Food - United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Revenue in the Food market amounts to US$37.77bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 4.92% (CAGR 2024-2029).
The market's largest segment is the segment Confectionery & Snacks with a market volume of US$8.14bn in 2024.
In global comparison, most revenue is generated in China (US$1,601bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$3,425.00 are generated in 2024.
In the Food market, 1.5% of total revenue will be generated through online sales by 2024.
In the Food market, volume is expected to amount to 9,638.00m kg by 2029. The Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.2% in 2025.
The average volume per person in the Food market is expected to amount to 765.20kg in 2024.

Key regions: United States, Canada, China, India, South Korea

Definition:

The food market covers all edible products that are bought and consumed for nutrient-based purposes. The market includes both fresh and processed foods.

Structure:

The market consists of 13 different markets:

The Dairy products & Eggs market covers animal products, such as milk, eggs and products made from mammal’s milk and non-animal products, such as milk substitutes. This market is divided into six subsegments that include milk, milk substitutes, yogurt, cheese, eggs and other dairy products and eggs.
The Meat market covers animal products, such as pork, poultry, and free-from meat products, such as meat substitutes. This market is divided into three submarkets: fresh meat, processed meat, and meat substitutes.
The Fish & Seafood market covers products made from fish and seafood. This market is divided into three submarkets: fresh fish, fresh seafood, and processed fish & seafood.
Fruits & Nuts cover edible fruits and nuts. This market is divided into three submarkets: fresh fruits, processed & frozen fruits, and nuts.
The Vegetables market covers edible plants. This market is divided into two submarkets: fresh vegetables, processed & frozen vegetables.
The Bread & Cereal products market covers baked goods made from dough. Dough is made using flour, water, a leavening agent, and other optional ingredients. This market also covers products made from cereals that are usually used as part of a main meal. This market is divided into five submarkets: bread, pasta, rice, breakfast cereals and other cereal products.
The Oils and Fats market covers both edible oils and fats made from animals and plants. This market is divided into four submarkets: butter, margarine, edible oils, and other oils & fats.
The Sauces and Spices market covers additional ingredients used during the food preparation process and is divided into three submarkets: tomato ketchup, other sauces, and spices & culinary herbs.
The Convenience food market covers prepared food and meals that require little effort to prepare. This market is divided into two subsegments, soups and ready-to-eat meals.
The Spreads and Sweeteners market covers spreads and ingredients added to food or beverages to give it a sweet flavor. This market is divided into two subsegments, spreads and sweeteners.
The Confectionery & Snacks market covers sweet, savory, and salty food. This market is divided into two subsegments, confectionery and snacks.
The Baby food market covers food that is only meant to be consumed by babies and small children.
The Pet food market covers food that is intended for pet use only.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram), and sales channels. The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption; out-of-home consumption is not included. The out-of-home revenue data is only shown as a separate box at the market level.

For more information on the displayed data, click the info button on the right side of each box.

Market

Region

Region comparison

Currency

Analyst Opinion

The Food market in United Arab Emirates has been experiencing minimal growth, influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, increasing health consciousness, and the availability of convenient online food services. The sub-markets of Dairy Products & Eggs, Meat, Fish & Seafood, Fruits & Nuts, Vegetables, Bread & Cereal Products, Oils & Fats, Sauces & Spices, Convenience Food, Spreads & Sweeteners, Confectionery & Snacks, Baby Food, Pet Food, Processed Vegetables, Fruit & Potatoes, and Pasta & Rice all contribute to this overall trend. The market is expected to continue growing as the demand for healthier and more sustainable food options increases.

Customer preferences: Consumers in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly opting for healthier and more sustainable food options, leading to a surge in demand for organic, plant-based, and ethically sourced products. This shift is driven by a growing awareness of the impact of food choices on personal health and the environment. Additionally, as the UAE becomes more diverse and cosmopolitan, there is a growing demand for international cuisines, particularly from Asian and European cultures, reflecting the changing preferences of the younger and more affluent population.

Trends in the market: In the United Arab Emirates, The Food market industry is experiencing a surge in demand for organic and locally sourced food products. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the health benefits of consuming fresh, natural foods, as well as a desire to support local farmers and promote sustainability. As a result, grocery stores and restaurants are increasingly offering organic and locally produced options to cater to this demand. This trend is expected to continue, with consumers becoming more health-conscious and environmentally aware. This presents opportunities for industry stakeholders to differentiate themselves and tap into this growing market segment. Additionally, the use of technology in food production, distribution, and delivery is also on the rise, with companies implementing digital solutions to improve efficiency and meet customer demands for convenience. This trend is expected to further streamline the food industry and enhance customer satisfaction.

Local special circumstances: In the United Arab Emirates, The Food market is heavily influenced by the country's unique geographical location and cultural diversity. As a major hub for international trade and tourism, the UAE offers a diverse range of food options, including traditional Middle Eastern cuisine as well as international dishes. Additionally, the country's strict food regulations ensure high quality and safety standards, making it a desirable market for both local and international food brands. The growing trend of health-conscious consumers in the UAE has also led to an increase in demand for organic and plant-based food products. Furthermore, the strong influence of Islamic culture has resulted in a high demand for halal-certified food products, creating opportunities for businesses to cater to this specific market segment.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Food market in United Arab Emirates is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as national economic health, global economic trends, fiscal policies, and financial indicators. The country's strong economic growth and stability, along with increasing disposable income and changing consumer preferences, are driving the demand for food products. Furthermore, the government's initiatives to promote food security and reduce reliance on imports are creating opportunities for domestic food producers. However, the market is also impacted by global economic fluctuations, trade policies, and currency exchange rates, which can affect the cost of imports and exports. Additionally, as the country's population continues to grow and diversify, there is a rising demand for healthier and sustainably sourced food products, driving market growth in this segment.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.