Iraq is the third largest food importer in the Arab Middle East

  • Great chances for business for food and beverage suppliers from around the world.
  • Between 2018 and 2023, Iraq’s food imports increased with an annual growth rate of 6.2%, from US$ 10.9 billion to US$ 14.7 billion. (WTO)
  • This makes Iraq the third largest food importer in the Arab Middle East, behind Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
  • Continuous growth is expected in the coming years.
  • Iraqi food exports stood at US$ 0.233 billion in 2023.
  • In the same year, the value of food production in Iraq amounted to more than US$ 3 billion.

Opportunities in food & beverage trade with Iraq

Although domestic production is steadily increasing, Iraq is still highly dependent on food imports.

With an average income of about US$ 570, Iraq is an upper-middle class economy according to the World Bank. About 43% of monthly income is spent on food.

EU imports are particularly high for infant and baby food, eggs, honey, cheese, pasta and pet food.

Market studies predict that demand for other product groups will continue to grow, creating business opportunities in the following products:

  • Sweets, biscuits, snacks
  • Dairy products such as cheese, cream, milk powder, ...
  • Poultry and beef
  • Products for food production, processing and preservation

Range of exhibits

Food and beverages

  • Bread & bakery
  • Dairy
  • Drinks
  • Fish & seafood
  • Fresh & chilled food
  • Frozen food
  • General foods
  • Health food
  • Hot beverages
  • Ice cream & deep-frozen confectionery
  • Meat & meat products
  • Organic food
  • Snack food
  • Sweets

Equipment and supplies for hotels and restaurants, bars and cafés, canteens and commercial kitchens

  • Building furnishings and equipment
  • Coffee machines
  • Distribution systems and serving equipment
  • Ice-cream machines
  • Information and billing systems
  • Refrigeration technology
  • Kitchen technology
  • Rinsing, cleaning and disposal technologySweets

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