Kuwait Olive Oil Market Report Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

Kuwait Olive Oil Market Overview

• The Kuwait Olive Oil Market is valued at USD 10 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers, rising demand for organic products, growing popularity of Mediterranean diets, and expanding retail channels including supermarkets and hypermarkets.
• Kuwait City is the dominant market for olive oil in Kuwait, primarily due to its status as the capital and largest city, where a significant portion of the population resides. Additionally, the presence of numerous supermarkets and specialty stores in urban areas facilitates easier access to a variety of olive oil products, catering to both local and expatriate consumers who are familiar with Mediterranean cuisine.
• The Ministerial Resolution No. 299 of 2018 issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry governs the quality standards for edible oils including olive oil, requiring compliance with chemical, physical, and sensory specifications, mandatory labeling of origin, grade, and production method, and registration of products with the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition Safety for market entry.

Kuwait Olive Oil Market Segmentation

By Type:The olive oil market can be segmented into various types, including Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Virgin Olive Oil, Refined Olive Oil, Olive Pomace Oil, and Flavored and Infused Olive Oil. Each type caters to different consumer preferences and culinary uses, with Extra Virgin Olive Oil being the most sought after due to its superior quality and health benefits.

The Extra Virgin Olive Oil segment dominates the market due to its high nutritional value and flavor profile, making it a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers and culinary enthusiasts. The increasing trend towards organic and natural food products has further propelled the demand for Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as it is often perceived as a premium product. Virgin Olive Oil also holds a significant share, appealing to consumers looking for quality at a more affordable price point.

By End-User:The market can be segmented based on end-users, including Household Consumption, HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafés), Food Processing & Manufacturing, Institutional Buyers (Catering, Hospitals, Airlines), and Others. Each segment reflects different consumption patterns and purchasing behaviors.

Household Consumption is the leading segment, driven by the increasing use of olive oil in everyday cooking and its perceived health benefits. The HoReCa segment follows closely, as restaurants and cafes increasingly incorporate olive oil into their menus, catering to the growing demand for Mediterranean cuisine. The Food Processing & Manufacturing segment is also significant, as olive oil is used as an ingredient in various food products.

Kuwait Olive Oil Market Competitive Landscape

The Kuwait Olive Oil Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Al Wazzan Foodstuff Industries Group Co., Mezzan Holding Company (Kuwait Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Foodstuff – KSPICO / Food Division), Kuwait Agro Company, Sultan Center Food Products Co. (TSC), Lulu Hypermarket Kuwait (Emke Group – Private Label Olive Oil), Carrefour Kuwait (Majid Al Futtaim – Private Label Olive Oil), City Centre Kuwait (Gulfmart / Retail Private Labels), Union Trading Company (UTC), Al Shaya Group – Retail & Foodservice Concepts (e.g., Dean & Deluca, Starbucks, etc.), Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives Co. (AVOD), Borges International Group (Borges Olive Oil – Imported Brand), Deoleo S.A. (Bertolli, Carapelli – Imported Brands Active in GCC), Minerva S.A. Edible Oils & Food Enterprises (Minerva Olive Oil – Regional Presence), Filippo Berio (Salov Group) – Premium Imported Olive Oil Brand, Al Rifai Roastery & Mediterranean Foods (Olive Oil & Levant Food Products in Kuwait) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Kuwait Olive Oil Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Health Awareness:The rising health consciousness among Kuwaiti consumers is significantly driving the olive oil market. According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases account forover 70%of total deaths in Kuwait, prompting a shift towards healthier dietary choices. Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, is increasingly recognized for its health benefits. In future, the health food segment is projected to grow by8%, further boosting olive oil consumption as a preferred cooking oil.
• Rising Demand for Organic Products:The organic food market in Kuwait is experiencing robust growth, with a reported increase of15%in organic product sales in future. This trend is fueled by a growing preference for natural and chemical-free food options. Olive oil, particularly organic varieties, is gaining traction among health-conscious consumers. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported that organic food imports, including olive oil, reached1,200tons in future, indicating a strong market demand that is expected to continue into future.
• Expansion of Retail Channels:The retail landscape in Kuwait is evolving, with a notable increase in the number of supermarkets and specialty stores offering olive oil. In future, the number of retail outlets selling gourmet and organic products grew by20%, enhancing accessibility for consumers. E-commerce platforms are also emerging as significant sales channels, with online grocery sales projected to reach$300 millionin future. This expansion is expected to facilitate greater consumer access to diverse olive oil products, driving market growth.

Market Challenges

• High Import Tariffs:Kuwait imposes high import tariffs on olive oil, which can reach up to5%. This significantly raises the cost of imported products, making them less competitive against locally produced oils. The World Bank estimates that these tariffs contribute to a10%increase in retail prices, limiting consumer access to premium olive oil brands. As a result, many consumers opt for cheaper alternatives, hindering market growth and reducing the overall demand for imported olive oil.
• Limited Local Production:Kuwait's local olive oil production is minimal, with only200tons produced annually, which meets less than5%of domestic demand. The lack of suitable agricultural land and climatic conditions restricts large-scale cultivation of olive trees. Consequently, the reliance on imports creates vulnerability to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. This challenge is compounded by the increasing competition from other cooking oils, which are often more affordable and readily available in the market.

Kuwait Olive Oil Market Future Outlook

The future of the Kuwait olive oil market appears promising, driven by increasing health awareness and a growing preference for organic products. As consumers continue to embrace healthier lifestyles, the demand for high-quality olive oil is expected to rise. Additionally, the expansion of retail channels, particularly e-commerce, will enhance product accessibility. Innovations in product offerings and sustainable practices will likely attract a broader consumer base, positioning the market for significant growth in the coming years.

Market Opportunities

• Export Potential to GCC Countries:Kuwait's olive oil market has significant export potential to neighboring GCC countries, where demand for premium olive oil is increasing. In future, GCC countries imported over15,000tons of olive oil, presenting a lucrative opportunity for Kuwaiti producers to tap into this regional market and enhance their export capabilities.
• E-commerce Growth:The rapid growth of e-commerce in Kuwait, projected to reach$1 billionin future, presents a unique opportunity for olive oil brands. By leveraging online platforms, companies can reach a wider audience, particularly younger consumers who prefer shopping online. This shift can significantly boost sales and brand visibility in a competitive market.