Middle East & Africa Ice Cream Market Outlook, 2029

Due to rising ice cream sales and consumption, the Middle East and African ice cream markets are expanding rapidly. This summarizes the necessity for customers to constantly try out new ice cream flavors and tastes in order to avoid becoming overly dependent on traditional options. Consequently, the leading ice cream companies, Baskin-Robbins and Haagen-Dazs, are effectively meeting the increasing need for advancements and improvements within the sector. A significant portion of the frozen dessert market in the Middle East and Africa is made up of branded and private-label ice creams.

Furthermore, the growing number of people who are lactose intolerant and the trend toward vegan diets have increased demand for non-dairy ice cream in the region. Consequently, this is contributing to the expansion of the ice cream industry in the area. One of the main reasons propelling the market expansion is the increasing demand for high-quality ice creams. Because premium ice creams feature fewer air bubbles and better ingredients than normal ice creams, they are becoming more and more popular among consumers who are health-conscious.

Because functional ice cream is made with premium ingredients and meets consumers' nutritional needs more so than traditional ice cream, it has become a popular product among health-conscious consumers. Conventional ice cream has several health advantages and nutritional qualities. So, the decision of the consumer to choose a healthy substitute may be influenced by the ice cream manufacturers' growing interest in fortification and the addition of beneficial ingredients.

According to the research report 'Middle East and Africa Ice Cream Market Outlook, 2029', the Middle East Africa market is expected to grow with over 4% CAGR by 2024-29. Functional foods have benefits that go beyond basic nourishment and can help reduce or even eliminate the risk of certain illnesses. Furthermore, because of their many health advantages, sugar-free, low-fat functional ice creams are becoming increasingly popular. Particularly among athletes and customers searching for non-staple food and beverage products with higher nutritional value, low-sugar and high-protein ice cream has gained popularity.

Product improvements, particularly in terms of taste profile and nutritional content, are a crucial factor driving the strong demand for functional ice creams. During the projected period, there should be profitable growth prospects in the ice cream market throughout the area due to the increase in demand for functional ice cream. Ice cream vendors can increase their consumer base and establish a presence in growing regions by introducing goods with innovative features and technologies. Throughout the projected period, this aspect is probably going to propel the MEA ice cream market at a respectable CAGR. To sate their sweet tooths, more consumers are opting to shop online, which is supporting the market's growth.

Thanks to e-commerce platforms and meal delivery applications, customers can now more readily get their favorite ice cream companies from the comfort of their homes. In addition, the introduction of single-serving and portable ice cream goods like mini-cups and ice cream bars is anticipated to fuel the industry's growth. These lightweight options fit the demands of the contemporary lifestyle and appeal to a wider spectrum of consumers. Leading market businesses are introducing products with reduced sugar content, natural ingredients, and beneficial additives like fiber and protein to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Market Drivers

Requirement for Non-dairy and Low-fat Ice Cream Products: The market for non-dairy ice cream products is expanding significantly due to the growing number of vegans. The market is being driven by the shift in societal trends and health concerns toward vegan lifestyles. In addition, growing rates of allergies to milk and lactose intolerance increase demand for products. Customers are eager to choose dairy-free ice cream due to increased understanding of plant-based dairy-free goods. Consequently, this prompted the major companies to increase their research and development expenditures in order to create new dairy-free frozen delicacies, such as ice cream. A wide range of product variations made from ingredients like soy, almond, and coconut milk will help the sector flourish. New flavor offerings - mostly blended flavors - have improved the development of new products. Increasing consumer spending on impulse and take-home goods will raise demand for non-dairy ice cream even more.

Wide Range of Products Offered: The MEA region's ice cream market enjoys a wide variety of product offers, encompassing both conventional flavors and inventive and unique selections. In addition to offering novel tastes and forms, manufacturers also take into account regional preferences.

Urbanization and Westernization: Food preferences have changed as a result of urbanization and the adoption of Western lifestyles in some areas, with an increase in ice cream and frozen dessert consumption.

Market Challenges

Infrastructure Difficulties: The distribution and transportation of ice cream goods may be impacted by infrastructure issues in some MEA regions. The availability and quality of ice cream may be impacted by insufficient cold storage facilities and inadequate logistics.

The state of economic instability: Consumer spending patterns may be impacted by economic uncertainty in certain MEA nations. The affordability of ice cream may be impacted by changes in inflation, currency values, and other economic factors that result in a drop in purchasing power.

Dietary and Cultural Preferences: Ice cream producers in the MEA region may face difficulties because to varying cultural and culinary preferences. Conducting thorough market research and modifying products are necessary to comprehend and satisfy a wide range of likes and preferences.

