Edible Meat Market in Bahrain: Bovine, Poultry, Goat and Sheep - Analysis of Growth, Trends and Forecasts (2020 - 2025)

The GCC countries are not only the world’s largest consumers of meat but also among the world's largest importers of meat. Bahrain is profoundly dependent on imports to mollify the need for animals and animal products, at the cost of home-based production. Animal produce is vastly consumed in the country. In 2015, Bahrain imported around USD 241 million worth of edible meat, which includes bovine, poultry, goat and sheep, etc. The Bahrain meat market is expected to reach XXX thousand tons, regarding volume, by 2021. It is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of X% between 2016 and 2021.

Drivers

Key factors in the growth of the edible meat market of Bahrain are robust economic growth, changing consumer trends, and advanced technologies. Growing population is another factor responsible for the increased consumption. Moreover, the large number of affluent local populace has led to a shift in the consumption patterns, from a carbohydrate-based diet to protein-based diet.  This has increased the demand for meat and meat products. Urbanization and growing popularity of retail format, together, are enhancing the consumption of processed food, milk and meat.

Restraints and Challenges

Major factors affecting the Kuwait edible meat market are low agro production, low animal feed production/stock and low availability of labor. Moreover, classification of red meat and processed meat as, possibly, carcinogenic foods by the WHO is also reducing the consumption of these products in certain sections of the educated population. Also, high operating costs and slow economic growth in the region are also hindering the growth in this sector

Opportunities

The Bahrain government encourages the establishment of new poultry farms and the expansion of existing ones to attain the maximum self-sufficiency possible in meat production. Hence, there are a lot of opportunities in the country regarding trade, food processing and infrastructure requirements. As many importers in this region import live animals, there exist great opportunities for setting up slaughter houses and processing plants in the region.

Key Developments

• Bahrain had banned raw beef imports from the US (February 2012) and Brazil (December 2012), due to cases of mad cow disease (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy). This has benefitted the Australian and Indian beef export market. Australian beef export has witnessed a high growth, post-2011, thereby, increasing the market share from 4% in 2010 to 9% in 2015. Also, the demand for premium products, like Angus beef from Australia, has increased. However, speculation of a possible lift of the ban on Brazilian meat export this year, along with the lift of the ban on French beef export are forcing Australia to sign a free-trade agreement with various GCC nations, to secure its export.
• GCC lifted a 15-year ban on beef imports from France, which has provided exporters some relief from the crushing pressure on meat prices, due to the Russian Embargo.
• Low oil prices have put a strain on the public finances of the government of Bahrain. This has resulted in the government deciding to reduce and prevent leakage of various subsidies, including meat axing subsidies. This is expected to double the price of meat in Bahrain, especially red meat. The effect is expected to be stronger in sheep and goat meat, as compared to bovine meat.  However, in this new policy, Bahraini families would be compensated through direct payments into their bank accounts. This policy is expected to be followed by many other small GCC nations, like Kuwait.

About the Market

·         PESTLE Analysis (Overview): Macro market factors pertinent to this region.

·         Market Definition: Main, as well as, associated/ancillary components constituting the market.

·         Key Findings of the Study: Top headlines about market trends & numbers.

·         Market Dynamics:

o   Drivers: What are the key factors driving growth in the market?

o   Restraints: Most relevant threats and restraints which hinder the growth of the market?

o   Opportunities: Sectors of high return or quick turn around on investment?

o   Market Concentration: Porter’s 5 Forces Analysis quantified by a comprehensive list of parameters.

·         Chain Analysis:

·         Competition:

o   Market Share Analysis: Top players in the market (by value and volume).

o   Company Profiles: Pertinent details about leading, high growth, and innovation-motivated stakeholders with contact, operations,      product/service offerings, financials, and strategies & insights.