Middle East and Africa Frozen Snacks Industry

Middle East and Africa Frozen Snacks Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa Frozen Snacks Market is expected to register a CAGR of 7.45% during the forecast period.

• Backed by increasing number of time-poor consumers coupled with development of healthy snacking options in the market, the frozen snacks market is progressively paving its way in overall snack industry of the region. Companies such as Grand Mills Bakeries owned by Agthia, are offering frozen bakeries products including baguettes, with the firm claiming the use of most modern frozen bakery technology in the GCC.
• By distribution channel, supermarkets led the sales, owing to growing prevalence of private label brands aiding the sales of these formats. The brand Lulu owned by Lulu Hypermarket is one of the most dominant private label brands in the region with offerings ranging from frozen meat products to potato fries and wedges.

Middle East and Africa Frozen Snacks Market Trends

Increase in Demand for Ready-To-Cook Meat Products

Convenience is the key factor driving the growth of ready-to-cook meat consumption in the region, with improving lifestyle and a rise in the number of working women. According to the World Bank Data, South Africa accounts for the largest share of women working in the country that is 45% in 2019, followed by UAE and Saudi Arabia at 17.5% and 15.8%, respectively. Although the share of working women in Middle Eastern countries is relatively low, the population is continuously rising over the years, which is expected to drive convenience foods market including frozen snacks. Further due to the technological innovations in the food industry, the range of convenience food has expanded to frozen, portion-controlled, shelf-stable, microwave-able, and others. Ready-to-cook meat products has slowly emerged as one of the fastest growing segments in the packaged and produced food market, owing to increasing purchasing power and urbanization.

Saudi Arabia Captures Significant Share in the Market

Owing to low self-sufficiency rates in terms of food production, Saudi Arabia as other gulf countries is majorly dependent on imports to meet domestic consumption. As a result, the country holds high prevalence of frozen foods products when it comes to other food formats, due to high shelf stability and ease of imports. Moreover, aided by high population of Saudi Arabia than other regional countries, the consumption volume of food is much higher, further cutting a larger share of country in the market studied. The main exporters of processed meat to Saudi Arabia are the European countries, such as France and the Netherlands. There are few players active in the meat processing industry in the country, thus, creating ample opportunities for the international players to enter the market.

Middle East and Africa Frozen Snacks Industry Overview

The market is competitive with the presence of numerous regional and international players in the industry. With the rise in the demand for halal foods in the gulf region, companies like JBS SA operate in the halal meat segment through a dedicated subsidiary, Seara. The subsidiary deals in 100% Natural, Perfect Cuts, Whole Chicken, Ready-to-Eat and Chicken Parts products. The key players have embarked on industry consolidation by leveraging their distribution network, acquiring regional players, and developing new products with customization for different end-user industries.

Middle East and Africa Frozen Snacks Market Leaders