GCC Red Meat Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

GCC Red Meat Market Analysis

The GCC Red Meat Market size is estimated at 4 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 4.4 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.89% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The GCC red meat industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing demographics and consumer preferences. Bahrain's population grew by 0.9% in 2023, reaching 1,485,509 residents, while maintaining a strong per capita disposable income of USD 22,707.50. This demographic evolution, coupled with an increasing expatriate population from Western and Asian nations, has led to diversification in red meat consumption patterns. Quality, Halal certification, and taste have emerged as primary factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions, with sustainability considerations taking a secondary role. The industry has adapted by expanding product offerings to cater to these evolving preferences while maintaining strict adherence to religious and cultural requirements.

The retail landscape for red meat distribution is undergoing substantial modernization across the GCC region. Major developments include Amazon's selection of Abu Dhabi as its Middle Eastern logistics hub, scheduled to open in 2024 with a facility spanning 175,000 square meters. This infrastructure expansion is complemented by innovations in retail technology, exemplified by the launch of the region's first completely automated cashier-less store, Carrefour City+, in September 2023. These advancements are reshaping how consumers access and purchase red meat products, with particular emphasis on maintaining cold chain integrity and product freshness.

Religious and cultural factors continue to shape market dynamics while simultaneously accommodating diverse consumer segments. The UAE's Christian population, comprising 12.9% of residents in 2022, has influenced the availability of various meat products, including pork, in designated retail sections. This demographic diversity has prompted retailers to develop sophisticated segregation systems and specialized storage solutions to respect religious requirements while meeting diverse consumer needs. The industry has responded by implementing strict protocols for product handling and display, ensuring compliance with both religious requirements and food safety standards.

The GCC meat market is witnessing significant evolution in consumption patterns and preferences across different meat categories. Bahrain leads in beef consumption with 15.80 kg per capita in 2023, highlighting the growing appetite for premium meat products. The industry has responded by enhancing cold chain infrastructure and expanding processing capabilities. For instance, A.P. Moller - Maersk's development of a new cold storage facility at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam demonstrates the focus on improving supply chain efficiency. These infrastructure investments are complemented by technological advancements in meat processing and packaging, ensuring product quality and extending shelf life while maintaining compliance with regional regulatory requirements.

GCC Red Meat Market Trends

The underdeveloped local supply chain in the region is restraining production

• Beef production in the region declined by 7.92% in 2022 from 2021. Saudi Arabia accounted for the region's major share of beef production. However, beef production is declining in Saudi Arabia. In 2022, beef production in the country dropped by 21.63%, registering a decline from 40 thousand tons in 2021 to 31 thousand tons in 2022. Imports account for the major beef source in Saudi Arabia. The country's beef imports grew at a rate of 1.54% in 2022 compared to 2021. India, Brazil, and Australia were the major exporters of beef to Saudi Arabia in 2021, with India exporting around 27 thousand tons. With the change in the maximum shelf life of imported frozen products, manufacturers from the United States are hoping that will result in increased sales growth in the Kingdom.
• Qatar has an exponential decline in beef production, and it had a decline of 43.74% in 2022 compared to the previous year. Qatar's beef production reached 925 tons in 2022 from 1644 tons in 2021. However, the local value chain of the bovine category is underdeveloped, and live bovine animals are imported for local slaughtering. Large amounts of water and animal feed are required for fattening large animals such as cattle.
• Bahrain accounted for the lowest production in the region. However, the country saw growth in the production of beef by 3.40% in 2022. The beef market in Bahrain sees a huge demand during the Ramadan season. According to the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Undersecretary for Animal Wealth Resources, the country imported 11,611 heads of livestock, including 10,500 heads of sheep, 1,077 heads of cattle, and 40 heads of camels, to ensure sufficient stock, bringing the total availability to 27,000 heads of livestock during the Ramadan season of 2023.

The market is observing a growing demand for premium beef

• Kuwait and Bahrain recorded the highest prices for essential goods in the Gulf region. In 2022, 1 kg of beef was priced at USD 4.91 in Bahrain and USD 4.93 in Kuwait, whereas in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, it was priced below USD 4. The reliance of Gulf countries on imports for necessities, including beef and beef products, is one of the leading causes of price increases.
• Spending on premium meat is high in Middle Eastern countries owing to their large affluent populations. For the past eight years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have consistently ranked among Australia's top 20 most valuable beef export markets. In October 2022, the price of beef in Australia reached USD 2.82/1 kg, up by 5.3% week-on-week and 5.1% Y-o-Y, owing to rising exports. Western-style foodservices have grown rapidly in the last decade due to accelerated economic growth driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increased tourism. This has increased demand for higher-quality beef grades and cuts.
• The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has expanded the shelf life for chilled beef from the United States from 70 to 120 days. This measure is expected to help US exporters save at least USD 4 per kg due to lower transportation costs while allowing Saudi Arabian importers to purchase larger quantities of US beef. Instead of just a few weeks per the prior regulation, Saudi Arabian importers now have at least 70 days to sell US beef. The extra time is expected to increase profitability since a longer shelf life minimizes the need for last-minute panic sales at steep discounts.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: Type

