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.
Retail demand for sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks recovered to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. On the other hand, current value sales fully recovered the previous year, driven by rising unit…
Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruits snacks is one of the best-performing categories within local snacks in 2023. Stronger demand is being driven by the reopening of schools and local consumers resuming their normal lives now that restrictions in…
The health and wellness trend continued to exert a strong influence on the category in 2022, with protein/energy bars posting the fastest growth in volume terms. Local consumers are increasingly interested in increasing their protein intake, which is…
Like many snacks categories in the United Arab Emirates, sugar confectionery was negatively affected in 2020 by the emergence of the pandemic, whereby lockdown measures and the closure of schools resulted in a significant decline in sales. In the…
Demand for sugar confectionery was negatively impacted in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, which led to lockdowns and schools being closed. Limited mobility and on-the-go impulse purchases, especially amongst children, were major factors in the…
Sugar confectionery saw a return to positive volume growth in 2023, following a decline in the previous year. The latter was primarily due to was due falling sales of Strauss Group’s Must and Elite brands, following a salmonella scare in one its…
Snacks in the United Arab Emirates play a significant role in consumers’ lives. The motivation for purchasing snacks can be for various reasons, including an energy boost, hunger management, nutrient intake, mood enhancement, and social engagement.…
Saudi Arabia continues to move towards its Vision 2030 goal of diversifying the local economy, which is having a significant impact on the country’s openness to trade. New developments are being constantly undertaken, while new investments…
Sales continue to rise in all snacks categories as population growth and high income levels support rising demand. Consumers are looking to healthier options at a time of spreading knowledge about the dangers of highly processed foods and their role…
After being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, sales of snacks finally began to improve in 2022. The removal of pandemic-related restrictions and the return of tourism in 2023 continued to support rising demand. While the…