“The global meal replacement market is rapidly evolving, fueled by growing health awareness and rising demand for convenient, nutrition-packed solutions across fitness and medical sectors.”
Food & Beverages
The Middle East region boasts a rich food culture deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, emphasizing halal food preparation and consumption across most countries. Dishes are typically prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with lamb, poultry, grains, rice, and an array of spices playing a central role in meals. Halal dietary laws are a significant aspect of food culture, guiding food preparation and consumption, especially given the predominantly Muslim population in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Qatar. Awareness about halal food is widespread, not only in homes but also in the hospitality industry, where hotels and restaurants prioritize halal compliance to cater to both local and international Muslim guests. Major Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are known for their vibrant hotel cultures, blending traditional hospitality with luxury. High-end hotels offer diverse dining options, ensuring all food meets halal standards, while also integrating international cuisines to accommodate global travelers. The demand for halal-certified food has extended into all aspects of tourism and hospitality in the region, highlighting the importance of halal awareness in both food production and dining experiences, making the Middle East a major destination for halal-conscious tourists.
According to the research report, “Middle East & Africa Halal Food and Beverage Market Outlook, 2029” published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to add USD 365 Billion from 2024 to 2029. The growing awareness of halal food and its positioning as hygienic and healthy food among, both, Muslim and non-Muslim communities, has resulted in an increase in the consumption and acceptance of halal food, which is expected to drive the demand over the forecast period. Furthermore, the assurance of integrity throughout the Halal supply chain has become a major concern for Muslim consumers, with fraudulent Halal certification and physical contamination of food products on the rise. Hence, supply chain integrity needs to be protected right from the point of animal slaughter and including transportation, storage, to the handling of Halal products. The increased demand for halal-certified products in the past few years is attributed to the growing population of Muslims and the rise in disposable income to utilize these products and services, and the same factors are expected to further augment the growth of the market over the coming years. Finally, there is greater awareness among Muslims on the need and necessity to consume only Halal food. Halal products are gaining wider recognition as they meet Sharia requirements and hygiene, sanitation, and safety aspects. Islam is now the fastest-growing religion in the world.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is the global leader in the halal food and beverage market, driven by its large Muslim population, strict halal regulations, and strong demand for halal-certified products. Within MEA, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), dominate the market due to strict halal compliance, high consumer spending, and a growing preference for premium halal food products.
Saudi Arabia is the largest market for halal food in MEA, with high domestic consumption and a strong import market for halal-certified meat, dairy, and processed foods. The country has strict government regulations ensuring compliance with Shariah laws, making it a key destination for global halal food suppliers. The UAE is another major hub, known for its thriving halal food re-export industry, serving markets across Africa and Asia. Dubai, in particular, has positioned itself as a global halal trade center, hosting events such as the Gulfood Expo to promote halal-certified products. Africa, especially Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria, is also emerging as a significant halal market due to growing Muslim populations, increasing urbanization, and expanding halal certification frameworks. MEA’s strong halal infrastructure and government support make it the undisputed leader in the global halal food and beverage industry.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) halal food and beverage market is primarily driven by halal meat, poultry, and seafood, which hold the largest market share. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and South Africa import and produce significant volumes of halal-certified meat, ensuring compliance with strict Islamic slaughtering practices. Halal milk and milk products are also key segments, with high demand for dairy items such as yogurt, cheese, and infant formula. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have invested heavily in domestic dairy production, while imports from countries like New Zealand and Malaysia supplement supply. Halal fruits and vegetables are gaining popularity, especially with the rise of organic and ethically sourced food trends. Halal grain products, including rice, wheat, and flour-based goods, are widely consumed across the region, with high imports from Asia and Europe. The halal beverage segment, including juices, dairy-based drinks, and non-alcoholic malt beverages, is expanding due to the increasing preference for health-conscious and alcohol-free options. Other halal-certified food products, such as confectionery, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, are also witnessing significant growth, driven by the demand for convenient and packaged halal food options in the region.
