridge in Jeddah, despite efforts made by authorities and a recent inspection campaign. Most of the expatriates are from Sudan, Yemen, Pakistan, Bangladesh and some African countries. The Passport Department carried out numerous raids in the area in coordination with a number of government agencies and arrested dozens of people. (32)

The two main challenges facing the food industry are the talented manpower and the availability of fruit sources, says the top executive of a major food company. Al-Rabie Saudi Food Co. produces a wide range of fruit juices and long life milk products. Current production capacity is 450 million litres of juice and milk and an announcement about a second factory is imminent, said CEO Monther Trad Alharthi. The company’s main market is Saudi. Export markets are the GCC countries, Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and Egypt. Alharthi said Saudi Arabia does not have enough fruit to make industry self-sufficient and so depends on imports. All raw materials come from abroad mango from India, apple from Austria, orange concentrate from Brazil, etc. (See reference 33)

JEDDAH — Contract farming and increased trade ties between Greece and Saudi Arabia were the focus of discussions with Saudi government ministers during a recent visit by Greece’s vice minister for development and competitiveness. Under contract farming, growers agree to produce certain quantities of a product for a particular customer at a contracted price. (See reference 34)

Commercialisation of hydroponic farming is a viable answer to Mena countries suffering from a lack of arable land and climate that are unsuitable for the mass production of food, said an industry leader. While agricultural productivity for the region as a whole increased markedly during the 1990s due to modernization efforts with water management, the region still faces a food deficit of 50-90 million tons by 2020.

Hydroponics offers some potential to reduce food security risks in the region and almost all the Mena countries are now exploring the potential of soil-free agriculture and vertical farming in order to be self-sufficient in food production by 2023. Saudi Arabia imports 95 per cent of their fresh fruits and vegetables for which the nation is paying massive premiums. (See reference 35)

The process of organising small Indian farmers into collectives such as producer companies or co-operatives is attracting the interest of foreign buyers and being promoted as a way to improve relations with larger retailers. In the middle of this year, the EU banned import of four Indian vegetables – including eggplants (brinjals and gourds) along with mangoes on the grounds they contained harmful organisms. Even Saudi Arabia recently banned the import of Indian green on the grounds of high pesticide residues.

However, large retail chains in Europe and West Asia are keen to source green vegetables from Indian farmer producer organisations (FPOs) here, provided they are offered guarantee on traceability issues. So far, about 350 FPOs have been set up across the country and another 500 are in the process of being formed. FPOs are also seen as a potential vehicle to foster technology penetration, improve productivity and enable improved access to inputs such as seeds and fertilisers and services such as financial and insurance among the farming communities. Apart from enabling the famers to leverage the market for better prices, FPOs also provide a window for channelling the funds under various schemes. (See reference 36)

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are some of the top mango-importing countries in the world. Now, they can have mangoes delivered right to their door through a service called Mango Jazan. It’s a delivery service

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that delivers nothing but mangoes.

Most of the Middle East’s mangoes come from India or Pakistan, but a small region in Saudi Arabia called Jazan has become well known for producing some of the juiciest mangoes around. It used to be pretty tough to get your hands on a box of Jazan mangoes—they’re primarily traded locally—but the region is now making them available to a wider consumer base through its delivery system. Since the site launched in 2012, it has acquired 20,000 users. (See reference 37)

Saudis and expats are eagerly waiting for the low oil prices to reflect on the living costs in the Kingdom. The recent price drop will plummet general prices in the Kingdom by more than 15%, according to experts and analysts.

Several vital sectors in the Kingdom will be affected by the low oil prices, which are expected to lead to shrinkage of the production costs of commodities. ‘Many local businessmen will be forced to respond by cutting down their services and commodities’ prices. ‘The same thing will happen with food products, they will be reduced by more than 10% as result of the low production and transportation cost. However, the low oil prices need a time to be reflected in the local market,’ said an economist.

This means a great relief for consumers, as Saudi inflation edged up in 2013, averaging 3.6% in the first 10 months, mainly driven by higher food and housing costs. See reference (See reference 38)

A difficult season has seen South Australia’s faba bean crop down by as much as 50 per cent. However, high prices of US$430 plus per tonne are likely to be retained. Egypt is the main market but growers anticipate potential beyond that, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

The majority of Australian faba beans are delivered direct to packers rather than to the bulk handling facilities. Of the 300 000 tons exported last year from Australia, only about 50 000 tons was exported in bulk while the containerised trade accounted for around 250 000 tonFFs.

