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Middle East and Africa Basmati Rice Market Report Overview

The Middle East and Africa basmati rice market attained a value of USD 11.50 Billion in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 2.10% through 2035. The market is further expected to achieve USD 14.16 Billion by 2035. Increased investment into premium hospitality infrastructure, expansion in airline catering services, and organization of food retail networks are increasing demand for traceable aged high-aroma basmati rice varieties within the market.

Latest News on the Middle East and Africa Basmati Rice Market (2026)

April 2026: Saudi Arabia Reaffirms as Top Basmati Importer

According to Arab News, Saudi Arabia retained its position as the world's largest basmati rice importer in April 2026 trade commentary, accounting for over a fifth of Indian shipments. The kingdom's appetite for premium long-grain aromatic rice continued to anchor MEA market value, with Indian and Pakistani exporters competing for share through quality, aging, and brand-driven differentiation strategies.

March 2026: REAP Targets Higher Pakistani Rice Exports to GCC

As reported by Business Recorder, the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) confirmed in March 2026 it is targeting expanded basmati shipments into Saudi Arabia and Iran. The trade body cited improved SPS compliance and new commercial channels as routes to grow Pakistani share of GCC and Iranian basmati demand, complementing rising African and Chinese non-basmati offtake.

Key Market Trends and Insights

  • Premium and specialty basmati rice varieties are gaining demand as consumers seek quality, authenticity, and differentiated dining experiences.
  • Health-focused rice products, including low-glycemic and fortified variants, are attracting wellness-conscious consumers across regional markets.
  • Companies are expanding distribution networks and export partnerships to strengthen market penetration across Middle Eastern and African countries.

Market Size & Forecast

  • Market Size in 2025: USD 11.50 Billion
  • Projected Market Size in 2035: USD 14.16 Billion
  • CAGR from 2026 to 2035: 2.10%
  • Fastest-Growing Regional Market: UAE

Urbanization and shifts in consumer diets are shaping purchasing trends in the Middle East and Africa basmati rice market. First, there is the growing number of quick service restaurants in the region that are focusing on serving South Asian dishes. Operators of these restaurants are preferring branded basmati rice with consistent elongation and aroma for improving menu quality. Second, the market observes growth in private label retail programs within the region, as supermarkets are sourcing their basmati rice from local brands in India and Pakistan. This approach allows them to increase margins and offer premium-quality basmati rice varieties to wealthy consumers.

The Middle East and Africa basmati rice market witnesses a surge in institutional demand for premium rice varieties because of increasing sourcing relationships between the region's leading food service establishments and South Asia's exporters. For instance, in January 2026, LT Foods strengthened global footprint, targeting double-digit FY26 growth through exports, expansion, and branding initiatives. Companies are further introducing vacuum-sealed premium basmati rice packages owing to the increased consumption of this variety in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The consumption is expected to be further enhanced by growing migrant workers and upscale fine dining Indian and fusion restaurants in cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha.

A significant development in the Middle East and Africa basmati rice market is noticed with the increasing preference of branded basmati rice by institutions. Buyers are looking forward to sourcing basmati rice that is not only free from pesticides but also sustainably produced. Furthermore, institutions are expressing their interest in acquiring rice whose origins can be traced through QR-based packaging system. For example, in March 2026, LT Foods launched limited-edition Daawat Saffron Basmati Rice, targeting premium consumers with distinctive flavor experiences.

Compound Annual Growth Rate

2.1%

Value in USD Billion

2026-2035


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Key Trends and Recent Developments

Middle East and Africa Basmati Rice Market

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Middle East and Africa Basmati Rice Industry Segmentation

The Expert Market Research's report titled “Middle East and Africa Basmati Rice Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Form

  • Raw
  • Parboiled

Key Insight: The reason why raw basmati rice continues to experience high demand in the Middle East and Africa basmati rice market is its strong aroma, ease of cooking, and excellent presentation qualities. On the other hand, parboiled rice is becoming popular among retailers and institutional purchasing agents for its durability, economical nature, and high-level storage performance. While raw rice is significantly valued in luxury dining establishments, airlines, and catering services, parboiled rice assists in catering mass marketing and consumption needs. Exporters are using various strategies for creating differences between these two varieties, such as custom packaging, grain aging, fortification, and moisture management. For example, Panchamrutha Industries launched fortified rice, enhancing nutritional value, food security, and public health outcomes in May 2026.

