Kuwait consumers drive demand for rare and premium fruit varieties

Kuwait’s fresh produce market is seeing growing demand for exotic and hybrid fruits, with shoppers seeking alternatives to traditional varieties. Candy-flavoured grapes from Spain, baby mangoes from Colombia that can be eaten whole, and new blends combining the traits of kiwi, mango, and pineapple are among the products gaining attention.

Other notable imports include a Brazilian citrus fruit described as offering the aroma of tangerine, the taste of grapefruit and pomelo, and the texture of orange, as well as Spain’s Sapo melon, valued for its firm texture and natural sweetness. These fruits are brought in seasonally from different origins, ensuring year-round availability and consistent quality.

Hybrid fruits are developed through selective cross-breeding — a long-established practice that enhances traits such as flavour, texture, and shelf life without genetic modification. While cross-breeding has been used for centuries, consumer interest in hybrid fruits has accelerated globally since the early 2010s, driven by the search for healthier snacks, unique flavours, and the influence of social media trends.

This shift is now visible in Kuwait, where supermarkets and specialty shops are expanding their assortments to meet demand for rare, premium, and innovative fruit experiences.

source: kuwaittimes.com

photo: foodnetwork.com