Middle East & Africa Savory Snacks Market Outlook, 2028

The Middle East and Africa savoury snack market has immense growth potential. The region's increasing population and evolving consumer preferences drive the demand for savoury snacks. Rapid urbanisation and the influence of global food trends contribute to the market's expansion. In the Middle East, street food vendors have played a significant role in popularising savoury snacks. From bustling markets to vibrant food stalls, these vendors have been the custodians of authentic flavours, attracting locals and tourists alike. The Middle Eastern mezze culture, with its assortment of small savoury dishes, has also influenced the development of savoury snacks, encouraging communal dining and sharing. In Africa, diverse culinary traditions have shaped the savoury snack market. Each region boasts its own unique flavours and snack specialties. From North Africa's aromatic spices and flavorful pastries to West Africa's savoury fritters and grilled meats, the continent's culinary diversity shines through its snacks. Local ingredients like plantains, yams, and millet have been transformed into delicious snacks that celebrate Africa's cultural heritage. The Middle East and Africa savoury snack market has witnessed the introduction of new flavours, ingredients, and snack formats. International brands have expanded their presence, offering a fusion of global and local tastes to cater to changing consumer preferences. Furthermore, the rise of convenience-oriented lifestyles and the growing demand for healthier snack options have led to the emergence of baked snacks, alternative ingredients, and innovative flavours. Today, the Middle East and Africa savoury snack market continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation. While traditional snacks remain beloved staples, there is a growing appetite for new taste experiences and healthier choices. The market reflects the region's culinary heritage, cultural diversity, and the dynamic nature of its consumers' palates. While honouring their traditional roots, the Middle East and Africa also embrace innovation in the savoury snack market. Chefs and food artisans experiment with unique combinations and contemporary presentation to elevate classic snacks. From za'atar-flavoured popcorn to harissa-infused chips, these innovative twists cater to evolving consumer tastes.

According to the research report Middle East and Africa Savoury Snacks Market Outlook, 2028, the Middle East and Africa savoury snacks market is anticipated to reach a USD 15.92 Billion market size by the end of the forecast period. The rapid urbanisation in the Middle East and Africa region has led to busier lifestyles and increased demand for convenient, on-the-go snack options. Savoury snacks hold cultural significance in Middle Eastern and African cuisines, being an integral part of social gatherings, celebrations, and daily rituals. The cultural value attached to these snacks sustains their demand. There is a growing appreciation for authentic, ethnic, and artisanal savoury snacks that celebrate the traditional flavours and preparation techniques of the region. Consumers seek snacks that offer a unique taste experience and a connection to their cultural heritage. Savoury snacks are an integral part of social gatherings, family get-togethers, and festive occasions in the Middle East and Africa. Sharing snacks with loved ones fosters a sense of togetherness and strengthens social bonds. It is common for families and friends to gather around a table of savoury snacks, enjoying conversations and laughter. Furthermore, hospitality holds immense importance in Middle Eastern and African cultures. Offering savoury snacks to guests is a gesture of warm hospitality and generosity. It is considered impolite to decline these offerings, and guests are often welcomed with an assortment of savoury treats as a sign of respect and appreciation. Certain savoury snacks hold special significance during religious or cultural festivals. For example, during Ramadan, Muslims break their fast with a variety of savoury snacks known as iftar treats. These snacks are eagerly anticipated and enjoyed as part of the religious observance.

