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Middle East Protein Market Size

The Middle East Protein Market is experiencing significant growth, with the food and beverage sector leading in application, driven by the increasing demand for plant-based and alternative proteins. This trend is bolstered by the rising number of vegan and flexitarian consumers in the region. The animal feed segment is also expanding, largely due to the incorporation of sustainable plant proteins like soy and wheat. Additionally, the personal care and cosmetics industry is emerging as a rapidly growing area for protein application, with a focus on ingredients such as collagen and keratin. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates are key markets, each contributing to the overall market size through their unique consumption patterns and industry demands.

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Market Size of middle east protein Industry

Middle East Protein Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 1.37 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 1.84 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by End User Food and Beverages
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 6.14 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Saudi Arabia
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Middle East Protein Market Analysis

The Middle East Protein Market size is estimated at 1.37 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 1.84 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.14% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

1.37 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

1.84 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

4.61 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

6.14 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Source

57.49 %

value share, Plant, 2023

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Food and beverage and animal feed drove the plant protein segment in the region. Among all, soy protein remained most favored, owing to its low cost and excellent quality.

Largest Market by End User

61.83 %

value share, Food and Beverages, 2023

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The higher supply of plant proteins like rice, pea, and wheat proteins that can mimic meat texture together with protein fortification is catering to the segment.

Fastest growing Market by Source

6.16 %

Projected CAGR, Animal, 2024-2029

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Growing demand for milk proteins in the supplements and food and beverage segment is estimated to drive the segment growth. Also, an increasing preference for collagen-based supplements and skin care products is identified as a key driving factor.

Fastest growing Market by End User

7.23 %

Projected CAGR, Personal Care and Cosmetics, 2024-2029

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The rising consumer interest in anti-aging beauty products such as collagen-based skincare and hair-care products fuels the protein demand in the segment. Increasing preference for clean-label cosmetics is estimated to boost the sales of plant proteins like textured pea protein.

Leading Market Player

6.16 %

market share, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, 2021

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Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited gained a competitive edge over other players due to its extensive product portfolio, along with its strategic moves toward innovation.

Rising number of vegan and flexitarian consumers in the Middle East has resulted in an increased market share of food and beverages segment in the region

  • The food and beverage segment led the application of proteins in the region, accounting for a major volume share. The share was highly influenced by the dairy, meat-alternative, and bakery industries, which accounted for 42% of the value share of the overall proteins consumed in the Middle East in 2022. The share is primarily driven by the rising number of vegan and flexitarian consumers who increasingly rely on or are open to animal-free product offerings in the market.
  • This segment is followed by the animal feed segment, which is largely driven by the application of plant proteins. The inclusion of sustainable plant protein sources, mainly soy and wheat proteins, highly drives the segment due to their low cost, excellent digestibility, and neutral flavor profile. Hence, pea protein has opportunities for wide applications in animal feed and is anticipated to be the fastest-growing protein type in the animal feed segment, with a CAGR of 8.8% by volume during the forecast period.
  • The personal care and cosmetics segment is the fastest-growing, with a projected CAGR of 7.12% by value during the forecast period. Proteins are used in a range of cosmetics products, including emulsions, gels, shampoos, conditioners, and creams. Proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin are also gaining popularity due to their higher efficacy in naturally strengthening the skin and hair texture. Companies like Estee Lauder, Neu Cosmetics DMCC, and Guerlain are increasingly investing in R&D to develop more effective and sustainable alternative protein sources. This factor is further boosting the ingredient scope and application in personal care products, which may aid the growth of the market in the future.
Middle East Protein Market

With more than half of its population looking to consume protein supplements, Saudi Arabia registered the maximum market share in the region's protein market

  • One of the region's most important dietary and consumer trends is the shift toward plant-based, flexitarian, or reducetarian diets. This has resulted in the highest share of plant proteins. Plant proteins accounted for an applicational volume of 82% in 2022.
  • Saudi Arabia led the market in 2022. The food and beverage and animal feed segments held volume shares of 52% and 41%, respectively, in 2022, largely contributing to the market growth. This was due to Saudi Arabia's high level of product integration and fiercely competitive environment. Companies are strengthening their domestic presence by acquiring small businesses, thereby expanding their protein production units and product portfolios.
  • The rise in active lifestyles in Saudi Arabia is anticipated to increase protein consumption. In 2021, 48.2% of people across Saudi Arabia engaged in physical and sporting activities for at least 30 minutes per day. The consumption of protein in Saudi Arabia accounted for a volume of 8,234.4 tons in 2022. About 50% of physically active people consumed protein supplements in 2020. About 56.1% of active people consume protein supplements to gain muscles, followed by 28.6% of people using protein supplements to compensate for protein deficiency.
  • Iran is the second-largest consumer of protein. Iran is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 8.4% in terms of volume during the forecast period. Plant protein dominated the Iranian market, driven by the demand from the food and beverage and animal feed sectors.
  • The United Arab Emirates is another key protein market in the region, led by soy protein. Soy protein accounted for 55.90% of the value share of the UAE protein market in 2022. Soy protein is primarily driven by the animal feed and food and beverage industries.

Middle East Protein Industry Segmentation

Animal, Microbial, Plant are covered as segments by Source. Animal Feed, Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Supplements are covered as segments by End User. Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates are covered as segments by Country.

