MEA Pouch Packaging - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

Key Highlights

• Pouch Packaging involves using flexible materials such as plastic, paper, and aluminum foil to create pouches for various consumer products. Pouch packaging has become a dominant and versatile packaging solution in the global market, offering benefits like cost-effectiveness and convenience. These pouches come in different sizes and shapes, making them suitable for packaging various items, from food and beverages to personal care products and pharmaceuticals. In the Middle East and Africa, the packaging industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to shifting consumer preferences, increased urbanization, and the need for innovative packaging solutions, resulting in increased demand for pouch packaging.
• Economic development in the countries in the region has given rise to an expanding consumer base and increased disposable income. As more consumers have access to retail chains and global brands, the demand for innovative and appealing packaging solutions like pouches has surged. With an increasing prevalence of e-commerce in MEA, pouch packaging has proven to be an excellent solution to protect products during transit. The lightweight and durable nature of pouches is well-suited for this purpose. Pouch packaging is being enhanced with features like resealable zippers and spouts for easy pouring. These added conveniences cater to the modern, on-the-go lifestyles of consumers.
• The Middle East and Africa region has seen a surge in the use of retort pouches for products like ready-to-eat meals. The high-temperature resistance and extended shelf life are advantageous in regions with challenging climatic conditions. Moreover, there has been a significant demand for aseptic pouches, which are used widely in food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care sectors.
• In February 2023, to boost plastic trade between India and the United Arab Emirates, the government-sponsored Plastics Export Promotional Council (Plexconcil) announced signing a memorandum of understanding with AI Fajer Information and Services. The trend toward sustainable packaging continued, with consumers and brands seeking eco-friendly pouch packaging options. This involved considerations for recyclability and reduced environmental impact.

MEA Pouch Packaging Market Trends

Aseptic Pouch Packaging Set to Witness the Fastest Growth

• The Middle East and Africa experience high temperatures and can have harsh climate conditions, particularly in certain areas. Aseptic packaging helps preserve food and beverages by extending their shelf life without the need for refrigeration, making it ideal for a region where consistent cold storage can be a challenge. Aseptic packaging allows food and beverage manufacturers to explore global markets more effectively. The extended shelf life and reduced need for refrigeration mean that products can be transported over longer distances without compromising quality. This is especially beneficial for expanding the export of local products to international markets.
• Aseptic pouch packaging aligns well with the growing demand for convenient, on-the-go food and beverage options. In today’s fast-paced world, consumers often seek products that are easy to carry and consume without refrigeration. Aseptic pouches are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for people with busy lifestyles who want access to high-quality food and beverages whenever they go. Moreover, the sustainability aspect of aseptic pouch packaging resonates with both consumers and manufacturers in the food and beverage industry. Reduced food waste and lower transportation emissions due to the lightweight nature of pouches contribute to an eco-friendlier approach.
• The food and beverage sector in South Africa is experiencing significant growth, leading to an increased demand for packaging solutions. According to an article published by Informa PLC in March 2024, 76% of packaged foods sold in South African supermarkets are classified as ultra-processed foods. These can be appealing options, as they are often priced lower than fresh foods, and they commonly contain preservatives and emulsifiers, making them a convenient option due to their long shelf life. However, they often contain high levels of saturated fat, salt, sugar, and artificial colors and flavors.
• This growth highlights the importance of the food industry in daily life and consumer spending. Packaging is essential for preserving the freshness and quality of food and beverage products. It protects them from external factors that can affect taste, aroma, and nutritional value. Through the use of barrier films, airtight seals, and protective coatings, packaging solutions help extend the shelf life of perishable goods, reducing food waste and ensuring customer satisfaction. In recent times, South Africa has attracted significant investments from food and beverage companies, aiming to drive economic growth in the country. These investments include the establishment of manufacturing facilities and substantial funds being injected into strategic projects.
• One notable investment is Kerry's opening of the largest taste manufacturing facility in recent years. Located in KwaZulu-Natal, the facility, with a value of EUR 38 million (USD 41 million), focuses on producing sustainable nutrition solutions for consumption across Africa. These investments demonstrate the commitment of food and beverage companies to South Africa's growth and development, emphasizing sustainability and catering to the African market. Such developments are significantly contributing to the growth of the market.
• Aseptic packaging is pivotal in the pharmaceutical industry in the Middle East and Africa. As governments in the region increasingly prioritize the welfare of their expanding populations and improving healthcare services, the reliable and secure distribution of medical supplies and pharmaceutical products has set a bright path for the pharmaceutical industry’s future in this region. For nearly four decades, the United Arab Emirates has been a thriving hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Pharmax Pharmaceuticals report highlighted that, with a robust infrastructure comprising 23 manufacturing centers and a diverse range of 2500 locally produced medicines, the pharmaceutical sector of the United Arab Emirates is projected to reach a substantial worth of USD 4.7 billion by 2025.
• Aseptic packaging allows pharmaceutical companies to package and distribute drugs in a sterile environment, preserving the integrity and effectiveness of medications. This is particularly critical for sensitive pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines and injectable drugs, which could be compromised by microbial contamination.

