COUNTRY PROFILE
Discover more about the Kuwait market including overviews about the retail, foodservice, and food processing sectors. Events, resources, and more are linked throughout the profile.
$162.5 Million
In 2024, processed food exports to Kuwait reached US$162.5 million
Focus Economics reported that Kuwait’s economy is heavily dependent on oil, which accounts for around 90% of government revenue and 50% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The country holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves and has one of the highest GDP per capita figures in the Middle East.
Kuwait has one of the largest public sectors in the world, with a majority of citizens employed by the government. This has led to inefficiencies and put pressure on public finances. Expatriates make up most of the private-sector workforce, while Kuwaitis tend to prefer government jobs, creating imbalances in the labor market. Increasing private-sector participation and encouraging entrepreneurship remain key economic challenges.
The median age was 30.3 years in 2024. About 112,000 Kuwaitis are over 65 years or 3.6% of the population. Euromonitor reports that as a result of longer life expectancy and many workers moving into retirement over 2023-2040, aging will accelerate with those aged 65+ surging rapidly.
At the same time, the proportion of the working-age population will fall; however, the country’s reliance on foreign labor to keep the economy going will ensure that it remains relatively high at 60.2% in 2040. Indeed, foreign citizens will continue to make up a massive proportion of the total population at 69% in 2040. These changes in population structure will impact consumer trends, as lifestyles and habits change.
In 2023, U.S. processed food exports declined 15% to US$179.7 million. In 2024, processed food exports to Kuwait dropped another 10% to US$162.5 million.
Top U.S. processed food exported to Kuwait in 2024 included:
$4 Billion
2024 retail sales in the Kuwaiti packaged food market to be US$4 billion
3rd
Kuwait is 3rd largest market in the GCC-6 for U.S. packaged food exports
$5 Billion
Sales of packaged food in the Kuwaiti market to reach nearly US$5 billion by 2029
Euromonitor has estimated 2023 retail sales in the Kuwaiti packaged food market to be US$3.8 billion, making them the 3rd largest market in the GCC-6. That also represents an increase of 20.7% and US$659 million from 2019. They also forecast sales of packaged food in the Kuwaiti market to reach nearly US$4.8 billion by 2028, an increase of US$781.6 million and 19.5% from 2024. High growth products in the forecast include:
Euromonitor has estimated 2024 retail sales in the Kuwaiti packaged food market to be US$4 billion, making them the third largest market in the GCC-6. They also forecast sales of packaged food in the Kuwaiti market to reach nearly US$5 billion by 2029.
Euromonitor reports that cooperatives (co-ops) are the most important grocery retail format in Kuwait, and all of these stores are owned and operated by the Kuwaiti government, offering the full range of essential grocery items at prices that are subsidized and controlled by an official government agency.
Modern retailing formats continue to dominate sales in grocery retailers in Kuwait, with hypermarkets being particularly popular. Modern retailing is popular among local consumers due to the extensive product ranges and one-stop shopping that it offers. Larger-format stores are performing well, with store expansions and new outlets opening across the country. They have also been focusing on keeping up to date in terms of the latest delivery trends.
Furthermore, the fact that many Kuwaiti residents are very familiar with major international retail brands from their home countries and travels around the world make the country a particularly attractive option for global retailers looking to expand the Middle East.
$2.5 Billion
The Kuwait foodservice market size is estimated at US$2.5 billion in 2025.
62%
Quick-serve restaurants accounted for 62% of all Kuwait foodservice outlets in 2024.
30.3 yrs
The median age was 30.3 years in 2024
Mordor Intelligence reports that the Kuwait Foodservice Market size is estimated at US$3.5 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach US$5.3 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% between 2025-2030.
Quick service restaurants (QSR) maintain their dominant position in Kuwait’s foodservice market, commanding approximately 62% market share in 2024. This substantial market presence is primarily driven by the strong performance of meat-based cuisines and burger segments, which together account for over half of the QSR segment. The segment’s growth is supported by Kuwait’s high meat consumption patterns, with the nation recording an annual per capita meat consumption of around 69 kg.
Kuwait gives high priority to the importance of food security. However, the agricultural sector faces numerous challenges owing to severe scarcity of freshwater, land, and harsh weather conditions, which creates significant restrictions on food security. Domestic food production is not in a position to cover local food demand, and Kuwait is import-dependent. In recent years, the controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) has become ever more important in delivering locally produced fresh, safe, traceable, healthy premium fruits and vegetables.
