Middle East & Africa Spices & Herbs Market Outlook, 2028

Spices and herbs are at the heart of Middle Eastern and African cuisine, and they play a central role in defining the unique and diverse flavours of their traditional dishes. From aromatic spice blends like Ras el Hanout in North Africa to Baharat in the Middle East, these regional spice mixes are handed down through generations, reflecting a rich culture. Spices and herbs have long been used in traditional medicine and healing practises in both regions. Ancient knowledge of herbal remedies and natural medicine has been passed down through traditional healers, who use various spices and herbs for their potential health benefits. Religious and Spiritual Significance: Spices and herbs hold religious and spiritual importance in the Middle East and Africa. They are used in various rituals, ceremonies, and festivals, symbolising purification, blessings, and cultural identity. Incense and aromatic herbs are often burned during religious events, creating a sense of reverence and spiritual connection. The spice trade has been a catalyst for cultural exchange between the Middle East, Africa, and the rest of the world. The trading routes brought together diverse cultures, fostering cross-cultural culinary influences and introducing new spices and herbs to each region. Spices and herbs play a significant role in seasonal and festive dishes in the Middle East and Africa. Special spice blends are prepared for specific occasions and celebrations, infusing the festivities with distinct flavours. The use of spices and herbs in traditional cuisine underscores the connection between people and their natural surroundings. Many spices and herbs are indigenous to the regions, reflecting their close relationship with the land and its bounty. Further, spices and seasoning herbs play a vital role in hospitality and social customs in both regions. Offering guests spiced tea or coffee and serving well-seasoned meals are considered gestures of warmth and generosity.

According to the research report Middle East and Africa Spices and Seasoning Herbs Market Outlook, 2028, the Middle East and Africa Spices and Seasoning Herbs market is anticipated to cross USD 2.83 Billion by 2028. The Middle East and Africa have some of the fastest-growing populations globally, with increasing urbanisation rates. As more people move to urban areas, the demand for convenience and packaged food products, including spices and seasoning herbs, is rising. The Middle East and Africa are popular destinations for culinary tourism, attracting visitors with their rich and diverse food offerings. As a result, there is a demand for high-quality spices and seasoning herbs to enhance the culinary experiences of tourists. Based on the product types, which include Spices and herbs, in the Middle East and Africa, spices have the highest market share. The Middle East and Africa are culturally diverse regions with a myriad of culinary traditions. Spices play a crucial role in celebrating this diversity by adding distinctive flavours to each cuisine. Consumers embrace this variety and view spices as a way to explore different tastes and culinary experiences. The Middle East and Africa have historically been at the crossroads of various civilizations, resulting in culinary cross-pollination and the incorporation of spices from different regions. Consumers perceive spices as a symbol of cultural exchange and an integral part of their shared history. In the future, the herbs will grow at the highest rate; there is a rising awareness of the health benefits associated with consuming herbs. Herbs are often perceived as natural and nutritious additions to dishes, offering various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. As consumers in the Middle East and Africa become more health-conscious, they are incorporating herbs into their diets, leading to an increased demand for these products. Furthermore, many herbs are known for their medicinal and aromatic properties, making them valuable beyond their culinary use. For example, herbs like mint, chamomile, and basil are used for their soothing and calming effects.

Governments typically enforce strict food safety and quality standards for spices and seasoning herbs to ensure that they are safe for consumption. Spice businesses are required to obtain licences or register with the relevant authorities to operate legally. This ensures compliance with regulations and facilitates oversight of the industry. Governments often specify labelling regulations for packaged spices and herbs, including accurate ingredient lists, nutritional information, and proper language labelling as per local requirements. Governments in the Middle East and Africa have established quality standards and certification programmes for spices and seasoning herbs. These standards help ensure that products meet specific criteria for purity, safety, and quality. Compliance with these standards may be mandatory for businesses in the industry. Further, Governments provide training and capacity-building programmes to farmers, processors, and traders involved in the spices and seasoning herbs sector. This initiative aims to improve agricultural practises, post-harvest handling, and processing techniques.

