Middle East Soups and Sauces Market Research Report, Analysis and Forecast

Middle East Soups and Sauces Market Synopsis

In Middle Eastern cuisine, where traditional dishes are frequently served with savoury sauces and broths, soups and sauces are crucial ingredients. Also, the region’s fast-paced way of life has raised the demand for quick-to-prepare food options, making soups and sauces a common choice for time-pressed people seeking a quick but fulfilling dinner.

Also, a variety of cultural backgrounds and tastes are represented in the Middle East region’s population. As a result, a variety of soups and sauces are offered in the market to suit different tastes and nutritional needs. For instance, while some customers favour clear, light broths, others prefer rich, creamy soups. Similar to how certain sauces are sour or spicy, others are sweet.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Middle Eastern soups and sauces are among the most popular dishes in the region, with over 80% of households consuming them regularly.

The top five countries exporting Middle Eastern soups and sauces are Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

The most popular Middle Eastern soups and sauces include hummus, tahini, baba ghanoush, labneh, and tzatziki.

Moreover, with the growth of the tourism industry in the Middle East, there has been an increased interest in local cuisine among visitors. This has led to a rise in demand for authentic Middle Eastern soups and sauces, creating opportunities for local manufacturers to showcase their products and expand their market reach.

In summary, the combination of cultural significance, busy lifestyles, diverse consumer preferences, and tourism has led to a high demand for soups and sauces in the Middle East.

Middle East Soups and Sauces Market: Overview

Soups and Sauces are popular food items that enhance the flavour and texture of dishes. These products come in various forms such as canned and packets and are consumed by households, food service providers, and food manufacturers.

In terms of types, soups can be classified into wet, dehydrated, dry, frozen, and instant varieties, while sauces can be categorized into table sauces and cooking sauces. These products are widely used in various cuisines and can be customized according to taste preferences.

The soups and sauces market is driven by the increasing demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food products. Busy lifestyles and the desire for quick and easy meal solutions have contributed to the popularity of these products. Additionally, the growing trend of dining out and the rise in the number of restaurants and cafes have also boosted the demand for soups and sauces.

The canned soups and sauces segment has been experiencing significant growth in the Middle East due to its convenience and longer shelf life. On the other hand, packets of soups and sauces offer greater flexibility in terms of portion control and customization.

Overall, the soups and sauces market in the Middle East is expected to continue to grow, with food manufacturers and service providers focusing on innovation and product differentiation to meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers.

Saudi Arabia Soups and Sauces Market Synopsis

The Soups and Sauces market in Saudi Arabia is growing due to the increasing demand for convenience foods. Consumers in the region are increasingly looking for ready-made meals that can be quickly prepared and consumed. This has led to an increase in demand for soups and sauces, which are easy to prepare and provide a variety of flavours. Additionally, the health-conscious population of Saudi Arabia is increasingly looking for healthier options, such as low-fat soups and sauces, which has further contributed to the growth of this market.

UAE Soups and Sauces Market Synopsis

The Soups and Sauces market in the UAE is also growing due to the increasing number of expatriates living in the country. These expatriates come from different countries with different culinary traditions, which has led to an increased demand for a variety of soups and sauces. Additionally, the UAE’s affluent population is increasingly looking for high-end products with unique flavours, which has further contributed to the growth of this market.

Middle East Soups and Sauces Market: Segmentation

The middle east soups and sauces market has been segmented into Packaging, Product Type and End Use.

Based on the Packaging, the middle east has a soups and sauces market for Canned, and Packets. In 2021, the packets segment held a significant share. This is because consumers are increasingly turning toward convenient, easy-to-prepare, and ready-to-eat food products. Packets provide the perfect solution for their needs, as they are easy to store and transport, and are available in a variety of flavours and sizes. Furthermore, packets are a cost-effective alternative to cooking full meals, making them an attractive option for many budget-conscious consumers. For example, companies such as Unilever offer a variety of packet meals, including instant noodles, soups, and pasta meals, which can be prepared within minutes.

Based on Product Type, the market is classified as (Soups (Wet, Dehydrated, Dry, Frozen, Instant) Sauces (Table Sauces, Cooking Sauces) Others). In 2021, the segment is expected to account for a significant share of soups and sauces. In the soups and sauces market, table sauces are among the most popular and widely consumed segments. This is because they are convenient and widely available in grocery stores and supermarkets, making them an easy option for households and food service providers alike. However, there may be variations in demand and popularity depending on specific regions and cultural preferences. Furthermore, table sauces can be easily tailored to meet the exact tastes and flavours that the local market desires. This allows for further differentiation and staying one step ahead of the competition.

Based on the End Use, the middle east has a soups and sauces market for Food Manufacturers, Food Service Providers, and households. In 2021, the households segment held a significant share. Food manufacturers and food service providers may require large quantities of soups and sauces for their products and services, while households may purchase soups and sauces for their consumption. Additionally, with the increasing popularity of home-cooked meals and meal delivery services, the demand for soups and sauces in households may continue to grow. To further capitalize on this trend, food manufacturers and suppliers could target households with marketing campaigns and product offerings tailored to the needs of individual consumers.

Recent Developments

In 2021, the Middle East Soups and Sauces space saw several significant developments.

In January 2021, the UAE-based food company Al Islami launched a new range of ready-to-eat soups and sauces. The range includes traditional Middle Eastern flavours such as shawarma, kofta, and tabbouleh. The products are available in both retail stores and online.
In February 2021, the Saudi Arabian food company Almarai acquired a majority stake in the Jordanian food company Al-Rabih Foods. This acquisition will allow Almarai to expand its presence in the Middle East Soups and Sauces space by introducing new products to the region.
In March 2021, the Kuwaiti food company KFC launched a new line of ready-to-eat soups and sauces. The range includes flavours such as chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, and garlic sauce. The products are available in both retail stores and online.
In April 2021, the UAE-based food company Emirates Food Industries launched a new range of ready-to-eat soups and sauces. The range includes traditional Middle Eastern flavours such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and tahini sauce. The products are available in both retail stores and online.

In 2022, there were several acquisitions in the Middle East soups and sauces company space.

In April 2022, the Kuwait-based food company Americana Group acquired the Saudi Arabian food company Al Kabeer for $1.1 billion. This acquisition allowed Americana Group to expand its presence in the Middle East and North Africa region, as well as gain access to Al Kabeer’s portfolio of products, which includes a range of soups and sauces.
In May 2022, the UAE-based food company Agthia Group acquired the Saudi Arabian food company Al Safi Danone for $1.2 billion. This acquisition allowed Agthia Group to expand its presence in the Middle East and North Africa region, as well as gain access to Al Safi Danone’s portfolio of products, which includes a range of soups and sauces.
In June 2022, the UAE-based food company National Food Products Company (NFPC) acquired the Saudi Arabian food company Almarai for $2.5 billion. This acquisition allowed NFPC to expand its presence in the Middle East and North Africa region, as well as gain access to Almarai’s portfolio of products, which includes a range of soups and sauces.

The Middle East Soups and Sauces Market is segmented as follows:

By Packaging