UAE Frozen Food Market Overview, 2027

Basic definition for frozen food is that the food that has been subjected to rapid freezing and kept frozen until utilized. Generally, frozen foods preserve their vitamins and minerals and there is no change to the carbohydrate, protein or fat content. In some cases, frozen foods have more vitamins and minerals compared to fresh because fresh foods lose vitamins and minerals over time while freezing preserves nutrients. Freezing reduces the number of potentially harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It does that by preventing micro-organisms from growing. Also, freezing suspends microbial and fungal activity in food. Frozen food has become the mainstream food trend across the globe. Earlier, frozen food was only synonymous with desserts like ice creams or some imported frozen fruits that multinationals catered to the market, but this has changed dramatically in the last few years as we are witnessing its exponential growth and popularity among large amount of consumers. In addition to that, frozen food products are increasingly becoming an integral part of our daily diet around the world. Busy lifestyles have driven the food manufacturing industry to produce new products to meet the rising demand from consumers, which, in turn, fuels the overall frozen food market.

According to the report, 'UAE Frozen Food Market Overview, 2027', frozen food market is anticipated to witness exponential growth during the upcoming timeframe. International trade of frozen products has gained prominence complemented by improved transportation facilities. Increased consumption of frozen food products in the emerging economies has also contributed to an increase in the sale of frozen bakery products. Other trends, such as packaging and shelf-life enhancement, present further growth opportunities for the UAE frozen food market. As a result, companies present in the country for the food market are investing in technologies to store refrigerated or retarded dough, frozen vegetables and meat, partially-cooked and fully-cooked food for longer durations. Also, factors such as developments in the retail landscape and technological advancements in cold chain are driving the frozen food market.

One of the latest trends driving the frozen food market is online grocery shopping and the introduction of new and innovative applications, which makes it convenient for consumers to pick their preferred products. Based on these factors, consumers are highly inclined toward online shopping nowadays. Also, from plant-based foods to immunity-boosting foods to personalized nutrition, innovation in frozen food shows consumers that there is something for everyone in the freezer case that speaks to the varied lifestyles of consumers today. Focusing on the latest frozen food trends across the country, manufacturers have managed to revert the poor image this products had by going all-in on natural ingredients rich in functional benefits and that allow for new formulations of better quality, appearance and texture.

According to the report, UAE frozen food market is segmented into five product categories including fruits & vegetables, potatoes, ready meals, meat & poultry and fish/seafood. Among these types, meat & poultry segment occupies larger portion of the market share in 2021. Owing to the hectic work style, consumers have comparatively less time for cooking at home which has propelled the demand for frozen products such as frozen potatoes, ready meals, meat, and fish. The frozen meat segment is expected to remain one of the largest segments on account of new product launches including on the go snack options by Conagra and Nestle. Moreover, easy access of such products in brick and mortar stores across the country is expected to keep the momentum of the segment over the next few years. However, ready meals segment is expected to grow with higher CAGR during the forecast period owing to pre-dominant consumption of ready meals among working-class people around the country. Based on the end-user bifurcation, commercial and residential segments are projected to witness higher market growth during the upcoming time period. As per the sales channels, the market is segregated into three types including supermarket/modern retail/hypermarket, independent retailers/departmental/convenience store and on-line shop. Among these types, supermarket/modern retail/hypermarket segment leads the market in 2021. However, increasing penetration of internet across the country is expected to fuel the market growth for online shop segment by the forecast period.

COVID-19 Impacts

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major threat to UAE's frozen food market in addition to concerns about inflation and supply-chain disruptions. Due to imposed lockdown and social distancing norms, major product traces were at a halt as well as production of these products witnessed a decline. The labour force was also weak during the pandemic. However, frozen food sales surged during the COVID-19 lockdown period as consumers frequently turned to the freezer for a variety of meal occasions. Players in the space took advantage of new and innovative opportunities in functional ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and color-preserving clean label agents. Meanwhile, sustainability in frozen foods was elevated through eco-centric packaging models. This change in consumer behaviour and preference regarding health benefits is projected to increase the sales of frozen food by 2027.

Considered in this report:

• Geography: UAE
• Historic year: 2016
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecasted year: 2027

Aspects covered in this report:

• UAE frozen foods market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various divers and challenges
• Ongoing trends and developments
• Five force models
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendations

By Product Type

• Frozen potato
• Frozen fruits & vegetable
• Frozen ready meal
• Frozen meat & poultry
• Frozen fish & seafood

By End User

• Commercial
• Residential

By Sales Channel

• Supermarket/modern retail/hypermarket
• Independent Retailers/Departmental/convenience store
• On-line Shop

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, the analyst has started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once they have the primary data, they start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended Audience

This report can be useful to Industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the frozen food products 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.