Iraq

Alcoholic drinks in Iraq faced huge challenges in 2023 after the Iraqi Government announced stricter enforcement of the 2017 ban on the sale of alcohol. In the KRG meanwhile, strong sales growth is being seen as the alcohol ban is not enforced there.…

All players in beauty and personal care in Iraq faced challenges in 2023 as financial instability, limitations on foreign exchange and the revaluation of the dinar fuelled price inflation. This supports informality in the market despite the shift…

The stabilisation of the Iraqi dinar in 2023 and rising local production led to price drops across consumer health in 2023, boosting demand across the board. Tighter regulation and more control over imports benefited the industry generally, while the…

Population growth and lower inflation supported rising demand across meals and soups in 2023. In the key category of edible oils, the availability of sunflower oil via the PDS put pressure on demand, while table sauces benefited from the broadening…

2023 saw dairy plagued by supply chain issues and low consumer confidence. The government responded with attempts to improve the stability of the Iraqi dinar and policies to promote local production as foreign brands tend to offer basic products made…

Demand rose across all home care categories in 2023 as population growth, urbanisation and long-term economic development all contributed to a broadly positive performance, other favourable factors included the accelerating pace of life, the shift…

2023 saw positive growth in all categories of hot drinks due to population growth and an easing of inflation. However, all industry players continue to face major structural issues, with coffee and other hot drinks importers in particular facing…

Although state finances have been improving, Iraq suffers from significant corruption and external interference in its domestic affairs. Inflation has been well controlled, but lower oil production could plunge the economy into recession in the short…

Iraq’s retail industry has continued to expand and develop during the post-pandemic era, with buoyant global oil prices, rising levels of FDI and substantial improvements in retailing infrastructure amidst booming post-conflict redevelopment all…

2024 saw strong positive sales growth across snacks in Iraq despite high inflation and the rather chaotic scene on the supply side. While imported products and international brands are popular among affluent urban professionals, the majority remain…