Riyadh: Saudi markets are witnessing an abundance of local fruit varieties, characterized by high quality and nutritional value, coinciding with the start of the summer production season, contributing to food security and self-sufficiency in line with Saudi Vision 2030 targets.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, as part of its campaign to raise awareness of seasonal fruits and improve marketing efficiency, stated that local grapes enjoy strong consumer demand, with production exceeding 128,000 tons covering all local markets. The crop is noted for its taste, nutritional value, and vital role in various processing industries, making it one of the most economically significant fruits.
The ministry noted that the grape production season runs from July to August, with cultivation spread across several regions, including Tabuk, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf, Madinah, Aseer, and Taif Governorate, with the Kingdom hosting more than 6.3 million productive grapevines.
Grape cultivation in the Kingdom has seen notable development thanks to government support, modern technologies, and good agricultural practices. The most prominent local varieties include Taifi, Helwani, Banati, Early Sweet, Crimson Seedless, Thompson Seedless, and Superior, with the diversity of varieties extending the harvest period across the Kingdom's regions and supporting various processing industries.