Saudi Arabia is Anticipated to Witness the Highest Growth

• The flexible packaging market in Saudi Arabia has been experiencing growth, driven by factors such as the increasing demand for convenience, changing consumer lifestyles, and a shift toward lightweight and sustainable packaging. The food industry remains a robust pillar of Saudi Arabia’s overall economy. The country boasts a thriving food manufacturing and processing sector, benefiting from population growth, rising incomes, government support, lifestyle shifts, and strong economic partnerships. Anticipated market expansion is driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, rapid growth in food delivery services, a rising number of young adults, and a growing working population.
• According to the Saudi Food Expo, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates jointly account for 90% of the food and beverage sector in the GCC region. Convenience features like resealability and portability have made pouch packaging popular for various products, including snacks, beverages, and processed foods. The Saudi government has seen interest in promoting economic diversification and sustainability. Policies and initiatives supporting these goals could impact the packaging industry, innovation, and environmentally friendly practices.
• Saudi Arabia is among the Middle Eastern region's significant markets for the packaging industry. The country has a broad consumer base and a wide range of industrial activities. As per the Saudi Arabian government, the country’s food industry is poised for a USD 20 billion boost by 2035, with a significant focus on enhancing the poultry, dairy, bakery, and sweets sectors. The infusion of new funds will also benefit the beverage and juice industries. This strategic investment aligns with the nation’s industrial strategy, aiming to bolster food security and implement economic diversification measures outlined in the Vision 2030 blueprint. Demand for packaged foods is growing, and more multinational companies are entering the market. Such investments are expected to boost the pouch packaging market in the country.
• Apart from the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry has also contributed significantly to the growth of flexible packaging. The increasing medical tourism and campaigns in countries are estimated to boost pharmaceutical sales and production. These factors are expected to positively affect the region’s healthcare industry, further boosting pharmaceutical production.
• FAS Riyadh reports that the traditional Saudi retail sector is lagging behind hypermarkets and supermarkets as demand for packaged food continues to increase. Major drivers of this shift include increasing disposable income, a growing population, and the creation and expansion of urban centers. Revenue in traditional retail channels has been declining due to the rapid expansion of hypermarkets and supermarkets. The retail sector is expected to continue to expand with the creation of more urban centers.
• As per USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates generated revenue of USD 5.05 billion in 2023. The rising sales of retail goods are creating opportunities for on-the-go packaging, driving innovations in the pouch packaging sector.

MEA Pouch Packaging Industry Overview

• April 2023: Hotpack Global, a UAE-based disposable packaging manufacturer and supplier, announced the development of a specialized food packaging project in Saudi Arabia. As part of the agreement, Hotpack Global will work with the Saudi Ministry of Industry to use certain agricultural waste as one of the basic components of raw materials for both future manufacturing and production input. The seven-year project costs SAR 1 billion (USD 266 million) and is claimed to be one of the largest specialized food packaging projects in Saudi Arabia.
• March 2023: Hexxa Flexible Packaging, a UAE-based provider of flexible packaging solutions, announced the purchase and installation of two new machines to address the growing regional demand for impactful flexible packaging. The company has purchased a high-speed slitting machine and an inspection rewind machine to foster Hexxa’s existing capabilities, which include two rotogravure printing presses, a narrow-web UV flexo press, lamination, slitting, pouching, and PVC-shrink sleeving machines. The new slitter is set to offer greater precision, consistency, and speed at 600 meters per minute, while the inspection rewind machine is equipped with a 100% defect detection system, enabling thorough examination of materials for printing defects and inconsistencies.

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