Based on product type market is divided into Impulse Ice Cream, Artisanal Ice Cream, Take Home Ice Cream.

Eating sweets at home is a prominent ritual in various African and Middle Eastern societies. Take-home ice cream is consistent with the custom of families exchanging treats on special days or at get-togethers. The cultures of several MEA nations are strongly centred around the family. Families can strengthen their ties and a tradition by sharing a dessert together at home with take-home ice cream. Ice cream is frequently connected to festivities and noteworthy events. Take-home choices offer a convenient way for individuals and families to enjoy festivals, birthdays, and other festive occasions with ice cream at home.

Larger purchases of ice cream for consumption at home may prove to be more economical for customers than ice cream parlour single servings or cones. Take-home options frequently offer more value for the money. In the MEA region, take-out ice cream is extensively offered at supermarkets, grocers, and convenience stores. Customers find it effortless to incorporate ice cream into their routine purchasing because of the ease of accessibility of these distribution channels. A large range of flavors and forms are frequently available for take-home ice cream.

Customers can personalize products according to their tastes and the tastes of their family by selecting from a variety of sizes, flavors, and packaging options. Customers can enjoy their favorite frozen delicacies at their own pace and convenience when they purchase take-home ice cream. It saves families and busy individuals from having to visit ice cream shops, making it a handy option. Despite the Middle East's generally warm environment, there might be seasonal differences in how much ice cream is consumed outside. No matter the weather, customers can enjoy their favorite delicacies all year long with take-home ice cream.

Based on flavor type market is divided into Vanilla, Chocolate, Fruit, Tutti Frutti, Blends, Others.

The flavor of vanilla is generally well-liked by people of all ages and from all cultural backgrounds. A wide range of consumers find it to be a safe and well-liked option due to its mild and sweet flavor. A variety of sweets and pastries go well with the adaptable flavor of vanilla. Vanilla is a versatile and attractive flavor that can improve the entire taste experience either enjoyed on its own or coupled with other flavors. In many cultures, vanilla is a well-known and widely accepted flavor. Because of its neutrality, which makes it simple to incorporate into regional and traditional sweets, manufacturers who cater to a wide range of preferences frequently choose to use it.

Vanilla is a great foundation for adding other toppings and mix-ins. By mixing vanilla ice cream with fruits, nuts, chocolate, or other components, customers can personalize their ice cream experience. Vanilla is frequently connected to coziness and nostalgia. Because of its ageless appeal and ability to arouse good feelings, it is a popular option among customers looking for a comfortable and familiar flavor.

Because of its neutral flavor character, vanilla complements a wide range of local and regional components effectively, allowing producers to make distinctive and culturally appropriate ice cream versions. Vanilla is regarded as a flavor that is secure and uncontroversial. Vanilla is frequently a favoured and highly accepted alternative in markets where customer preferences may be more traditional or conservative.

Based on Packaging type market is divided into Sticks/Bars, Cones & Cups, Tubs & Bricks, Others.

Sticks alternative because the format is less disorganized than other possibilities. Individual amounts are provided by sticks and bars, giving customers flexibility over how much they eat. Those who wish to control their calorie intake or who prefer to nibble in moderation may find this to be appealing. In order to accommodate a wide range of consumer preferences, manufacturers frequently provide a large selection of flavors in the stick and bar style. Customers can experiment with various tastes thanks to this variety without having to commit to a greater number. Eating ice cream from a stick or bar can enhance the experience with a touch of novelty and fun.

This format is frequently thought of as enjoyable, and families and kids may find it particularly appealing. Sticks and bars are good for people who are watching their calorie intake or would rather have a smaller reward because they naturally regulate portion sizes. This feature fits well with the emphasis on moderation in health and wellness trends. Sticks and bars make ice cream less messy than some other varieties. As an integrated utensil, the stick or handle lessens the chance of spills and makes them a cleaner option - a benefit that can be especially useful in warmer areas. Ice cream companies frequently spend money on marketing and branding in order to highlight the stick and bar products' portability, convenience, and fun factor.

Innovative marketing techniques and packaging can grab customers' attention. And bars provide a handy, portable style that is ideal for eating while on the road. Customers value the mobility and simplicity of enjoying an ice cream treat without the need for utensils or extra packaging in areas where busy lifestyles are prevalent. Particularly in the Middle East, the warm temperature makes ice cream in the form of sticks or bars a convenient and refreshing choice for people looking to beat the heat. In warmer weather, this is a sensible

Based on Distribution Channel type market is divided into Supermarkets And Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Ice cream Parlour, Online Sales Channel, Others.

