Middle East Poultry Meat Market - Size, Share, Covid-19 Impact & Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

The Middle East Poultry Meat Market size is estimated at USD 30.24 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 40.62 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.08% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

Key Highlights

• Middle Eastern poultry meat market witnessed significant growth due to increasing tourism, the booming food service industry, changing consumer trends, and advanced retail distribution networks. In addition, an increase in the number of working women positively impacts the food industry, particularly in terms of demand for ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products.
• Packaged food products, particularly those that are easy to prepare and have a longer shelf life, are becoming more popular in households where both partners work outside the home. Poultry meat, known for its versatility, affordability, and nutritional value, is a prime example of such a product. It is not only easy to prepare, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator for extended periods, making it a convenient option for busy families.
• In recent years, there has been a rise in preferences for poultry meat cuts, especially whole legs, breast with bone and no bones, minced, drumsticks, etc., across various food service channels for use in famous dishes, such as kababs, shawarma, etc., which is expected to drive the market growth. Additionally, the lower price of poultry meat than other meat and its resultant popularity in banquets and catering are expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period.
• However, consumer awareness regarding the benefits of plant-based food products has undoubtedly impacted the consumption of poultry meat in the Middle Eastern market. In addition, the availability of meat substitutes coupled with the launch of various plant-based meat products in the market is anticipated to hamper the overall growth of poultry meat.

Middle East Poultry Meat Market Trends

On-Trade is the largest Distribution Channel

• The distribution channels for poultry meat are dominated by the on-trade segment, through which almost two-thirds of the poultry meat products are consumed in the country. Restaurants and hotels are the major contributors to the region's economy and were severely affected due to the shutdown of the hospitality sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Foodservice businesses resorted to delivery platforms to make up for the foot traffic lost in their stores. As a result, food delivery platforms witnessed astronomical growth in 2020. Saudi Arabia (173%), the United Arab Emirates (61%), and Bahrain (54%) were the three countries that saw the most growth in food delivery revenue in the region in 2020.
• The fastest-growing distribution segment is the off-trade segment, which is projected to record a CAGR of 2.38% during the forecast period. The growth of this segment will be fueled by the proliferation of the online trade channel, which has been booming in line with the large-scale expansion of e-commerce. Internet penetration has been increasing rapidly in the region. In March 2021, the Middle East had 199.845 million internet users, which amounted to 75.2% of the total population. Of this, 145.441 million were users of social media platforms, which is where most online meat delivery apps market their service and acquire customers through digital marketing.
• The convenience store channel has shown declining trends in recent years, dipping at a rate of 6.61% in 2021 relative to the previous year. However, the segment will see some progress in the future and is projected to record a CAGR of 1.43% by value during the forecast period. The declining trend was mainly due to the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in people traveling lesser than before.

Saudi Arabia is the largest Country

• The poultry meat market has been growing over recent years. From 2018 to 2021, it registered a growth rate of 10.79%, by value, in the Middle East. With the increased demand for poultry meat due to an increase in ex-pats, the government provided support to expand poultry production, leading to the growth of the market. The Middle East Poultry Expo is the largest exhibition in the poultry industry, organized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It enhances investment opportunities in the poultry industry and provides an ideal trading platform that brings local investors, suppliers, and global expertise houses together to develop the poultry industry and achieve poultry self-sufficiency.
  
• In the poultry meat market, Bahrain is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. It registered a CAGR of 4.03% by value. Poultry spending accounts for the largest proportion of the total food spending in Bahrain, and it is expected to increase further, documenting Bahrain's shifting dietary spending habits. Bahrain witnessed an influx of ex-pats from Asia and western countries, resulting in food preferences becoming more international and food such as hamburgers and fried chicken becoming popular with Bahraini consumers.
  
• Poultry meat is majorly consumed in Saudi Arabia. It is projected to register a growth rate of 1.64%, by value, during the forecast period. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment plans to increase the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency rate for poultry meat by 80% by 2025. The new investments into Saudi Arabia’s poultry production sector will be valued at USD 4.5 billion by 2025, with plans to increase production capacity to 1.3 million metric tons of broiler chicken annually.
  

Middle East Poultry Meat Industry Overview

The Middle East Poultry Meat Market is fragmented, with the top five companies occupying 7.73%. The major players in this market are Al Ain Farms, Al-Watania Poultry, Almarai Food Company, BRF S.A. and Tanmiah Food Company (sorted alphabetically).

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