Explore the latest trends, demand drivers and growth opportunitie...
Explore the latest trends, demand drivers and growth opportunities in the Middle East, with in-depth market and data analysis from our in-country field researchers and regional experts.
Total processed fruit and vegetables packaging volumes saw growth in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Frozen processed fruit and vegetables saw a strong increase in this year, and flexible plastic was the only notable pack type used for such products, which can…
As consumers are seeking healthier and more sustainable food options, sales of plant-based dairy products increased in Saudi Arabia in 2023, as a perceived healthier alternative to traditional dairy products, which drove up the associated packaging…
Total meals and soups packaging volumes continued to rise in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Demand for ready meals surged during the pandemic as foodservice closures and fears around food delivery drove home-cooking occasions; ready meals presented a more…
Total dairy packaging volumes in Saudi Arabia continued to fall in 2023. However, drinking milk products, including milk, returned to growth in packaging volumes in this year. Milk is packaged mainly in brick liquid cartons in the country, although…
Total confectionery packaging volumes in Saudi Arabia continued to rise in 2023, although were still unable to return to anywhere near the pre-pandemic level. In Saudi Arabia, growth in packaging volumes for chocolate confectionery improved strongly…
Following a decline in packaging volumes in 2022, total baby food packaging continued to see declining volumes in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Milk formula accounts for the most significant share of packaging volumes in baby food, and continued to decline…
Sales of sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly shaped by rising consumer awareness of health and wellness, leading to strong performances by fruit snacks, primarily dried fruit, and snack bars.…
Indulgence serves as the primary growth driver for sugar confectionery in the United Arab Emirates, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and lifestyles. Local consumers are inclined to treat themselves with confectionery that offers moments of…
In 2024, snacks in the United Arab Emirates is characterised by a dynamic blend of traditional indulgence and modern health-conscious trends. With a growing expatriate population and a resurgence in social gatherings, demand for premium and…
Volume sales of snacks in Lebanon increased modestly in 2024 as consumer spending recovered somewhat amidst a slight easing of the socioeconomic crisis and inbound tourism boomed. Numerous local manufacturers have benefited from the unavailability…
Vegetable chips in the United Arab Emirates are gaining traction as a popular alternative to traditional potato chips. Made from ingredients such as kale, sweet potatoes, and beets, they are typically baked or dehydrated, leading to lower fat and…
While ice cream in the United Arab Emirates has been traditionally marketed as a product to beat the heat, marketing is now shifting towards ice cream as an indulgent product to be enjoyed throughout the year. Ferrero's launch of its inaugural ice…
Demand for gum in the United Arab Emirates continues to rise, primarily driven by chewing gum. In the United Arab Emirates, where a diverse expatriate population coexists amid a bustling social landscape filled with numerous events and gatherings,…
Demand for chocolate confectionery in the United Arab Emirates continues to rise. In the local market, a rising number of health-conscious consumers are driving increasing demand for healthy snacks, significantly transforming perceptions around diet…
Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks is set to see current value growth in 2024. The global price of sugar rose significantly in 2023, pushing up a key raw material cost for manufacturers of sweet biscuits. In May 2023, Diplomat increased the…
Sugar confectionery is expected to see current value growth in 2024. In 2023, the price of sugar globally increased significantly. This inevitably had a direct impact on the sugar confectionery category, as one of the main ingredients in products in…
The snacks market in Israel is set to see significant current value growth in 2024, primarily as a result of marked increases in prices across categories. Indeed, with price rises coming in the context of an uncertain economic environment, broader…
Savoury snacks is expected to see current value growth in Israel in 2024. In May 2023, Strauss announced a price rise of up to 6% on many of its products, including potato chips, which came into effect in June 2023. In January 2024, Strauss again…
Ice cream is expected to see current value growth in Israel in 2024. As in other categories, price rises made a major contribution to value growth. In May 2023, the price of raw milk increased, which led to many brands increasing the prices of their…
Gum is set to see a rise in sales in current value terms in Israel in 2024. As in other categories, gum value sales have been bolstered by rising prices. Mars increased the prices of its products, including Orbit gum, by up to 7% in May 2023. Strauss…