GCC food consumption is forecast to develop by 4.6 million metric tonnes (MT) to 55.5 million MT by 2029, based on the newest GCC Meals Trade Report from UAE-based funding banking advisory agency Alpen Capital.
The report highlights that whereas rising populations will proceed to drive total demand, altering client preferences, higher dietary consciousness, and more healthy consuming habits will more and more form what folks eat.
This shift is anticipated to create alternatives and challenges for meals operators throughout the area.
GCC meals consumption
Sameena Ahmad, Managing Director of Alpen Capital, stated: “Meals consumption within the GCC is projected to develop on the again of demographic enlargement, rising spending energy and burgeoning tourism exercise.
“Nationwide methods and shifting dietary preferences towards health-conscious alternate options are collectively reshaping the sector. Meals producers and repair suppliers are diversifying their choices by adopting digital and operational improvements to satisfy the evolving wants of their shoppers.”
Sharmin Karanjia, Government Director at Alpen Capital, stated: “The GCC meals business is experiencing an upward development for comfort and tech-enabled companies equivalent to on-line meals supply, well being apps, and cloud kitchens.
“Demand for more healthy, contemporary, and nutrient-rich meals, together with natural and clean-label choices, is driving funding and innovation throughout the GCC’s meals sector.”
Key Forecasts to 2029
- GCC meals consumption to develop at a CAGR of 1.7 per cent from 50.9m MT in 2024 to 55.5m MT in 2029
- Cereals to document the very best CAGR at 1.9 per cent, adopted by fish, eggs, pulses, honey, potato, oils and fat at 1.8 per cent
- Different main classes — greens, milk/dairy, fruits and meat — will develop at comparable charges
- Saudi Arabia and the UAE will stay the biggest food-consuming nations, collectively reaching 73.8 per cent of whole GCC meals consumption by 2029
- Oman will publish the very best CAGR at 3.8 per cent, adopted by Bahrain at 3.3 per cent
The report notes that the GCC’s heavy reliance on meals imports exposes the area to produce chain disruptions, worth volatility, and geopolitical dangers.
Restricted arable land, scarce water, and harsh climates additionally constrain home manufacturing, making self-sufficiency a persistent problem.
Governments are investing closely in agritech, vertical farming, hydroponics, and sensible agriculture, whereas additionally buying abroad agricultural land to diversify provide chains. Meals waste discount is one other strategic precedence.
Well being-conscious consumption is changing into a defining development, pushed by rising charges of weight problems, diabetes and lifestyle-related ailments.
Customers are demanding low-sugar, high-protein, natural and plant-based choices, prompting producers to broaden health-focused product portfolios.
The sector can also be being reworked by digital ordering, quick-commerce apps, cloud kitchens, and sensible provide chains, with consolidation anticipated to speed up in agritech, digital F&B, and last-mile supply.