Asia is one of the largest producers of almonds in the world. Iran is one of the largest producers of almonds in the Middle East. Iran is one of the largest walnut producers in West Asia. Iran supplies more than 70% of the world production of pistachios and is the largest producer and exporter of this product. The United States is a large market for peanut products. Due to the increased attention to health and nutrition in Asia, the demand for hazelnuts has increased significantly. Cashew is a type of nut obtained from the cashew tree. West Asia is characterized by arid and semi-arid regions, leading to limited water resources for agricultural purposes. Rice and noodles are staple foods in many Asian countries. Halal refers to food that is permissible according to Islamic law. Water scarcity is a major concern in many Middle Eastern countries due to limited freshwater resources and high population densities. West Asian countries have embraced modern agricultural practices to improve food production. Asian food manufacturers produce a vast array of products, including processed foods, snacks, beverages, sauces, seasonings, noodles, rice products, frozen foods, dairy products, and confectionery items. Greece has long been an important trading hub in Europe due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its economy is largely based on services, but trade, especially imports and exports, also plays a critical role. Over the past few decades, Greece has increasingly participated in international trade, bolstered by its membership in the European Union, which has enhanced its trade relations with other European countries and beyond. However, the country's economic landscape has also been shaped by financial crises, which have influenced its trade policies and external relations, especially with non-EU countries like those in the Middle East and West Asia.