The faba bean harvest in France in September was followed by the United Kingdom in October and finally the Australian crop. Egypt consistently purchases around a third of their requirement from Australia due to the preferred colour and size of Australian faba beans, which command Production estimates for faba beans show a 5-year average planting area of over 160 000 ha and an average yield of 1.7 t/ha and up to 3.0 t/ha in more favourable areas and under irrigation. (See reference 39)

A report on how a healthy, plant-based diet can significantly improve blood sugar levels and even potentially leave patients free of the disease. (40)

3.4. Oman

Sakkara, originally a Jordanian group founded two generations ago, has expanded over the years, first stepping out to the Omani market, setting up storage and distribution facilities there, and then to Egypt in 2002. The company’s export business is currently based in Egypt; it imports fruit from Oman and other parts of the world and then distributes it. In 2012 a huge, brand new packing house with cold storage facilities and high end packing lines with Dutch technology was built.

In addition to shipping 58 to 60,000 tons of oranges per season, rendering it one of Egypt’s largest distributors, Sakkara also works with grapes, pomegranates, potatoes or onions, and after introducing carrots three years ago it has also become one of the country’s biggest players. It has distribution in Kuwait, Oman (by far the largest), Jordan, and Saudi Arabia and started this year in The Russian Federation. As a group, Sakkara is also one of the largest importers of bananas into Egypt. Aziz says “we also do apples, pears or plums from countries like South Africa, Chile, the United States or New Zealand. Additionally, oranges for juicing are shipped to Europe, to destinations like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany or Sweden.”

In Asia, it already does good volumes in India, Bangladesh and Malaysia, and we do really well in Dubai, with 400 containers of oranges per season.’ (See reference 20)

Interest in Islamic Finance has increased in the last few years and has the potential to develop the capital markets of Sri Lanka and assist in the development of infrastructure along with encouraging foreign investment in the island state. Even under the normal tax regime agriculture enjoys special tax incentives. Projects entailing cultivation of vegetables and fruits for export market using modern technology could be an area of investment for the Middle Eastern market. Sri Lanka also has bilateral double tax avoidance agreements (DTA) with over 40 countries. Out of the Gulf countries, Sri Lanka has entered into DTA with Kuwait, Oman and the UAE, and a limited DTA covering air transport with Saudi Arabia. (See reference

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21)

Since the 1970s Oman has lost more than one million lime trees to a disease with no known cure, but now a scientist from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has found a way to grow disease-free trees to rehabilitate the Sultanate's lime production.

A plant pathology researcher has found a way to overcome the disease by growing tissue cultures from disease-free blossoms and grafting them onto new disease resistant rootstocks.

His project, which started in 2010 and is funded by the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Fund, aims to produce enough disease-free trees to replenish the lime crops in Oman. (See reference 22)

A plant-based diet can significantly improve blood sugar levels and even potentially leave patients free of diabetes. An analysis of previous studies showed a vegetarian diet had significant benefits in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and improved insulin sensitivity. Researchers found eating a vegetable-based diet reduced levels of a key blood protein. (23)

Muscat: Omani farmers are facing a variety of challenges including failing irrigation systems, competition for water, and crop disease. Farmers struggle to find the funds or expertise to treat disease. Earlier this year swarms of locusts destroyed crops of thousands of farms across the country. Although farmers can get aid from the government for pesticides, overuse means some new growth has been killed off and there are calls for the government to provide more training to educate farmers. Many vegetables and fruits that survive water shortage, contamination and ravages of parasites, decay either during storage or transportation to the markets. Farmers cannot afford storage refrigeration that can keep their crops fresh or vehicle cooling system during distribution over long distance, especially during the hot seasons. This is why many consumers prefer to buy imported farm produce. (See reference 24)

Muscat: Efforts to in Lithuania aimed at promoting bilateral trade and investment with Lithuania have resulted in Straikas, the maker of Magnum fruit and vegetable juices, entering an export agreement with an Omani importer. The deal is expected to generate about 100,000 euros in revenue for the Lithuanian company in 2015 alone, with the first batch is due to be ready for delivery before the end of this year.

The company believes the partnership will help it enter the broader Gulf market.