Mutton Segment in GCC Red Meat Market

Mutton dominates the GCC red meat market, commanding approximately 53% of the total market value in 2024. The segment's strong performance is primarily driven by cultural preferences and traditional dietary habits across the Gulf region. Fresh and chilled mutton remains the most preferred form, particularly for traditional dishes like kebabs, koftas, and biryanis. The segment's growth is supported by robust import channels from major suppliers like Australia, New Zealand, and India, ensuring a steady supply to meet the high regional demand. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait are the major importers of mutton, with consumers showing an increasing preference for premium quality and grass-fed options. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the extensive presence of both modern retail channels and traditional meat markets that cater to specific consumer preferences for cuts and quality grades.

Other Meat Segment in GCC Red Meat Market

The Other Meat segment, which primarily includes camel and horse meat, is projected to demonstrate the strongest growth trajectory in the GCC red meat market, with an anticipated CAGR of approximately 2% during 2024-2029. This growth is largely attributed to increasing consumer interest in alternative meat options and the cultural significance of camel meat in the region. Saudi Arabia leads the consumption of other meats, particularly camel meat, which is considered a delicacy and often served on special occasions. The segment's expansion is supported by government initiatives to develop the domestic camel meat industry, with significant investments in processing facilities and supply chain infrastructure. The processed meat category within this segment is showing particular promise, driven by changing consumer preferences and the development of innovative product offerings that cater to both traditional and modern consumption patterns.

Remaining Segments in Type Segmentation

The beef segment represents a significant portion of the GCC red meat market, serving as a crucial protein source for the region's diverse population. The segment's dynamics are shaped by substantial imports from major beef-producing nations, with fresh and chilled beef particularly popular among consumers. The market is witnessing a notable shift toward premium beef products, especially in countries focusing on tourism and hospitality sector development. The segment's growth is supported by increasing shelf-life regulations for imported beef products and the expansion of cold chain infrastructure across the region. Additionally, the processed beef category is gaining traction, particularly in urban areas, driven by the rising demand for convenient food options among the working population.

Segment Analysis: Form

Fresh/Chilled Segment in GCC Red Meat Market

The fresh and chilled segment dominates the GCC red meat market, accounting for approximately 52% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by the strong cultural preference for fresh meat in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in dishes like kebabs, shawarma, and grilled meats. The segment's dominance is further reinforced by consumer perception of fresh meat having superior quality, better flavor, and texture compared to other forms. Major retail chains and local butcher shops across the GCC region have invested heavily in cold chain infrastructure to maintain the quality and freshness of meat products, while key players like Almunajem Foods and Tanmiah Food Group have established dedicated facilities to serve the fresh mutton segment specifically.

Processed Segment in GCC Red Meat Market

The processed meat segment is projected to be the fastest-growing category in the GCC red meat market during 2024-2029, with an expected growth rate of approximately 3% annually. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for ready-to-eat meals, particularly among the growing working population and expatriate communities in the region. The rapid expansion of various online and offline retail channels, coupled with the establishment of numerous quick-service restaurants across the Middle East, has propelled the sales of packaged processed products. The segment's growth is further supported by significant investments in meat processing facilities by both regional and international players, along with technological advancements in processing and packaging methods that extend shelf life while maintaining halal compliance.

Remaining Segments in Form Segmentation

The frozen and canned segments complete the GCC red meat market's form segmentation, each serving distinct consumer needs and preferences. The frozen segment has gained significant traction due to its longer shelf life and convenience, particularly among expatriate communities and institutional buyers. This segment has benefited from improved cold chain infrastructure and storage facilities across the region. Meanwhile, the canned segment, while smaller in market share, maintains steady demand due to its convenience and longer shelf life, particularly in remote areas and for emergency food supplies. Both segments have seen increased adoption in the foodservice sector and retail channels, supported by improvements in packaging technology and preservation methods that maintain halal compliance and product quality.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

On-Trade Segment in GCC Red Meat Market

The on-trade distribution channel dominates the GCC red meat market, accounting for approximately 60% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by the region's thriving food service industry, which caters to both locals and tourists. The segment's strength is particularly evident in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where a robust restaurant sector, coupled with high disposable incomes and a strong dining-out culture, continues to drive demand. The growth in religious tourism, particularly in Saudi Arabia, has further bolstered the on-trade segment, with numerous restaurants and food service establishments serving halal-certified red meat products. Additionally, the segment has evolved to incorporate modern dining trends, including premium steakhouses and specialized meat restaurants, which cater to the region's affluent population and international visitors. The expansion of hotel chains and quick-service restaurants across GCC countries has also contributed significantly to the segment's dominant position.