  • The food and beverage segment led the application of proteins in the region, accounting for a major volume share. The share was highly influenced by the dairy, meat-alternative, and bakery industries, which accounted for 42% of the value share of the overall proteins consumed in the Middle East in 2022. The share is primarily driven by the rising number of vegan and flexitarian consumers who increasingly rely on or are open to animal-free product offerings in the market.
  • This segment is followed by the animal feed segment, which is largely driven by the application of plant proteins. The inclusion of sustainable plant protein sources, mainly soy and wheat proteins, highly drives the segment due to their low cost, excellent digestibility, and neutral flavor profile. Hence, pea protein has opportunities for wide applications in animal feed and is anticipated to be the fastest-growing protein type in the animal feed segment, with a CAGR of 8.8% by volume during the forecast period.
  • The personal care and cosmetics segment is the fastest-growing, with a projected CAGR of 7.12% by value during the forecast period. Proteins are used in a range of cosmetics products, including emulsions, gels, shampoos, conditioners, and creams. Proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin are also gaining popularity due to their higher efficacy in naturally strengthening the skin and hair texture. Companies like Estee Lauder, Neu Cosmetics DMCC, and Guerlain are increasingly investing in R&D to develop more effective and sustainable alternative protein sources. This factor is further boosting the ingredient scope and application in personal care products, which may aid the growth of the market in the future.
Source
Animal
By Protein Type
Casein and Caseinates
Collagen
Egg Protein
Gelatin
Insect Protein
Milk Protein
Whey Protein
Other Animal Protein
Microbial
By Protein Type
Algae Protein
Mycoprotein
Plant
By Protein Type
Hemp Protein
Pea Protein
Potato Protein
Rice Protein
Soy Protein
Wheat Protein
Other Plant Protein
End User
Animal Feed
Food and Beverages
By Sub End User
Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements
By Sub End User
Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
Country
Iran
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East
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Middle East Protein Market Size Summary

The Middle East Protein Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by diverse applications across food and beverage, animal feed, and personal care sectors. The food and beverage segment dominates the market, with substantial contributions from dairy, meat-alternative, and bakery industries, largely influenced by the rising trend of vegan and flexitarian diets. This shift has led to a high demand for plant-based proteins, which accounted for a major portion of the market share. The animal feed segment is also expanding, with plant proteins like soy and wheat being favored for their cost-effectiveness and digestibility. Additionally, the personal care industry is witnessing a surge in the use of proteins such as collagen and keratin, which are valued for their benefits in enhancing skin and hair health. Companies are investing in research and development to explore sustainable protein sources, further broadening the scope of protein applications in the region.

Saudi Arabia leads the market, supported by its robust food and beverage and animal feed sectors, while Iran and the United Arab Emirates also contribute significantly to the regional protein consumption. The demand for animal proteins is bolstered by the rising interest in sports and nutrition, with a growing number of fitness enthusiasts in the region. The market is characterized by a fragmented landscape with key players like Cargill, Fonterra, and Kerry Group holding significant shares. Innovations in protein products, such as those launched by FrieslandCampina and DuPont, are addressing specific market needs, enhancing the appeal of protein-rich offerings. Despite challenges like harsh climatic conditions and the need for improved cold chain technology, the market is poised for continued expansion, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements in protein production.

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Middle East Protein Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Source

      1. 1.1.1 Animal

        1. 1.1.1.1 By Protein Type

          1. 1.1.1.1.1 Casein and Caseinates

          2. 1.1.1.1.2 Collagen

          3. 1.1.1.1.3 Egg Protein

          4. 1.1.1.1.4 Gelatin

          5. 1.1.1.1.5 Insect Protein

          6. 1.1.1.1.6 Milk Protein

          7. 1.1.1.1.7 Whey Protein

          8. 1.1.1.1.8 Other Animal Protein

      2. 1.1.2 Microbial

        1. 1.1.2.1 By Protein Type

          1. 1.1.2.1.1 Algae Protein

          2. 1.1.2.1.2 Mycoprotein

      3. 1.1.3 Plant

        1. 1.1.3.1 By Protein Type

          1. 1.1.3.1.1 Hemp Protein

          2. 1.1.3.1.2 Pea Protein

          3. 1.1.3.1.3 Potato Protein

          4. 1.1.3.1.4 Rice Protein

          5. 1.1.3.1.5 Soy Protein

          6. 1.1.3.1.6 Wheat Protein

          7. 1.1.3.1.7 Other Plant Protein

    2. 1.2 End User

      1. 1.2.1 Animal Feed

      2. 1.2.2 Food and Beverages

        1. 1.2.2.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.2.1.1 Bakery

          2. 1.2.2.1.2 Beverages

          3. 1.2.2.1.3 Breakfast Cereals

          4. 1.2.2.1.4 Condiments/Sauces

          5. 1.2.2.1.5 Confectionery

          6. 1.2.2.1.6 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products

          7. 1.2.2.1.7 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products

          8. 1.2.2.1.8 RTE/RTC Food Products

          9. 1.2.2.1.9 Snacks

      3. 1.2.3 Personal Care and Cosmetics

      4. 1.2.4 Supplements

        1. 1.2.4.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.4.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula

          2. 1.2.4.1.2 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition

          3. 1.2.4.1.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition

    3. 1.3 Country

      1. 1.3.1 Iran

      2. 1.3.2 Saudi Arabia

      3. 1.3.3 United Arab Emirates

      4. 1.3.4 Rest of Middle East

Middle East Protein Market Size FAQs

The Middle East Protein Market size is expected to reach USD 1.37 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.14% to reach USD 1.84 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Middle East Protein Market size is expected to reach USD 1.37 billion.

Middle East Protein Market Report Snapshots

Middle East Protein Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029