Magnum juices are already exported to numerous countries worldwide but Oman is the first Arabic export destination for the brand. (See reference 25)

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4. Price Information

4.1. Mango fruit juice and pulps

The market for the Alphonso variety is firm and while there are still some stocks available, ‘Caveat Emptor’ applies more than ever. Some of the available stocks are not the ‘real’ Alphonso variety. There is very little availability of the ‘real’ Western Alphonso. It is reported as more or less sold out.

Due to a very poor harvest for Tommy Atkins in Latin America, Mexico is now sold out and Peru is reporting a 20% drop in its harvest which will start next month (January 2015). This has helped the price of Indian Totapuri to firm. India has processed lower quantities of concentrate this year, which should contribute to a firmer price going into 2015.

Origins Concentration Price Transportation

India Alphonso, aseptic puree, 17 brix US$1550-1650/mt CFR Rotterdam

India Totapuri, aseptic concentrate, 28 brix US$1250-1350/mt CFR Rotterdam

Mexico Tommy Atkins, aseptic concentrate, 28 brix US$1200-1300/mt FCA Holland

4.2. United Arab Emirates

Item Origin Low price (dhs)

High price (dhs) Variety Size Pack

Chillies

Chillies green fat Jordan 19.5 19.5 1 kg Chillies long green Oman 46 46 Green 10 kg 1 box Chillies green India 18 18 Green 4 kg 1 box Chillies green Thiland 6.95 6.95 Green 1 kg Chillies red Thiland 7.95 7.95 Red 1 kg Chillies sweet long green Tunishia 15.95 15.95 Green 1 kg Chillies green Jordan 8.25 8.25 Green 1 kg Chillies green Morocco 14.5 17.5 Green 1 kg Chillies long red Morocco 14.5 14.5 Red 1 kg Chillies red Egypt 17.5 17.5 Red 1 kg

Chillies green UAE 60 60 Light green 5 kg 1 box

Mango

Mango alphonso Indonesia 25 25 8 pcs 1 box

Mango alphonso India 10 10 12 pcs

Mango Kenya 19 19 9 pcs 1 box

Mango r2e2 Australia 22 22 1 kg 1 box

Mango tomi Brazil 9.95 9.95 1 kg

Mango round Kenya 8.5 8.5 1 kg

Mango kent Egypt 24 24 10 pcs

Dried mango Mango (dried) Thailand 220 220 4 kg 1 box

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Item Origin Low price (dhs)

High price (dhs) Variety Size Pack

Apples Apple green USA 110 110 Green 138 pcs Ctn

Apple kanzi Holland 140 140 Kanzi 15 kg Ctn

Apple pink rose New zealand 13 13 Pink rose 1 kg

Apple royal gala France 85 85 Royal gala 115 pcs

Apple green Italy 140 140 Green 16 kg Ctn

Apple red USA 1132 132 Red 100 pcs Ctn

Apple fuji fancy China 70 70 Fuji fancy 100 pcs Ctn

Apple jazz New zealand 13.5 13.5 Jazz 1 kg

Apple Iran 11 11 40 pcs 1 box Avocado Kenya 24 24 Green 12 pcs Box

Acorn squash Oman 9 9 Green 10 kg Ctn Awla/amla/gooseberries (not a.) India 12 12 1 kg

Arvi China 28 28 10 kg Ctn

Banana Philippine 35 35 14 kg 1 box

Broccoli Oman 10 10 Green 1 kg

Bitter melon Oman 35 35 Green 10 kg Ctn

Beans Iran 35 35 Green 8 kg 1 box

Baby marrow Oman 16 16 Green 18 kg Ctn

Beet root Oman 2 2 Red 3 kg Ctn

Citnass South africa 38 38 6 kg

Chikoo India 14 14 1 box

Cantaloup Oman 40 40 8 pcs Ctn

Coconut India 25 25 25 pcs Ctn

Cauliflower Oman 15 15 10 kg Ctn

Cabbage Oman 7 7 Green 10 kg Bag

Cucumber Saudi Arabia 50 50 Green 12 kg Ctn

Celery China 25 25 4 kg 1 box

Capsicum red Holland 19.5 19.5 1 kg

Capsicum orange Holland 16.5 16.5 1 kg

Capsicum yealow Holland 18.5 18.5 1 kg

Capsicum green Oman 5 5 1 kg

Capsicum mix Holand 7 7 1 kg

Capsicum yealow Egypt 9 9 1 kg

Capsicum red Egypt 80 80 8 kg Ctn

Carrot China 13 13 10 kg

Drumstick India 50 50 Green 8 kg 1 box

Eggplant Oman 10 10 Black 18 kg Ctn

Eggplant jumbo Oman 10 10 Black 18 kg Ctn

Fresh leaves UAE 6 6 4 kg 1 beg

Ginger (fresh) China 23 23 8 kg

Grapefruit India 38 38 3.5 kg 1 box

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Item Origin Low price (dhs)

