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UAE Chocolate Market Size

The UAE chocolate market is experiencing growth, with convenience stores being the most popular distribution channels, followed by supermarkets and hypermarkets. The market's expansion is supported by the strategic positioning of products, which encourages impulse purchases. Additionally, the online channel is emerging as the fastest-growing segment, driven by increased internet access and consumer engagement with e-commerce. This growth trajectory indicates a robust increase in the market's overall size and share over the forecast period.

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Market Size of uae chocolate Industry

UAE Chocolate Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2018 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 512.55 Million
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 704.11 Million
svg icon Largest Share by Distribution Channel Convenience Store
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 5.43 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by Distribution Channel Online Retail Store
svg icon Market Concentration Medium

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

Key Players

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UAE Chocolate Market Analysis

The UAE Chocolate Market size is estimated at 512.55 million USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 704.11 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.43% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

512.55 Million

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

704.11 Million

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

2.46 %

CAGR (2018-2023)

5.43 %

CAGR (2024-2030)

Largest Segment by Confectionery Variant

50.94 %

value share, Milk and White Chocolate, 2023

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The innovative flavor offerings possible in white chocolate, followed by the preference for varied taste profiles in the region, are anticipated to drive segmental growth.

Largest Segment by Distribution Channel

40.94 %

value share, Convenience Store, 2023

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The feasible locations of convenience stores allow consumers to shop within minimal distances with wider chocolate product availability, making it major segment of the market.

Fastest-growing Segment by Confectionery variant

5.95 %

Projected CAGR, Dark Chocolate, 2024-2030

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The escalating sales of premium quality dark chocolate products, along with growing and rising consumer expenditure capacities in UAE, creating market growth in the region.

Fastest-growing Segment by Distribution Channel

6.50 %

Projected CAGR, Online Retail Store, 2024-2030

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The freedom to browse digital catalogs without any hurry in a priceless way, within a short span of time to the right place, has become the major factor driving the segment.

Leading Market Player

34.98 %

market share, Mars Incorporated, 2022

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Mars Incorporated has gained a competitive edge due to its extensive product portfolio, wider brand presence, and strategic moves toward innovation in flavors and ingredients.

Supermarkets and convenience stores hold major share with wide presence and easy access to multiple brands

  • Convenience stores are the most widely preferred distribution channels for purchasing chocolate confectionery in the United Arab Emirates. The volume of sales of chocolate confectionery through convenience stores is estimated to register a 41.68% volume share in 2024. A nationwide network of these operators allows easy access to both local and mainstream confectionery brands. For instance, Zoom operated more than 220 stores in the United Arab Emirates, while Circle K operated more than 105 outlets in the region in 2022. Chocolate sales are estimated to grow at the highest CAGR through convenience stores to reach a sales value of USD 283.22 million by 2030.
  • Supermarkets/hypermarkets are the second most preferred channels, after convenience stores, for the sale of chocolates in the country. Chocolate is the highest-sold confection among all confectioneries through supermarkets and hypermarkets, with a market volume share of 60.59% in 2023. Strategic product positioning on the dedicated shelves for the confectionery category influences impulse purchase behavior among potential consumers. Casino Supermarkets, Carrefour, Lulu, and Shoprite are some of the leading grocery store operators in the country.
  • The online channel is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel for chocolate confectionery, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.38% in terms of value during the forecast period (2023-2030). Consumers’ access to technology and the internet enables the growth and development of online grocery sales. There were 10.65 million social website users (including e-commerce websites) in the United Arab Emirates in January 2022, equivalent to 10.6% of the total population, further boosting the demand for online shopping of chocolates in the country.
UAE Chocolate Market

UAE Chocolate Industry Segmentation

Dark Chocolate, Milk and White Chocolate are covered as segments by Confectionery Variant. Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.

  • Convenience stores are the most widely preferred distribution channels for purchasing chocolate confectionery in the United Arab Emirates. The volume of sales of chocolate confectionery through convenience stores is estimated to register a 41.68% volume share in 2024. A nationwide network of these operators allows easy access to both local and mainstream confectionery brands. For instance, Zoom operated more than 220 stores in the United Arab Emirates, while Circle K operated more than 105 outlets in the region in 2022. Chocolate sales are estimated to grow at the highest CAGR through convenience stores to reach a sales value of USD 283.22 million by 2030.
  • Supermarkets/hypermarkets are the second most preferred channels, after convenience stores, for the sale of chocolates in the country. Chocolate is the highest-sold confection among all confectioneries through supermarkets and hypermarkets, with a market volume share of 60.59% in 2023. Strategic product positioning on the dedicated shelves for the confectionery category influences impulse purchase behavior among potential consumers. Casino Supermarkets, Carrefour, Lulu, and Shoprite are some of the leading grocery store operators in the country.
  • The online channel is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel for chocolate confectionery, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.38% in terms of value during the forecast period (2023-2030). Consumers’ access to technology and the internet enables the growth and development of online grocery sales. There were 10.65 million social website users (including e-commerce websites) in the United Arab Emirates in January 2022, equivalent to 10.6% of the total population, further boosting the demand for online shopping of chocolates in the country.
Confectionery Variant
Dark Chocolate
Milk and White Chocolate
Distribution Channel
Convenience Store
Online Retail Store
Supermarket/Hypermarket
Others
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UAE Chocolate Market Size Summary

The UAE chocolate market is experiencing a dynamic growth trajectory, driven by evolving consumer preferences and strategic distribution channels. Convenience stores emerge as the most favored outlets for chocolate purchases, offering extensive access to both local and international brands. Supermarkets and hypermarkets also play a significant role, with chocolate being the top-selling confectionery item in these venues. The online channel is anticipated to be the fastest-growing distribution method, fueled by increasing internet penetration and technological accessibility among consumers. This shift towards online shopping is further supported by a substantial number of social media users in the UAE, enhancing the demand for online chocolate sales.

Consumer preferences in the UAE chocolate market are heavily influenced by brand image and packaging, with a notable inclination towards unique flavors and health-conscious options. Dark chocolate, in particular, is gaining popularity due to its perceived health benefits, such as antioxidant properties and potential cardiac health advantages. The market is moderately consolidated, with major global players like Barry Callebaut, Ferrero International SA, Mars Incorporated, Nestlé SA, and The Hershey Company dominating the landscape. Recent product launches, such as Barry Callebaut's whole-fruit chocolates and Nestlé's travel retail-exclusive line, highlight the ongoing innovation and adaptation to consumer demands in the region.

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UAE Chocolate Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Confectionery Variant

      1. 1.1.1 Dark Chocolate

      2. 1.1.2 Milk and White Chocolate

    2. 1.2 Distribution Channel

      1. 1.2.1 Convenience Store

      2. 1.2.2 Online Retail Store

      3. 1.2.3 Supermarket/Hypermarket

      4. 1.2.4 Others

UAE Chocolate Market Size FAQs

The UAE Chocolate Market size is expected to reach USD 512.55 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.43% to reach USD 704.11 million by 2030.

In 2024, the UAE Chocolate Market size is expected to reach USD 512.55 million.

Chocolate Market in UAE Report Snapshots

UAE Chocolate Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030