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.
The global economic situation in 2022 saw many investors flock to the United Arab Emirates, so that they could protect their businesses from volatile markets and rising inflation. Dubai’s investors now have better access to fine wine trading. For…
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…
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…
A greater focus on sustainability in the United Arab Emirates has reached alcoholic drinks. Consumer demand for sustainable spirits in particular, has been met by a new launch of award-winning and sustainable tequila brand Mijenta. Mijenta’s…
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.…
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…
Spirit-based RTDs continued to drive category sales in the United Arab Emirates at the end of the review period. These mainly consist of rum-based drinks with 4% ABV mixed with fruit flavours, such as strawberry, orange, pineapple, grapefruit,…
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…
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…
As cider is historically an alternative to beer in the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar boosted demand for this alcoholic drink in addition to beer sales in late 2022, despite inflation hitting the local market. Since Budweiser…