High price (dhs) Variety Size Pack

Garlic Oman 25 25 6 kg Ctn

Green bean Oman 35 35 10 kg Ctn

Gawar Oman 8 8 1 kg

Guava Egypt 10 10 14 pcs

Iceberg lettuce China 20 20 Green 6 pcs Ctn

Kiwi Italy 25 25 30 pcs 1 box

Kholrabi Oman 20 20 6 kg

Lemon Vietnam 35 35 10 kg Box

Long pakoda Oman 30 30 Red 10 kg Box

Lettuce Iran 35 35 Green 35 kg Ctn

Mandarin China 37 37 1 box

Mashrums China 55 55 3 kg

Nectarines Jordan 28 28 3 kg

Orange Lebanon 32 32 36 pcs Ctn

Onion Pakistan 33 33 35 kg Ctn

Okra Oman 55 55 10 kg Ctn

Pomegranate India 20 20 Red 12 pcs Ctn

Pineapple India 20 20 6 pcs Ctn

Potato Egypt 20 20 8 kg Ctn

Pear China 8 8 1 kg 1 box

Pumpkin Oman 34 34 Red 10 kg 1 box

Papaya India 28 28 6 pcs 1 box

Parval Bangladesh 25 25 4 kg 1 box

Potato Bangladesh 45 45 18 kg 1 box

Rambutan Vietnam 24 24 1 box

Strawberry Egypt 40 40 8 box

Snap pea Oman 7 7 10 kg

Sandra China 27 27 1 box

Sweet potatoes Lebanon 12 12 4 kg

Suran India 12 12 1 pcs (medium) Ctn

turnip Oman 10 10 10 kg

tangerine Pakistan 30 30 6 kg 1 tray

Tomato Jordan 10 10 6 kg Ctn

Taro India 26 26 5 kg Ctn

Water melon Oman 2 2 1 kg

Zucchini Iran 20 20 6 kg Ctn

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4.3. Oman

Item Origin Low price (omani riyals)

High price (omani riyals) Variety Size Pack

Chillies Chillies Oman 4 4 Green 10 kg 1 box

Chillies red Oman 0.6 0.6 Red 1 kg

Chillies India 3 3 Green 5 kg

Chillies (long) Iran 2 2 Light green 3 kg

Mango Mango totapri Pakistan 4.8 4.8 Yealow 48 pcs Box

Mango freightie Pakistan 10 r. 10 Green 12 kg Box

Mango alphonso India 1.2 1.2 Green 1 kg

Mango alphonso Indonesia 4 4 Green 12 psc Box

Dried mango Not available X X X X X

Apple Apple Iran 2 2 Yellow 42 pcs Ctn

Apple Usa 14.8 14.8 Green 115 pcs

Apple fuji fancy China 11 11 Fuji fancy 112 pcs

Avocado Torkey 3.6 3.6 Green 12 pcs Ctn

Acorn squash Oman 1 1 Green 8 kg Ctn

Arvi China 5.6 5.6 12 kg Ctn

Banana Philippine 5 5 10 kg 1 box

Broccoli Oman 0.4 0.4 Green 1 kg Bitter melon Oman 4.5 4.5 Green 10 kg Ctn

Beans Oman 0.4 0.4 Green 1 kg

Baby marrow Oman 0.4 0.4 Green 1 kg Ctn

Beet root Oman 0.2 0.2 Red 1 kg Ctn Cantaloup Oman 0.6 0.6 1 pcs Ctn Coconut India 6 6 22 kg Ctn

Cauliflower Oman 1 1 10 kg Ctn

Carrot China 0.3 0.3 1 kg 1 bag

Cucumber Oman 4 4 Green 18 kg Ctn

Capsicum (peppers) India 1.6 1.6 1 kg

Eggplant Oman 1.5 1.6 Black 5 kg Ctn

Eggplant jumbo Oman 1.5 1.5 Black 5 kg Ctn

Eggplant Oman 0.4 0.4 Green 1 kg Grapefruit India 3.2 3.2 4 kg 1 box Garlic Oman 2 2 6 kg Ctn

Gawar Oman 3 3 Green 6 kg Ctn

Green bean Oman 3 3 8 kg

Guava Egypt 1.8 1.8 14 pcs 1 tray

Iceberg lettuce China 2.5 2.5 Green 6 pcs Ctn

FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLE MIDDLE EAST

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Item Origin Low price (omani riyals)

High price (omani riyals) Variety Size Pack

Kiwi Italy 5.6 5.6 6 kg 1 box

Lemon Lebanon 6 6 10 kg Box

Long pakoda Oman 2 2 Green 8 kg Box

Lettuce Ksa 0.3 0.3 Green 1 kg

Orange Lebanon 5 5 40 pcs Ctn

Onion Pakistan 4 4 30 kg Ctn

Okra Oman 4 4 10 kg Ctn

Paprika Egypt 5 5 10 kg

Pomegranate India 3 3 Red 2 kg Ctn

Potato Pakistan 2 2 7 kg Ctn

Pear China 4.8 4.8 4 kg 1 box

Pumpkin Oman 2 2 Red 4 kg 1 box

Papaya Oman 0.4 0.6 1 pcs

Potato Pakistan 1.6 2 8 kg

Strawberry Egypt 7.2 7.2 6 kg 1 box

Sweet potatoes India 2.8 2.8 10 kg

Snap pea Oman 0.4 0.4 1 kg

Turnip Oman 0.2 0.2 1 kg

Tangerine Pakistan 3.2 3.2 4 kg 1 tray

Tomato Oman 3 3 10 kg Ctn

Taro India 4.2 4.2 5 kg Ctn

Water melon Oman 0.2 0.2 1 kg

4.4. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Item Origin Low price (sr)

High price (sr) Variety Size Pack

Chillies Short green chillies Pakistan 45 45 Green 5 kg Box Long green chillies KSA 30 30 Green 8kg bag

Long green chillies KSA 4 5 Green 1 kg bag

Mango Mango Kaneya 40 45 16 pieces box

Mango (frozen) Egypt 8 10 1kg pack

Apple Apple green France 80 85 Green 18 kg Ctn

Apple red Chile 95 100 Red 17 kg Ctn

Apple fuji Italy 100 100 Red 17 kg Ctn Apricot Turkey 70 70 5kg Box

Avocado Kenya 35 40 Green- small 20 pcs Box

Banana Yemeni 10 10 2 kg Bag

Banana Ecuador 60 60 14 kg Box

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Item Origin Low price (sr)

