What types of products are Middle Eastern buyers looking for?

Statistics show that the Middle East is currently one of the world’s most dynamic import markets, with total annual import value estimated at more than USD 1.2 trillion. The region has a population of over 400 million, high per-capita income and a large, young demographic—factors that drive strong demand for agricultural products, processed foods, consumer goods and environmentally friendly products.

Countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rely on imports for 80–90% of their food demand, creating vast opportunities for Vietnamese exporters.

Fresh produce and agricultural items—tropical fruits, vegetables, organic products, processed foods meeting GAP or Halal standards—are being strongly sought after by Middle Eastern companies. (Illustrative photo)

Capitalising on this trend, many major retail and distribution groups in the Middle East are actively seeking high-quality Vietnamese goods. Notably, leading names such as Lulu Hypermarket (UAE), Al Othaim Markets (Saudi Arabia), Choithrams and Citi Hypermarkets (Kuwait) will be present at the Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 series, scheduled from 4 to 6 September 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City.

These enterprises are showing strong interest in categories including:
Fresh agricultural products and fruit—tropical fruits, vegetables, organic produce meeting GAP and Halal standards; processed foods—snacks, frozen seafood, spices; consumer goods and household products—plasticware, wooden goods, eco-friendly items; fashion and textiles—apparel, scarves and quality accessories.

Major distribution chains participating in Vietnam International Sourcing 2025

Lulu Hypermarket (UAE): Lulu is the leading retail group in the GCC, operating in over 10 countries with hundreds of supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores. The chain is known for its diverse sourcing capacity and strong focus on Halal-certified products. Lulu, which maintains a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, is seeking Vietnamese fruit, vegetables, seafood, processed foods and other high-quality items, with priority placed on stable and consistent supply.

Al Othaim Markets (Saudi Arabia): One of Saudi Arabia’s top retail systems with hundreds of large supermarkets, Al Othaim Markets focuses heavily on fresh food, fast-moving consumer goods and household items. The company is looking for Vietnamese suppliers of premium agricultural goods, processed foods, dried items, spices and durable household products.

Citi Hypermarkets (Kuwait): A dynamic retail brand in Kuwait expanding rapidly across GCC countries, Citi Hypermarkets is known for combining traditional retail with e-commerce. The system favours convenient food products, household goods and consumer items with strong visual appeal. Citi is seeking Vietnamese suppliers of processed agricultural products, dried foods, spices and quality consumer goods. Its key sourcing partner, Suma Group, has a rising demand for fresh and dried fruit from Viet Nam.

Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 will serve as a direct bridge between Vietnamese suppliers and strategic Middle Eastern buyers. It is an opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to present products directly to executives from major distribution chains, pursue long-term export contracts and expand into a region with high purchasing power and strong growth prospects.

Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 (VIS 2025)—Viet Nam’s largest international supply-chain exhibition—is organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in cooperation with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. Scheduled from 4 to 6 September 2025 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), the event spans approximately 10,000 m², featuring 500 enterprises from more than 60 countries and territories across key sectors of the global supply chain. Core product groups include food and beverages; interior, exterior and household goods; production and export-supporting solutions; and lifestyle products such as apparel, accessories and footwear.

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