Based on the product types, there are potato chips, extruded snacks, popcorn, nuts and seeds, puffed snacks, tortilla chips, fruit and vegetable chips, pretzels, meat snacks, and others. In the region, potato chips have the highest market share. Potato chips have become widely available across the region, both in urban centres and rural areas. They are readily accessible in supermarkets, convenience stores, and local markets, making them a convenient and popular snack choice for consumers. Potato chips are a globally recognised and consumed snack. Their popularity in the Middle East and Africa can be attributed to the influence of Western food culture and the presence of multinational snack companies that have introduced and marketed potato chips in the region. In the future, pretzels will grow at the highest CAGR rate. The Middle East and Africa regions are witnessing increased awareness and exposure to global food trends. Pretzels, which have their origins in European cuisine, have gained popularity as a unique and distinctive savoury snack option. With rapid urbanisation and changing lifestyles, there is an increasing demand for convenient and on-the-go snack options. Pretzels, with their portable and easy-to-consume nature, fulfil this need for a quick and satisfying snack. Furthermore, the Middle East and Africa markets are experiencing a growing demand for diverse and unique snack options. Pretzels, with their distinct shape and flavour, offer a refreshing alternative to traditional snacks found in the region. This diversification of the snack market drives the growth of pretzels as a popular choice among consumers.

In the Middle East and Africa, the savoury snack market is influenced by various government associations and regulatory bodies that play a role in promoting, regulating, and supporting the industry. These government associations are responsible for setting standards, ensuring food safety, fostering industry growth, and creating a favourable business environment. Government bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for regulating the production, labelling, and distribution of savoury snacks in compliance with food safety and quality standards. They oversee the implementation of regulations and guidelines to ensure that consumers have access to safe and high-quality savoury snacks. Furthermore, trade and commerce departments, both at the national and regional levels, facilitate the trade and export of savoury snacks. They work towards promoting the local industry, encouraging international partnerships, and exploring market opportunities for savoury snack producers in the Middle East and Africa. Agricultural and food ministries play a crucial role in supporting the savoury snack industry. They provide support and resources to farmers and suppliers of key ingredients used in savoury snacks, such as potatoes, corn, spices, and grains. These ministries may offer incentives, subsidies, and programmes to boost agricultural production and ensure a stable supply chain for savoury snack manufacturers. There are several industry associations representing the savoury snack sector in the Middle East and Africa. These associations work closely with government bodies to advocate for the industry's interests, provide industry insights and research, and facilitate networking and collaboration among industry players. They also organise trade events and exhibitions to showcase the region's savoury snack offerings and promote business opportunities.

Based on the distribution channel, it includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, retail, convenience stores, online stores, specialty stores, and others (forecourt retailers, discounters, independent small grocers, etc.). In the Middle East and Africa, supermarkets and hypermarkets cover the highest market share. There are various hypermarkets and supermarkets that offer savoury snacks in the market, including Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Spinneys. Based on the category types, which include baked and fried, in this region, the fried types will dominate the market in 2022. Fried snacks have a distinct and appealing flavour profile that resonates with the taste preferences of consumers in the region. The crispy texture and rich flavours achieved through the frying process are highly enjoyed and sought-after. As well, fried snacks often have a longer shelf life compared to other types of snacks. This makes them suitable for distribution and storage in the Middle East and Africa, where climatic conditions can be challenging and require products with extended shelf stability. Furthermore, fried snacks have gained widespread availability and accessibility across the Middle East and Africa. They are commonly found in supermarkets, convenience stores, street food vendors, and local markets, making them easily accessible to consumers.

Companies Considered in This Report:

Nestlé S.A., PepsiCo, Inc, General Mills, Inc., The Kraft Heinz Company, Kellogg Company, Mondelez International, Inc, The Hershey Company, Mars, Incorporated, Blue Diamond Growers and McCain Foods Limited.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Middle East and Africa
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Middle East and Africa Savory Snacks market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Savory Snacks market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Products Type

• Potato chips
• Extruded snacks
• Popcorn
• Nuts & Seeds
• Puffed snacks
• Tortilla chips
• Fruit & Vegetable chips
• Pretzels
• Meat Snacks
• Others

By Category types

• Baked
• Fried

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Retail
• Convenience stores
• Online stores
• Speciality Stores
• Others (Forecourt retailers, Discounters, Independent small grocers, etc.)

The approach of the report:

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

Intended audience

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