High price (sr) Variety Size Pack

Banana Usa 47 50 17 kg Box

Beans KSA 30 35 Green 10 kg box

Beetroot KSA 14 15 10 kg bag

Carrot KSA 10 10 12 kg Bag

Carrot Turkey 10 10 8 kg Bag

Carrot China 10 10 3 kg Bag

Cantaloup KSA 15 20 3-4 pcs Ctn

Cauliflower KSA 25 25 8 small pieces Ctn

Cauliflower KSA 25 25 Medium 6 piece Ctn

Cabbage KSA 12 15 Red 6 pcs Bag

Cabbage KSA 10 12 Green 6 pcs Bag

Cucumber KSA 10 10 Green 6 kg Ctn

Cucumber KSA 30 30 Green 20 kg Ctn

Chili pepper Pakistan 5 5 Green 0.500 g Bag

Capsicum (peppers) KSA 5 5 Green 1 kg Bag

Celery KSA 10 10 Medium 3 pieces Ctn

Eggplant KSA 15 15 Black 10 kg Ctn

Grapes Lebanon 25 30 Red 4 kg Basket

Grapes Lebanon 10 10 Red 1.5 kg Basket

Grapefruit Turkey 60 60 15 kg Ctn

Garlic China 35 35 10 packs 0.900 g Ctn

Garlic China 25 27 7 kg Bag

Ginger China 55 55 9 kg Ctn

Green bean Ksa 5 5 0.750 g Box

Guava Egypt 10 10 1.5 kg Box

Kaka Spain 35 35 4 kg Box

Kaka Syria 15 18 1.5 kg Box

Kiwi Itali 20 22 23 pieces Box

Lemon Egypt 20 20 8 kg Bag

Lemon South africa 35 40 Big 10kg Ctn

Lemon Turkey 45 45 15 kg Ctn

Lettuce KSA 25 25 Small 16 pieces Ctn

Lettuce Egypt 30 30 9 pieces Ctn

Lettuce KSA 5 5 Green 1 kg Bag

Mandarin Morocco 25 25 5 kg Ctn

Mandarin Pakistan 40 40 10 kg Ctn

Mandarin Turkey 8 10 2.5 kg Box

Orange Egypt 20 20 7 kg Ctn

Onion Egypt 15 15 10 kg Bag

Onion Egypt 5 5 4kg Bag

Onion KSA 12 12 White 4 kg Bag

Okra KSA 110 110 Small 16 kg Ctn

Okra KSA 40 40 Big 12 kg Ctn

FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLE MIDDLE EAST

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Item Origin Low price (sr)

High price (sr) Variety Size Pack

Peach

Pomegranate Egypt 40 40 Red 10 kg Ctn

Pomegranate Egypt 18 18 Red 4.5 kg Ctn

Pineapple Philippine 30 30 Big 8 pcs Ctn

Pineapple India 55 55 Medium 6 pcs Ctn

Potato KSA 10 10 5 kg Bag

Potato KSA 5 5 1.5 kg Bag

Pear Turkey 35 38 25 pieces box

Pumpkin Usa 10 10 Small 8 pieces Bag

Red beet root KSA 25 25 7 kg Ctn

Spinach KSA 3 4 1 kg Pack

Pumpkin KSA 25 25 Big 3 pieces Ctn

Strawberry Egypt 18 18 8 packs 0250 g Ctn

Sweet pepper Egypt 10 10 Yellow 6 pieces Box

Sweet pepper Egypt 10 10 Red 6 pieces Box

Sweet potatoes Egypt 8 8 1,5 kg Ctn

Tomato Egypt 20 20 Big 8 kg Basket

Tomato Egypt 10 10 5 kg Ctn

Taro Egypt 12 12 3 kg Bag

Zucchini KSA 20 20 10 kg Ctn

5. Exchange Rates

We will track the relevant exchange rates for the GCC and expand as additional markets are included.

Source: XE Currency 29 December 2014. http://www.xe.com

US$ US$ AED/DHS SAR OMR n/a 3.67 3.75 0.384

FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLE MIDDLE EAST

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6. References

1. Pakistan eyeing citrus fruit export 15 December 2014 http://www.dawn.com/news/1150833/eying-export-of-citrus-fruit

2. Japanese launch futuristic farms 12 December 2014

http://www.freshplaza.com/article/132562/Japanese-launch-futuristic-farms 3. Russia to start exporting to UAE 5 December 2014 http://www.freshplaza.com/article/132244/Russia-

to-start-exporting-to-UAE 4. A growing scene: Exploring organic farms in the UAE 4 December 2014

http://www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle/food/a-growing-scene-exploring-organic-farms-in-the-uae 5. Organic sector still growing 1 December 2014

http://www.freshplaza.com/article/131780/Netherlands-Organic-sector-still-growing 6. Moldovans search for new markets 5 December 2014

http://www.freshplaza.com/article/131836/Moldovans-search-for-new-markets 7. Spain is the Mediterranean orange producer most dependent on exports 28 November 2014

http://www.freshplaza.com/article/131506/Spain-is-the-Mediterranean-orange-producer-most-dependent-on-exports

8. Polish apples arrive in Portugal 12 December 2014 http://www.freshplaza.com/article/132518/Polish-

apples-arrive-in-Portugal 9. Profiting from economic upswing in Persian Gulf 2 December 2014

http://www.freshplaza.com/article/131980/Profiting-from-economic-upswing-in-Persian-Gulf 10. FOOD freshly opens new Dubai subsidiary 2 December 2014

http://www.freshplaza.com/article/131984/FOOD-freshly-opens-new-Dubai-subsidiary 11. GCC food industry investments reach US$18bn 4 December 2014

http://www.arabnews.com/news/669446 12. Know your breast cancer-blocking diet. 3 December 2014 http://www.arabnews.com/food-

health/news/668931 13. UAE is new apple of Poland’s eye. 17 December 2014

http://gulfnews.com/business/retail/uae-is-new-apple-of-poland-s-eye-1.1427910 14. New organic market on Saadiyat is a big hit 26 November 2014

http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/xpress/news/new-organic-market-on-saadiyat-is-a-big-hit-1.1418270

