Couscous Market

The global market for couscous is expected to continue its upward trend over the next eight years, with consumption and production levels rising steadily. France, China, and the United States are the leading consumers and producers of couscous. Italy and Morocco are top exporters, with Turkey showing the highest growth in exports. Prices and consumption per capita vary by country, with France leading in per capita consumption. Overall, the couscous market shows steady growth and promising opportunities in the near future.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for couscous worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.0% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 1.2M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.0% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $3.2B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Couscous

Global couscous consumption totaled 1.1M tons in 2022, remaining stable against 2021 figures. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 7.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global consumption hit record highs at 1.2M tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The global couscous market value expanded slightly to $2.5B in 2022, rising by 3.4% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Global consumption peaked at $2.5B in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (167K tons), France (138K tons) and the United States (96K tons), together accounting for 35% of global consumption. India, Japan, Russia, Pakistan, Brazil, Indonesia, Germany, Mexico and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 24%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Pakistan (with a CAGR of +3.7%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($630M) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($310M). It was followed by the United States.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in China amounted to +3.3%. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of market growth: France (+3.5% per year) and the United States (+2.2% per year).

In 2022, the highest levels of couscous per capita consumption was registered in France (2,034 kg per 1000 persons), followed by Japan (332 kg per 1000 persons), Italy (302 kg per 1000 persons) and the United States (287 kg per 1000 persons), while the world average per capita consumption of couscous was estimated at 1.9 kg per 1000 persons.

In France, couscous per capita consumption expanded at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Japan (+0.7% per year) and Italy (-0.5% per year).

Production

World Production of Couscous

Global couscous production totaled 1.2M tons in 2022, leveling off at the previous year. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 7.5%. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs at 1.2M tons in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

In value terms, couscous production rose remarkably to $2.6B in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 19% against the previous year. Global production peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were China (167K tons), France (128K tons) and the United States (88K tons), together accounting for 33% of global production. India, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico and Turkey lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 31%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Morocco (with a CAGR of +9.0%), while production for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports

World Imports of Couscous

In 2022, supplies from abroad of couscous decreased by -2% to 147K tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 12%. Global imports peaked at 150K tons in 2021, and then declined slightly in the following year.

In value terms, couscous imports rose remarkably to $214M in 2022. Overall, total imports indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +40.9% against 2014 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 15%. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Imports By Country

In 2022, France (33K tons), distantly followed by the UK (11K tons), Belgium (8.9K tons), the United States (8.9K tons), Spain (8.1K tons) and Germany (7.3K tons) were the major importers of couscous, together making up 52% of total imports. Senegal (4K tons), Poland (3.8K tons), the Netherlands (3.7K tons), Italy (3.6K tons), the Czech Republic (3.5K tons), Austria (3.4K tons) and Russia (3.1K tons) held a relatively small share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to couscous imports into France stood at +3.8%. At the same time, Russia (+30.5%), Poland (+22.5%), Austria (+12.5%), the Czech Republic (+11.5%), Germany (+9.5%), the Netherlands (+8.7%), the UK (+7.8%), Spain (+6.8%), Belgium (+4.6%), Italy (+4.5%) and the United States (+1.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Russia emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +30.5% from 2012-2022. Senegal experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of Poland (+2.1 p.p.), the UK (+1.9 p.p.), Russia (+1.9 p.p.) and Germany (+1.8 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of Senegal (-1.9 p.p.), France (-2 p.p.) and the United States (-2.2 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, France ($47M) constitutes the largest market for imported couscous worldwide, comprising 22% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United States ($17M), with an 8% share of global imports. It was followed by Belgium, with a 7.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in France stood at +5.0%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (+2.3% per year) and Belgium (+5.8% per year).

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average couscous import price amounted to $1,450 per ton, picking up by 11% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($1,994 per ton), while Senegal ($253 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+3.2%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Couscous

In 2022, the amount of couscous exported worldwide declined to 155K tons, falling by -8.4% on 2021. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of 169K tons, and then declined in the following year.

In value terms, couscous exports reached $217M in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +5.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 15%. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Exports By Country

In 2022, Italy (44K tons) and Morocco (36K tons) were the largest exporters of couscousaround the world, together recording approx. 52% of total exports. It was distantly followed by France (24K tons) and Tunisia (15K tons), together making up a 25% share of total exports. The following exporters - Turkey (6.3K tons), Canada (5.1K tons), Germany (3.4K tons) and Israel (2.9K tons) - together made up 11% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +64.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest couscous supplying countries worldwide were Italy ($59M), Morocco ($47M) and France ($34M), together accounting for 65% of global exports. Tunisia, Canada, Germany, Turkey and Israel lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 19%.

Among the main exporting countries, Turkey, with a CAGR of +58.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average couscous export price amounted to $1,397 per ton, increasing by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average export price increased by 16%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($1,978 per ton), while Turkey ($775 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Tunisia (+2.9%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform