Market Trends of Middle East and Africa Frozen Snacks Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the MEA Frozen Snacks Market according to our research experts:
Increase in Demand for Ready-To-Cook Meat Products
Convenience is the key factor driving the growth of ready-to-cook meat consumption in the region, with improving lifestyle and a rise in the number of working women. According to the World Bank Data, South Africa accounts for the largest share of women working in the country that is 45% in 2019, followed by UAE and Saudi Arabia at 17.5% and 15.8%, respectively. Although the share of working women in Middle Eastern countries is relatively low, the population is continuously rising over the years, which is expected to drive convenience foods market including frozen snacks. Further due to the technological innovations in the food industry, the range of convenience food has expanded to frozen, portion-controlled, shelf-stable, microwave-able, and others. Ready-to-cook meat products has slowly emerged as one of the fastest growing segments in the packaged and produced food market, owing to increasing purchasing power and urbanization.
Saudi Arabia Captures Significant Share in the Market
Owing to low self-sufficiency rates in terms of food production, Saudi Arabia as other gulf countries is majorly dependent on imports to meet domestic consumption. As a result, the country holds high prevalence of frozen foods products when it comes to other food formats, due to high shelf stability and ease of imports. Moreover, aided by high population of Saudi Arabia than other regional countries, the consumption volume of food is much higher, further cutting a larger share of country in the market studied. The main exporters of processed meat to Saudi Arabia are the European countries, such as France and the Netherlands. There are few players active in the meat processing industry in the country, thus, creating ample opportunities for the international players to enter the market.