Off-Trade Segment in GCC Red Meat Market

The off-trade distribution channel is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the GCC meat market, projected to grow at approximately 2% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This growth is being driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of e-commerce platforms and digital payment solutions across the region. The segment is witnessing significant investments in cold chain infrastructure and last-mile delivery capabilities, particularly in major cities across Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Modern retail formats are increasingly incorporating advanced meat processing and packaging technologies to ensure product quality and extend shelf life. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising trend of home cooking and meal preparation, especially among the younger population and working professionals. Additionally, retailers are expanding their premium meat offerings and implementing strict quality control measures to meet the growing consumer demand for high-quality, traceable meat products.

Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel

Within the off-trade channel, various sub-segments play crucial roles in shaping the market dynamics. Supermarkets and hypermarkets serve as primary retail destinations, offering a wide range of fresh, frozen, and processed meat products under one roof. Convenience stores cater to immediate consumption needs and are particularly important in residential areas and business districts. The online channel, though relatively newer, is rapidly evolving with specialized meat delivery platforms and e-commerce solutions. Other distribution channels, including traditional butcher shops and specialty meat stores, continue to serve specific consumer segments with customized cutting and processing services. Each of these channels contributes uniquely to the market's development by catering to different consumer preferences and shopping behaviors across the GCC region.

GCC Red Meat Market Geography Segment Analysis

Red Meat Market in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia dominates the GCC red meat market, commanding approximately 34% of the total market value in 2024. The country's robust market position is driven by its large population base and strong consumer preference for premium red meat products. The market is characterized by a growing demand for both fresh and processed red meat products, with beef emerging as the most consumed meat type. The country's regulatory bodies are actively encouraging local producers to boost meat production to cater to the surging demand. The growing automation in meat processing facilities and cold chain infrastructure has significantly improved the quality and availability of red meat products. The rise in the working women population and changing dietary preferences have led to increased consumption of processed red meat products. The country has also seen significant investments in meat processing units and cold storage facilities to ensure a consistent supply throughout the year.

Red Meat Market in Oman

Oman's red meat market is projected to grow at approximately 2% during 2024-2029, driven by strategic investments in the meat processing industry. The country's government is actively investing in integrated livestock rearing and meat processing projects through initiatives like the Al Bashayer Meat Project. The growing automation in meat processing facilities and increasing focus on local production capabilities are reshaping the market dynamics. Beef constitutes the largest segment, with fresh and chilled forms being particularly popular among consumers. The rise in disposable income and changing consumption patterns from carbohydrate-rich to protein-rich diets are driving market growth. The country's meat processing industry is witnessing significant technological advancements, improving production efficiency and product quality. The market is also benefiting from the growing tourism sector and increasing expatriate population, which is driving demand for diverse meat products and cuts.

Red Meat Market in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates' red meat market is characterized by its sophisticated distribution network and strong import infrastructure. The country has established itself as a major hub for meat trade in the region, with well-developed cold chain facilities and processing units. Mutton remains the predominant meat type, particularly popular in traditional dishes and during festive seasons. The market is witnessing increased demand for premium quality red meat products, driven by the country's large expatriate population and robust tourism sector. The UAE has also made significant strides in science-led farming, particularly in breeding sheep adapted to the warmer Gulf climate. The country's focus on food security has led to investments in local production capabilities while maintaining strong import relationships with major meat-producing nations. The market is also seeing rapid growth in processed red meat products, catering to the busy urban lifestyle of its population.

Red Meat Market in Kuwait

Kuwait's red meat market demonstrates strong growth potential, supported by its robust retail infrastructure and evolving consumer preferences. The country has liberalized its regulations on shelf life for chilled meat products, enhancing market efficiency and product availability. Mutton dominates the market, particularly in fresh and chilled forms, reflecting traditional dietary preferences. The government's focus on increasing domestic production and processing capabilities is reshaping the market landscape. The country has witnessed significant growth in modern retail formats, improving accessibility to various meat products. Kuwait's meat processing industry is undergoing modernization, with companies investing in advanced technologies and cold chain infrastructure. The market is also benefiting from the growing food delivery services and e-commerce platforms, making premium red meat products more accessible to consumers.

Red Meat Market in Other Countries

The red meat markets in Bahrain and Qatar exhibit unique characteristics shaped by their respective demographic and economic factors. Bahrain's market is influenced by its high per capita consumption of red meat and growing tourism sector, while Qatar's market is driven by its focus on achieving self-sufficiency in meat production. Both countries are witnessing significant investments in meat processing infrastructure and cold chain facilities. The markets are characterized by a strong presence of international brands and a growing preference for premium red meat products. These countries are also experiencing rapid growth in modern retail formats and online meat delivery services, catering to changing consumer preferences and lifestyles. The governments in these regions are implementing supportive policies to enhance local production capabilities while maintaining quality standards through strict regulatory frameworks.

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