Market Breakup by Country

  • Iran
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Iraq
  • Kuwait
  • Others

Key Insight: As per the Middle East and Africa basmati rice market report, demand in Iran is becoming more consistent due to established consumption practices of rice at household levels and increasing preference for fragrant imported rice varieties. In Saudi Arabia, hospitality-related procurement practices and bulk institutional consumption ensure its dominance. UAE continues to grow rapidly with the help of tourism, development of upscale retail outlets, and convenient purchasing habits. Iraq ensures its market growth with increased urban food distribution operations and increasing imports of packaged rice. Kuwait remains one of the key premium consumption markets for imported aromatic rice. Demand in other regional markets is gradually growing due to organized retail, foodservice development, and private-label packaged rice.

Middle East and Africa Basmati Rice Market By Segments

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Middle East and Africa Basmati Rice Market Share

By form, raw basmati accounts for the dominant share of the market due to premium aroma and versatility

The increasing consumption of raw basmati rice significantly contributes to the Middle East and Africa basmati rice market revenue since hospitality businesses favor its superior elongation and post-cooking aromatic characteristics. In Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, there is an increased preference for aged raw rice that can be used as biryani rice and in high-quality rice dishes in commercial kitchens. Efforts are being made to improve polishing techniques and packaging systems to ensure consistency in grain quality during transport. In August 2024, Crown Basmati Rice launched Diet Rice, promoting healthier eating with lower-calorie, wellness-focused rice solutions.

Parboiled basmati rice is fast becoming popular among buyers within Africa and the Middle East owing to an increase in demand for rice that lasts long and is easy to store, with little grain breakage. The Middle East and Africa basmati rice market observes an increased preference among large-scale distributors and governmental food acquisition organizations for parboiled rice varieties since they survive long periods in transport and under moist conditions. In addition, retailers are adding parboiled rice to their product range in response to the demands by families with lower economic status who require cooking convenience. Fortified parboiled rice products are also being made available on the market.

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Middle East and Africa Basmati Rice Market Regional Analysis

Saudi Arabia accounts for the leading market position due to expanding premium foodservice infrastructure rapidly

Saudi Arabia is identified as the dominating regional player in the Middle East and Africa basmati rice market owing to substantial consumption in the hospitality industry, religious tourism, and large-scale caterings. The market witnesses increased purchases of aged premium basmati rice by premium hotels, hotel chains, and institutions for a diversified food menu in the region. An ever-increasing expatriate community in the country is another reason that sustains demand for rice from household consumers. There is increased collaboration between importers and suppliers of basmati rice from India and Pakistan to ensure consistency in the quality of grains imported. For example, in October 2025, GRM Overseas expanded its 10X Basmati Rice brand into Saudi Arabia, strengthening regional distribution and market presence.

The overall basmati rice consumption is rapidly growing in the UAE on account of growing tourism, establishment of high-end supermarkets, and increasing demand for cooked foods. Food service operators are expanding their menus to include diverse cuisines, such as South Asian and fusion dishes, increasing the demand for premium aromatic rice varieties. Retailers are also making efforts in increasing shelf space for premium basmati rice to cater to the demand from health-conscious consumers and expatriates. Advanced technologies are being used for storage of grains, while there is increasing use of e-commerce websites for selling rice. In November 2025, Gautam Rice strengthened UAE presence with premium 1121 Basmati Rice, expanding regional distribution and brand recognition.

Competitive Landscape

The competitiveness among the Middle East and Africa basmati rice market players is intensifying rapidly due to the trend of premiumization, enhanced traceability of rice shipments, grain customization according to buyer requirements, and improved supply chain management. Leading producers are working on integrating automation into the rice milling process, using specialized aroma-preserving packs, and incorporating QR code-based traceability solutions to foster ties with retail chains and institutions.

In addition, Middle East and Africa basmati rice companies are seeking to establish long-term contracts with hospitality organizations, airline caterers, and hypermarkets operating in Gulf nations. Differentiation via aged rice products, fortified rice varieties, and cooking-ready options offers lucrative prospects for expanding revenue base. The producers are also improving regional warehousing capacity. Sustainable procurement practices and residue-free rice collections provide new opportunities to meet ever-evolving food safety standards. Partnerships with contemporary retailers and e-grocery platforms facilitate promotion of premium rice brands within urban centers in the Middle East and Africa region.

