Middle East Frozen Food Market Research Report, Analysis and Forecast

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Middle East Frozen Food Market Synopsis

Frozen food has become increasingly popular in the Middle East due to several factors. Firstly, the region’s hot climate makes it challenging to store and preserve fresh food items for extended periods. This has led to an increasing demand for frozen food products that offer a longer shelf life and do not require refrigeration. Frozen food products are also easy to store, convenient to prepare, and available throughout the year, making them an attractive option for consumers.

Secondly, the Middle East’s rapid urbanization and busy lifestyles have led to a growing demand for quick and convenient meal solutions. Frozen food products such as ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and frozen fruits and vegetables have become increasingly popular among consumers who are looking for convenient and time-saving options when it comes to food. Additionally, the popularity of e-commerce and online shopping has made it easier for consumers to purchase frozen food products through online channels, further driving the growth of the frozen food market in the region.

According to a report by the International Trade Centre, the Middle East is the world’s largest importer of frozen food, accounting for nearly 20% of global imports.

The top five countries exporting frozen food to the Middle East are India, China, Brazil, Thailand and Turkey.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled the demand for frozen food products in the Middle East, as consumers look for ways to stock up on essential food items and minimize their risk of exposure to the virus by reducing trips to the grocery store. The pandemic has also increased the awareness of food safety and hygiene, making frozen food products an attractive option for consumers who are concerned about the quality and safety of their food. Overall, the frozen food market in the Middle East is expected to continue growing as consumers prioritize convenience and seek out healthy and safe food options.

Middle East Frozen Food Market: Overview

Frozen food is a popular type of food product that has been preserved through the process of freezing. This can include a variety of different food items, such as ready-to-eat meals, seafood and meat products, snacks, and bakery items. One of the main advantages of frozen food is that it has a longer shelf life than fresh food, which is particularly important in hot climates like the Middle East, where it can be challenging to store fresh food for long periods without it spoiling.

The frozen food market is distributed through a variety of channels, including supermarkets, speciality stores, convenience stores, and online retail. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the most common places to find frozen food products, offering a wide range of options to consumers. Speciality stores, like health food stores and gourmet stores, also offer high-end frozen food products. Convenience stores are another popular distribution channel for frozen food products, as they cater to consumers who are looking for quick and easy meal solutions. In recent years, online retail has also emerged as an increasingly important distribution channel for frozen food products, as consumers are looking for convenient ways to purchase food products from the comfort of their own homes. Overall, the frozen food market in the Middle East is growing due to the demand for convenient meal options, longer shelf life, and the availability of a wide range of frozen food products through various distribution channels. `

Saudi Arabia frozen food Market Synopsis

The packaged food market in Saudi Arabia is growing due to the increasing demand for convenience and the rising disposable incomes of consumers. The country has seen a shift in consumer preferences towards packaged food products, as they are more convenient and offer a wider variety of options than traditional foods. Additionally, the government has implemented various initiatives to promote healthy eating habits, which has further increased the demand for packaged food products.

UAE frozen food Market Synopsis

The UAE packaged food market is also growing due to the increasing number of expatriates living in the country. These expatriates have different dietary requirements and preferences, which has led to an increased demand for packaged food products that cater to their needs. Additionally, the UAE government has implemented various initiatives to promote healthy eating habits among its citizens, which has further boosted the growth of this market.

Middle East Frozen Food Market: Segmentation

The middle east has frozen food market has been segmented into By Type and Distribution Channels.

Based on the product type, the middle east has frozen food market is Frozen Ready Meals, Frozen Seafood & Meat Products, Frozen Snacks & Bakery Products, and Others. In 2021, frozen seafood & meat products held a significant share. This is due to the convenience offered by these products. Consumers are now able to purchase a range of frozen seafood & meat products in a variety of packaging and price options, making them more accessible and appealing to a larger audience. In addition, frozen seafood & meat products offer convenience to those who are unable to access fresh seafood & meat products due to availability or geographical restrictions. As a result, the frozen seafood & meat market is expected to experience notable growth in the coming years. For example, the frozen fish segment, which accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021, is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate over the forecast period due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for human health.

Based on Distribution Channel, the market is classified as Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, and Online Retail. In 2021, the segment is expected to account for a significant share of supermarkets/hypermarkets. The supermarket/hypermarket industry is evolving rapidly and changing the face of the retailing industry. With the growth in online shopping, supermarkets and hypermarkets are now providing an even more diverse selection of products and services to accommodate changing consumer needs. For instance, many major supermarkets now offer services such as online ordering, home delivery, and click-and-collect, allowing customers to purchase goods without ever having to step foot in the store.

Recent Developments

In 2021, the Middle East frozen food space saw a number of significant developments.

In January 2021, the UAE-based frozen food company Al Islami Foods announced the launch of its new range of plant-based products. The range includes vegan burgers, falafel, and other plant-based snacks. The company also launched a new line of frozen-ready meals that are free from preservatives and additives.
In February 2021, Saudi Arabia’s leading frozen food manufacturer Almarai announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Egypt’s leading frozen food producer, El-Mina Foods. This move is expected to strengthen Almarai’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa region.
In March 2021, Kuwait-based frozen food manufacturer Al Kout Foodstuff Company announced the launch of its new range of healthy frozen meals. The range includes low-calorie meals that are free from preservatives and additives.
In April 2021, Qatar-based frozen food manufacturer Al Meera Consumer Goods Company announced the launch of its new range of organic frozen foods. The range includes organic fruits and vegetables as well as organic ready meals that are free from preservatives and additives.
In May 2021, Dubai-based frozen food manufacturer Emirates Refreshments Company announced the launch of its new range of vegan ice creams and desserts. The range includes vegan ice cream sandwiches, vegan ice cream bars, and other vegan desserts that are free from preservatives and additives.

In 2022, there were several acquisitions in the Middle East frozen food company space.

In 2022 the acquisition of Dubai-based food tech startup, Yumlane, by Saudi Arabia’s Almarai. The acquisition was part of Almarai’s strategy to expand its presence in the region and strengthen its position as a leader in the frozen food industry. The acquisition of Yumlane allowed Almarai to gain access to Yumlane’s technology and expertise in developing innovative solutions for frozen food delivery. This enabled Almarai to expand its product portfolio and reach more customers across the region.
Another significant acquisition in 2022 was that of UAE-based food tech startup, Foodics, by Saudi Arabia’s STC Group. The acquisition allowed STC Group to gain access to Foodics’ technology and expertise in developing innovative solutions for restaurant management systems. This enabled STC Group to expand its product portfolio and reach more customers across the region.