A large variety of ice cream brands, flavors, and forms are usually available at supermarkets. When it comes to grocery shopping, families and individuals can select from a wide array of possibilities thanks to the wide diversity of products offered, which caters to a wide range of consumer tastes. Supermarkets are easily accessible to consumers in both urban and suburban locations due to their widespread distribution. It is easy for customers to include ice cream into their daily shopping habits since it is convenient to find ice cream goods when doing ordinary supermarket shopping, which encourages impulsive purchasing.

Supermarkets are renowned for giving customers a one-stop shopping experience by housing a variety of food and non-food items. Buying ice cream in addition to other items saves customers time and money by eliminating the need for numerous shopping excursions. For ice cream to stay fresh, the right storage conditions must be met. Cold storage facilities found in supermarkets guarantee that ice cream items stay frozen and maintain their flavor and texture until customers buy them. Supermarkets often offer bundled offers, discounts, and promotions. These marketing techniques draw in price-conscious customers, encourage impulsive purchases, and boost ice cream product sales.

A lot of supermarkets sell ice cream under their own store brand or private label. These private label goods frequently compete with national brands on both price and quality, giving customers more cheap options. Major ice cream brands have access to prominent shop space at supermarkets. Through clever shelf placement and marketing, these brands are made more visible in supermarkets, which improves brand recognition and has an impact on customer purchase decisions. Customers have faith in well-known supermarkets for the freshness and quality of their goods. Customers are more likely to buy ice cream when they visit these establishments because they have faith in the ice cream items that they sell.

Based on country report is majorly divided into four major countries, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa.

Ice cream companies have lucrative cooperation opportunities as the number of dessert-focused and experiential dining restaurants in Saudi Arabia is steadily rising. Market expansion is also being supported by the growing trend of consumers selecting businesses that obtain components in an environmentally sustainable manner. Ice cream manufacturers are also offering low-fat, low-sugar, dairy-free, and probiotic-enriched ice cream options. Moreover, growing collaborations between ice cream manufacturers and well-known food and beverage (F&B) businesses are encouraging the development of unique and seductive flavor combinations that appeal to customers.

Furthermore, Saudi ice cream firms are investing in effective marketing and advertising efforts to increase consumer awareness of their brands and promote contact with them through various media platforms, such as digital, social, and television. Whereas The demand for inventive and opulent frozen desserts, the country's pleasant climate, and shifting consumer preferences have all contributed to the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) ice cream market's notable growth. To cater to the diverse population of the United Arab Emirates and their inclination for upscale experiences, the market provides a wide range of ice cream flavors, formats, and brands.

The United Arab Emirates's energetic lifestyle, passion for food exploration, and adoption of global dessert trends are all reflected in the market's growth for ice cream. Owing to the UAE's short, warm winters and long, scorching summers, ice cream is a year-round favorite among locals, visitors, and expats alike. The country is known for its subtropical dry climate. Because people are spending more time on leisure activities and leading healthier lifestyles, ice cream consumption is growing beyond its historical role as a sweet treat. It becomes an occasion to relax, celebrate life's major events, and spend time with loved ones. This social element encourages business growth. Ice cream manufacturers are becoming creative and introducing new flavors, styles, and ingredients to cater to a diverse spectrum of tastes and preferences. There is something in the market for everyone, which keeps consumers engaged and increases demand.

The key players in the market are actively innovating to maintain their competitive edge. They focus on product diversification, introducing new and exciting flavors and formats to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Health-conscious trends have prompted these companies to develop and market low-fat, low-sugar, and dairy-free options. Strategic collaborations and acquisitions also play a significant role in expanding their product portfolios and market reach. Additionally, sustainability and environmentally-friendly packaging initiatives are gaining prominence, aligning with consumer demands for responsible consumption.

These key players are investing in research and development to keep up with changing market dynamics and maintain their leadership positions. Numerous small and mid-size players operating in various countries contribute to the overall growth of the market. The manufacturers are introducing new flavors and formats to enhance their sales volume which has been decreasing especially in developed regions such as North America and Western Europe. Nowadays, ice creams with natural ingredients, low calories, and health claims appeal the most to consumers, thus, manufacturers are focused on launching products with these attributes.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Cold Chain Logistics market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type

• Refrigerated Warehouse
• Refrigerated Transportation

By Refrigerated Transportation

• Roadways
• Waterways
• Railways
• Airways

By Temperature Type

• Frozen
• Chilled

By Technology

• Dry Ice
• Gel Packs
• Eutectic Plates
• Liquid Nitrogen
• Quilts

By Process

• Pre-Cooling Facilities
• Cold Storage
• Refrigerated Carriers
• Packaging
• Information Management System

By Applications

• Dairy and frozen desserts
• Pharmaceuticals
• Process food
• Meat, Fish & Sea-foods
• Bakery and confectionery
• Fruits and vegetables
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Cold Chain Logistics industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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