Adani Group

Adani Group was founded in 1988 with its headquarters based in Gujrat, India. The company specializes in integrated logistics services, ports, and agri supply chain operations, supporting the Middle East and Africa basmati rice market growth. Their facilities and export capabilities assist the sellers of basmati rice in ensuring that the shipment of their product is done efficiently and with optimal use of transportation channels to Gulf and African regions.

Supple Tek Pvt. Ltd.

Supple Tek Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 2013 and has its headquarters in Punjab, India. This organization is dedicated to exporting custom basmati rice to buyers from the Middle East countries. Supple Tek places emphasis on high-end sorting processes of the grain, moisture-controlled packaging, and manufacturing facilities for private label requirements for distributors operating in premium markets.

LT Foods Limited

LT Foods Limited was incorporated in the year 1990 and has its headquarters in Gurugram, India. The company is well-known for its Daawat range of branded basmati rice, catering to high-end hospitality, air catering and organized retail segments. LT Foods Limited is constantly working on improving traceability methods and aging of rice, thereby propelling demand in the Middle East and Africa basmati rice market.

Kohinoor Foods Ltd.

Kohinoor Foods Ltd. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in India. The company serves regional demand by supplying premium aromatic rice through supermarkets, wholesale channels, and institutional food service providers. Its focus on consistent grain quality, advanced processing technologies, export-grade standards, and efficient packaging solutions has helped strengthen its market presence and competitiveness across domestic and international markets.

Other key players in the market include Saif International Limited, among others.

*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*

Key Highlights of the Middle East and Africa Basmati Rice Market Report

  • Insights into aroma-preservation packaging and digitally traceable rice distribution systems.
  • Competitive benchmarking of leading exporters, processors, and regional distributors.
  • Country-level analysis identifying premium hospitality and organized retail growth centers.
  • Strategic outlook covering private-label expansion and institutional procurement opportunities.
  • Evaluation of fortified and ready-to-cook basmati product innovations across urban markets.

Why Rely on Expert Market Research?

  • Detailed analysis supported by food trade specialists and agricultural market researchers.
  • Customized intelligence focusing on premium rice procurement and regional consumption patterns.
  • Reliable research methodology combining exporter insights, distributor interviews, and trade evaluations.
  • Strategic recommendations designed for retailers, hospitality operators, and packaged food companies.
  • Market intelligence highlighting emerging innovations in packaging, grain preservation, and food safety compliance.

Call to Action

Unlock the latest insights with our Middle East and Africa basmati rice market trends 2026 report. Discover regional growth patterns, consumer preferences, and key industry players. Stay ahead of competition with trusted data and expert analysis. Download your free sample report today and drive informed decisions in the market.

*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*

Key Questions Answered in the Report

The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.10% between 2026 and 2035.

The major basmati rice consuming countries in the Middle East and Africa market are Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, and Kuwait, among others.

The major drivers of the market include the global increase in the number of rice consumers, thriving food industry, rising disposable incomes, and growing awareness about high nutritional value of rice.

The emerging e-commerce sector in the region owing to the growing expansion of major online-retail giants and increasing imports of the rice variety are the key trends guiding the growth of the market.

Raw and parboiled are the major forms of product included in the market.

The key players in the market are Adani Group, Supple Tek industries Pvt ltd., L.T. Food Limited, Kohinoor foods Ltd, and Saif International Limited, among others.

In 2025, the Middle East and Africa basmati rice market reached an approximate value of USD 11.50 Billion.

The market is expected to witness a healthy growth rate during the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a value of USD 14.16 Billion by 2035.

Report Summary

Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.

Key Highlights of the Report

Please note that the figures mentioned in the description serve as estimates and may vary from the actual figures presented in the final report.

REPORT FEATURES DETAILS
Base Year 2025
Historical Period 2019-2025
Forecast Period 2026-2035
Scope of the Report

Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:

  • Form
  • Region
Breakup by Form
  • Raw
  • Parboiled
Breakup by Region
  • Iran
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Iraq
  • Kuwait
  • Others
Market Dynamics
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Porter's Five Forces Analysis
  • Key Indicators for Demand
  • Key Indicators for Price
Competitive Landscape
  • Market Structure
  • Company Profiles
    • Company Overview
    • Product Portfolio
    • Demographic Reach and Achievements
    • Certifications
Companies Covered
  • Adani Group
  • Supple Tek Pvt. Ltd.
  • LT Foods Limited
  • Kohinoor foods Ltd. 
  • Saif International Limited
  • Others
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