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.
RTDs saw significant volume growth in Israel in 2023. Spicehaus continued to push forward the premium trend in the RTDs category. After opening up a factory that can produce 10,000 cocktails a day, Spicehaus joined with Yango's delivery service in…
Cider/perry saw volume sales fall in Israel in 2023. As the cocktail trend grew in the local market, the RTD trend grew as well. Local consumers who want to have a lighter drink typically opt for RTDs as the market is growing and becoming more…
Beer saw volume sales increase slightly in Israel in 2023. Growing interest in craft beer remained a very strong trend in the market. While it has been adversely impacted by the Israel-Hamas War, immediately prior to the outbreak of the war the craft…
The two major trends in alcoholic drinks in Lebanon in 2023 were falling off-trade volume sales and rising on-trade demand. While the socioeconomic crisis has curbed spending, many local people are socialising in bars and restaurants more often and…
Alcoholic drinks saw volume sales rise in Israel in 2023 despite the fact that there was a large increase in the prices of alcohol. In January 2023, the tax on alcohol increased along with the increase of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), by 5.3%.…
Tobacco in Oman in 2023 is expected to grow gradually due to a slight population increase and moderate inflation at 1%. The Consumer Price Index for tobacco was also higher than in the past five years in July 2023. Growth is projected to accelerate…
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.…
Tobacco in the United Arab Emirates is a strong and a well-established industry. Although globally, tobacco is facing challenges, it still demonstrates healthy growth in the United Arab Emirates. One reason is cultural heritage and a strong habit of…
Heated tobacco products in the United Arab Emirates recorded the most impressive growth rates within the local tobacco industry in 2023, followed by e-vapour products. Both tobacco heating devices and heated tobacco recorded double-digit retail…
After cigarettes, pipe tobacco in the United Arab Emirates remains the most popular category in the local industry, which is determined by the historical significance of shisha, the traditional Middle Eastern pipe device. Shisha tobacco comprises the…
Despite the huge success of e-vapour products and heated tobacco products, cigarettes in the United Arab Emirates continued to record healthy growth in 2023. The smoking tradition is very strong in Arabic culture, and both locals and expatriates…
Beer in Saudi Arabia in 2023 remained the only relevant category in alcoholic drinks, as non-alcoholic beer is the only AD product allowed to be consumed in the Kingdom. This is due to the strict laws prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic drinks…
Alcoholic drinks in Saudi Arabia in 2023 continued to be characterised by the fact that alcohol is prohibited by Saudi law. As such, all sales in the category come from non-alcoholic beer. Indeed, Saudi Arabia is one of the top ten markets for…
In 2023, Kuwait witnessed a continued tradition of males smoking in public, particularly in cafés. Although volume sales of cigarettes declined, the overall value growth remained positive due to higher product prices. Kuwaiti consumers showed a…
Falling demand for cigarettes in 2023 meant a forgettable year for tobacco in Qatar. Government efforts to curb tobacco use and the spreading preference among young adults for e-vapour products, the sale of which remains banned, have put huge…
In 2024, travellers from China have fully resumed their activities due to the easing of restrictions in the country, including a return to the United Arab Emirates. This is helping to boost demand for luxury sunglasses in the United Arab Emirates, as…
Within spectacles in the United Arab Emirates, spectacle lenses remains the strongest performer. Progressive lenses are increasingly sought after for their smooth transition between vision zones, addressing diverse visual needs. Single vision lenses…
In 2024, eyewear in the United Arab Emirates is experiencing marginal volume growth but solid value growth. This indicates a further rise in average unit prices across the industry and an increase in premiumisation. The surge in spending in premium…
New launches of contact lenses in the United Arab Emirates are starting to emerge, although they are premium versions of leading brands from the likes of Johnson & Johnson’s 1-Day Acuvue and Acuvue Oasys, and Alcon’s Air Optix and Dailies (locally…
2023 saw demand for tobacco continue to rise, despite the impact of Lebanon’s ongoing socioeconomic crisis. Cigarettes are seen as an affordable luxury, with the low prices charged for local brand Cedars a crucial factor in the category’s enduring…