In the MEA region, hypermarkets and supermarkets serve as the dominant sales channel for halal food and beverages, with major retail chains like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Panda Retail offering extensive halal-certified product selections. These modern retail formats provide easy access, quality assurance, and diverse product options, making them the preferred choice for urban consumers. Traditional retail stores, including local grocery shops, butcheries, and open markets, continue to play a significant role, especially in rural areas and lower-income communities. These stores cater to daily grocery needs and provide fresh halal meat, dairy, and staple foods to local consumers. Online sales channels are rapidly expanding in MEA, driven by e-commerce platforms such as Noon, Amazon, and Talabat, along with specialized halal food delivery services. The rise of digital grocery shopping and the availability of halal-certified food on online marketplaces have made purchasing more convenient, particularly among younger, tech-savvy consumers. Other sales channels, including specialty halal stores, hotels, and food service providers, contribute significantly to the distribution network. The growing presence of halal food in restaurants, catering services, and fast-food chains is further driving the market, as more international brands adapt to halal dietary requirements in the MEA region.
According to the research report, “Middle East & Africa Halal Food and Beverage Market Outlook, 2029” published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to add USD 365 Billion from 2024 to 2029. The growing awareness of halal food and its positioning as hygienic and healthy food among, both, Muslim and non-Muslim communities, has resulted in an increase in the consumption and acceptance of halal food, which is expected to drive the demand over the forecast period. Furthermore, the assurance of integrity throughout the Halal supply chain has become a major concern for Muslim consumers, with fraudulent Halal certification and physical contamination of food products on the rise. Hence, supply chain integrity needs to be protected right from the point of animal slaughter and including transportation, storage, to the handling of Halal products. The increased demand for halal-certified products in the past few years is attributed to the growing population of Muslims and the rise in disposable income to utilize these products and services, and the same factors are expected to further augment the growth of the market over the coming years. Finally, there is greater awareness among Muslims on the need and necessity to consume only Halal food. Halal products are gaining wider recognition as they meet Sharia requirements and hygiene, sanitation, and safety aspects. Islam is now the fastest-growing religion in the world.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is the global leader in the halal food and beverage market, driven by its large Muslim population, strict halal regulations, and strong demand for halal-certified products. Within MEA, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), dominate the market due to strict halal compliance, high consumer spending, and a growing preference for premium halal food products.
Saudi Arabia is the largest market for halal food in MEA, with high domestic consumption and a strong import market for halal-certified meat, dairy, and processed foods. The country has strict government regulations ensuring compliance with Shariah laws, making it a key destination for global halal food suppliers. The UAE is another major hub, known for its thriving halal food re-export industry, serving markets across Africa and Asia. Dubai, in particular, has positioned itself as a global halal trade center, hosting events such as the Gulfood Expo to promote halal-certified products. Africa, especially Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria, is also emerging as a significant halal market due to growing Muslim populations, increasing urbanization, and expanding halal certification frameworks. MEA’s strong halal infrastructure and government support make it the undisputed leader in the global halal food and beverage industry.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) halal food and beverage market is primarily driven by halal meat, poultry, and seafood, which hold the largest market share. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and South Africa import and produce significant volumes of halal-certified meat, ensuring compliance with strict Islamic slaughtering practices. Halal milk and milk products are also key segments, with high demand for dairy items such as yogurt, cheese, and infant formula. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have invested heavily in domestic dairy production, while imports from countries like New Zealand and Malaysia supplement supply. Halal fruits and vegetables are gaining popularity, especially with the rise of organic and ethically sourced food trends. Halal grain products, including rice, wheat, and flour-based goods, are widely consumed across the region, with high imports from Asia and Europe. The halal beverage segment, including juices, dairy-based drinks, and non-alcoholic malt beverages, is expanding due to the increasing preference for health-conscious and alcohol-free options. Other halal-certified food products, such as confectionery, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, are also witnessing significant growth, driven by the demand for convenient and packaged halal food options in the region.
In the MEA region, hypermarkets and supermarkets serve as the dominant sales channel for halal food and beverages, with major retail chains like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Panda Retail offering extensive halal-certified product selections. These modern retail formats provide easy access, quality assurance, and diverse product options, making them the preferred choice for urban consumers. Traditional retail stores, including local grocery shops, butcheries, and open markets, continue to play a significant role, especially in rural areas and lower-income communities. These stores cater to daily grocery needs and provide fresh halal meat, dairy, and staple foods to local consumers. Online sales channels are rapidly expanding in MEA, driven by e-commerce platforms such as Noon, Amazon, and Talabat, along with specialized halal food delivery services. The rise of digital grocery shopping and the availability of halal-certified food on online marketplaces have made purchasing more convenient, particularly among younger, tech-savvy consumers. Other sales channels, including specialty halal stores, hotels, and food service providers, contribute significantly to the distribution network. The growing presence of halal food in restaurants, catering services, and fast-food chains is further driving the market, as more international brands adapt to halal dietary requirements in the MEA region.
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