Middle East

Retail sales of chocolate confectionery in Israel saw modest growth in volume terms in 2023, following the declining performance of the previous year. Growth was boosted by an improvement in the fortunes of leading chocolate confectionery company…

Retail volume sales of chocolate confectionery are recording stronger growth in 2023 compared to the previous year, due to the growing population, the rise in impulse purchases outside of the home, and the focus of players on expanding the presence…

The number of health-conscious consumers in the United Arab Emirates is rising, resulting in increasing demand for healthy snacks. The perception of a healthy diet has gradually changed in the domestic market. Local consumers used to consider sweets…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. In 2023, global inflation is expected to ease from its peak in 2022, but remaining significantly above-trend. Geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market are…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. Global inflation is reaching a peak, although geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market remain key risks. The impact varies between countries, with…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered the most severe global recession since World War II. In Q4 2020, the end of the pandemic started as countries began administering effective vaccines among the population; however, vaccine distribution…

Gum saw an improved performance in volume terms in 2023, following a sharp decline in the previous year. The latter was due falling sales of Strauss Group’s Must, Bazooka and Elite brands, following a salmonella scare in one its factories in April…

Gum sales were negatively impacted by the pandemic in 2020 due to lockdowns in Saudi Arabia and limited mobility outside of the home. In addition, local consumers were more focused on purchasing essential commodities such as medicine and groceries,…

Gum in the United Arab Emirates is mainly consumed on-the-go and out of the home, which resulted in a significant drop in sales in 2020 through to early 2022 due to lockdowns, social distancing measures and limited mobility. Nevertheless, as…

This report highlights key growth drivers of ice cream and frozen desserts in MEA. The economic instability has shed its weight on the category hindering its growth, nevertheless this region is set to experience a more optimistic scenario when…

The ice cream market in Israel continued its positive momentum in 2023, despite the fact that the leading players increased their prices at the end of the previous year. The indulgence trend continued to have a very strong impact on the market,…

Sales of ice cream in Saudi Arabia were negatively impacted in 2020 by the emergence of the pandemic, which led to lockdowns, school closures (with children in general one of the main drivers of snacks in the local market) and limited mobility, with…

Demand for ice cream declined significantly during the pandemic due to the lack of impulse purchases and on-the-go consumption occasions. Ice cream is often consumed immediately after being purchased in the United Arab Emirates; however, due to…

The digital revolution has been rewiring retail for years, leading to new business models, commerce ecosystems and channels for reaching and engaging consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, as e-commerce became the default…

Volume sales of savoury snacks saw minimal growth in volume terms in 2023, as the major players, including Osem Food Industries, increased their prices. In the face of these price hikes, and with fewer discounts available, local consumers looked for…

Demand for savoury snacks, for both at-home and out-of-home consumption, continues to gain momentum in 2023, resulting in a full recovery in total volume sales terms to pre-pandemic levels. Foodservice remains a particularly dynamic performer for…

Vegetable chips continue to gain in popularity in the United Arab Emirates as an alternative to traditional potato chips, as they are made from ingredients such as kale, sweet potatoes, or beets. Vegetable chips also tend to be baked or dehydrated…

The revaluation of the Iraqi dinar in 2023 eased pressure on prices to some degree, providing relief to brand owners in the snacks industry. Nonetheless, importers of major global brands are still struggling as their products remain very expensive…

Retail sales of snacks in Israel saw modest growth in volume terms in 2023, following the stagnating performance of the previous year. As a result of the war in Ukraine, and the resultant energy crisis, the price of raw materials increased…