15. Going green: A recycling success story. 14 December 2014

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/going-green-a-recycling-success-story-1.1423709 16. Abu Dhabi eateries urged to use local produce. 11 December 2014

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?section=nationgeneral&xfile=data/nationgeneral/2014/december/nationgeneral_december86.xml

17. Sundrop Farms sets up ME headquarters in Dubai 15 December 2014

http://www.emirates247.com/business/sundrop-farms-sets-up-me-headquarters-in-dubai-2014-12-15-1.573459

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18. Al maya group keen to increase imports from Jordan 9 December 2014 http://www.zawya.com/story/Al_maya_group_keen_to_increase_imports_from_Jordan-ZAWYA20141209133332/

19. International consumers may soon be able to track farm origin of Indian mangoes 2 December 2014

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-12-02/news/56648832_1_mangonet-audit-committee-mango-exporters

20. Sakkara on shipping oranges to China:First quality then volumes. 5 December 2014 http://www.freshplaza.com/print.asp?id=132035

21. Sri Lanka receives US$1.42 billion as foreign direct investment in 2013 7 December 2014

http://www.arabnews.com/economy/news/671241 22. Omani scientist battles ‘Witches’ Broom’ 15 December 2014 http://www.timesofoman.com/News/44336/Article-Omani-scientist-battles-

%E2%80%98Witches%E2%80%99-Broom%E2%80%99 23. Plant-based diet helps beat diabetes 14 December 2014

http://www.timesofoman.com/News/44221/Article-Plant-based-diet-helps-beat-diabetes 24. Sunday Beat: Oman farmers struggle against nature’s odds 20 December 2014

http://www.timesofoman.com/News/44556/Article-Sunday-Beat-Oman-farmers-struggle-against-nature%E2%80%99s-odds

25. Lithuanian firm inks pact to supply juices in Oman market 6 December 2014

http://www.timesofoman.com/News/43769/Article-Lithuanian-firm-inks-pact-to-supply-juices-in-Oman-market

26. Honduras melon export estimate +11%. 16 December 2014 http://www.freshplaza.com/print.asp?id=132704 (ELHERALDO.HN)

27. Saudi Arabia: Fluctuating prices at Jeddah Market December 2014 http://www.freshplaza.com/article/132810/Saudi-Arabia-Fluctuating-prices-at-Jeddah-Market

(aleqt.com) 28. Spain: "Broccoli campaign will be saved" 10 December 2014

http://www.freshplaza.com/article/132437/Spain-Broccoli-campaign-will-be-saved

29. 186 firms penalized for flouting civic rules 14 December 2014 http://www.arabnews.com/news/674151

30. Ministry takes steps to Saudize baqalas 1 December 2014 http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/668026

31. 1,707 rotten food items destroyed 12 December 2014 http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/673241

32. Illegal expats return to Al-Sitteen bridge 7 December 2014 http://www.arabnews.com/news/670926

33. Commitment to quality ‘vital to succeed in Saudi market’ December 2014

http://www.arabnews.com/economy/news/671251 34. Saudi Arabia and Greece discuss the possibilities:Contract farming in focus 28 November 2014

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20141129225867 35. Hydroponics ‘answer to Mena food 10 December 2014

http://www.tradearabia.com/news/MISC_271245.htm

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36. Vegetable farmers’ collectives spark foreign buyers’ interest 27 November 2014 http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/vegetable-farmers-collectives-spark-foreign-buyers-interest/article6640377.ece

37. It’s Like Uber, But For Mangoes 19 December 2014 http://magazine.good.is/articles/uber-mango-

delivery-saudi-arabia 38. People expect low oil prices will bring relief 21 December 2014

http://menafn.com/1094049534/Saudi-People-expect-low-oil-prices-will-bring-relief

39. Faba bean prices support growers in a tough year 18 December 2014 http://www.theislanderonline.com.au/story/2773444/faba-bean-prices-support-growers-in-a-tough-year/?cs=12

40. Plant-based diet helps beat diabetes 14 December http://www.times1.timesofoman.com/News/44221/Article-Plant-based-diet-helps-beat-diabetes