Based on the spices segment, these include pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, mace, Mustard powder, and others. In the Middle East and Africa, pepper holds the highest market share. Pepper is one of the oldest and most widely used spices in the world, including in the Middle East and Africa. It is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes, and its pungent and aromatic flavour complements a wide variety of cuisines in the region. Further, mustard powder is a growing market in the region; the rise of culinary tourism in the region has led to an interest in exploring unique flavours and ingredients. Mustard powder, with its distinct taste, is attracting the attention of tourists seeking authentic culinary experiences. The food industry in the Middle East and Africa is experiencing growth, driven by urbanisation, changing consumer preferences, and an increasing demand for convenience food products. Mustard powder is finding its way into processed foods, ready-to-eat meals, and sauces, further fueling its market growth. Based on the seasoning herbs market, garlic, Oregano, Mint, Parsley, Rosemary, Fennel, Basil, thyme, and other herbs In the Middle East and Africa, garlic has the highest market share. Garlic is a key ingredient in many traditional spice blends used in the Middle East and Africa, such as Ras el Hanout, Baharat, and Berbere. These spice blends are popular in regional cuisines and are an integral part of the local culinary culture. Historically, garlic was used for food preservation purposes due to its natural antimicrobial properties. Even today, it is used in pickling and fermentation processes to preserve certain foods. Further, oregano will grow at the highest rate. The Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, includes generous use of herbs like oregano. As health-conscious consumers in the Middle East and Africa adopt this diet, there is a growing preference for using oregano in their meals.

The nature segment includes conventional and original types; in the region, the conventional types are leading the market. Traditional recipes and dishes handed down over generations often call for the use of conventional spices. These recipes continue to be cherished and passed on, perpetuating the demand for these spices. Middle Eastern and African cuisines have a rich history of using conventional spices and seasoning herbs in their traditional dishes. These traditional practises have been passed down through generations and continue to be an integral part of the region's culinary culture. Based on the Distribution channel, which includes retail and food services, in the region, the retail channel is a growing market and has the highest market share. Traditional grocery stores and local markets are easily accessible to consumers in the region. They are often located in residential areas and neighbourhoods, making it convenient for customers to purchase spices and seasoning herbs regularly. Furthermore, the traditional retail outlets have a long-standing presence in the region, with an established customer base that has relied on them for their grocery needs, including spices and herbs. Based on the spices and seasoning market report, the Middle East and Africa market is segmented into three countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Saudi Arabia is a leading market. Saudi Arabia has experienced rapid population growth and urbanisation, leading to an increased demand for convenience food products and diverse culinary experiences. As urban centres expand, the demand for spices and seasoning herbs rises accordingly. The country's increasing per capita income has enabled consumers to spend more on food and culinary experiences. As a result, there is a higher demand for a wide variety of spices and seasoning herbs to enhance the flavours of dishes prepared at home and in restaurants.

Companies Covered in this report:

McCormick & Company, Incorporated, Kerry Group plc, Cargill, Incorporated, Associated British Foods plc, Olam International Limited, Unilever plc, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Doehler Group SE and Takasago International Corporation.

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 Spices and seasoning Herbs market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Spices and seasoning Herbs market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Country covered in the report:

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Products Type

• Spices
• Herbs

By Spices Type

• Pepper
• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Coriander
• Cardamom
• Cloves
• Nutmeg & mace
• Mustard Powder
• Others (Onion Powder, Allspice, angelica, anise, asafoetida, caraway, sesame, lovage, marjoram, saffron, sorrel, star anise, spearmint, tarragon, etc.)

By Herbs Type:

• Garlic
• Oregano
• Mint
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Fennel
• Basil
• Thyme
• Other herbs (bay leaves, Sage, Savoury)

By Application Type:

• Meat & poultry products
• Snacks & convenience food
• Soups, sauces, and dressings
• Bakery & confectionery
• Frozen products
• Beverages
• Others (Pickles and Chutneys, Dips and Spreads, Health Supplements, Pet Food, Baby Food, etc.)

By Nature Types:

• Conventional
• Organic

By Sales Channel:

• Foodservice
• Retail

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organisations related to the artificial lawn 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.