Middle East & Africa Plant-based Yogurt Market Outlook, 2028

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, which is known for its rich culinary legacy and unique eating customs, is currently undergoing a modest but dramatic shift in its nutritional patterns. The MEA plant-based yogurt industry is expanding as health-conscious customers seek more nutritional and sustainable alternatives to traditional dairy products. Dairy products have traditionally played an important role in Middle Eastern and African diets. Changing lifestyles, dietary preferences, and heightened awareness of health and environmental issues, on the other hand, are redefining the food landscape. Plant-based yogurt, manufactured from soy, almond, coconut, and oats, has developed as a viable and ecological alternative to traditional dairy yogurt. With a greater emphasis on health and wellbeing, customers are looking for dairy-free solutions. Plant-based yogurt is considered a healthier alternative due to its lower saturated fat level, lack of cholesterol, and compatibility with lactose-intolerant people. MEA countries have a variety of culinary traditions and flavor preferences. This diversity is reflected in the plant-based yogurt market, where manufacturers offer a wide selection of tastes, including traditional Middle Eastern and African favourites like date, fig, and pistachio. Environmental awareness is critical to boosting the MEA plant-based yogurt market. Consumers are opting for plant-based products with a lower carbon footprint than traditional dairy production due to concerns about sustainability and environmental effects. Because of the MEA region's specific environmental issues, including water scarcity, the sustainability component of plant-based yogurt is especially intriguing. Another driving element behind the market's expansion is new product offerings. Food companies in the MEA region are investing in R&D to create high-quality plant-based yogurt products that taste and feel similar to regular dairy yogurt. These advancements make plant-based yogurt more appealing to a wider spectrum of consumers. According to the research report, “Middle East & Africa Plant-based Yogurt Market Outlook, 2028” published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to grow during the forecast period. The expanded availability of plant-based yogurt in supermarkets and grocery stores around the region is propelling industry expansion. Retailers are responding to the increased demand for plant-based products by designating shelf space for this trend, making it easier for customers to incorporate plant-based yogurt into their daily meals. As these market drivers acquire traction, the MEA plant-based yogurt market is expected to rise steadily in the next few years. Plant-based yogurt manufacturers in the MEA region frequently blend their products with traditional flavors and ingredients that are culturally relevant. This involves employing items such as dates, figs, pistachios, and cardamom to produce flavors that represent the region's rich culinary tradition. MEA plant-based yogurts are well-suited to meet a variety of nutritional needs. Given the high prevalence of lactose intolerance in some countries, these goods offer a dairy-free alternative that is culturally and nutritionally compatible with local diets. The MEA region has a wide and varied food landscape. As a result, plant-based yogurt is available in a wide variety of ethnic flavors and textures. For example, dairy-free versions of Lebanese-style labneh, a strained yogurt, are now available in dairy-free versions using plant-based ingredients like almonds or cashews. MEA plant-based yogurts frequently include nutrient-rich ingredients such as sesame seeds, tahini, and other nuts, which contribute not just flavor but also nutritional value to the goods. Packaging is important in the specialization of MEA plant-based yogurt. Many brands are inspired by local art and design traditions to create visually appealing packaging that highlights the product's link to the region's heritage. MEA plant-based yogurts are quite versatile and may be used for more than just breakfast or snacks. They are frequently used in both savory and sweet foods, including dips, marinades, and desserts, providing a distinctive flavor to a variety of cuisines.

Based on the report market is majorly divided into three major countries United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Saudi Arabia is one of the rapidly growing markets in Middle East & Africa. Healthy food and lifestyle habits are becoming more popular in Saudi Arabia. A growing percentage of Saudi customers are becoming health-conscious and actively seeking alternatives to traditional dairy products. Plant-based yogurt corresponds to these dietary choices because it is typically considered a healthier alternative due to its lower saturated fat content and lack of cholesterol. Saudi Arabia has a rich culinary tradition that includes a diverse range of dairy-based foods and beverages. Plant-based yogurt producers in the country understand the need to conserve local traditions while adjusting to new dietary demands. They frequently develop plant-based yogurt flavors that are culturally relevant and appealing, such as date, fig, and cardamom. In recent years, the availability of plant-based yogurt in Saudi Arabia has increased dramatically. Yogurt and other plant-based products are now available in supermarkets and health food stores around the country. Furthermore, marketing and advertising initiatives have promoted the benefits of plant-based alternatives, increasing public knowledge and interest. Saudi Arabia's economic success has resulted in increased purchasing power among its citizens. This has enabled customers to investigate and invest in premium and healthier food options, such as plant-based goods, which are frequently seen as premium due to their health benefits. The product type of the market includes soy, almond, rice and others. The market for plant-based yogurt products is progressively growing and changing throughout the Middle East and Africa (MEA), reflecting the region's varied culinary traditions, dietary preferences, and environmental concerns. Almond-based yogurt, renowned for its rich, nutty flavor profile and creamy texture, is one of the most popular product types in MEA. Products made with almond yogurt have been created by companies like Almond Breeze and Blue Diamond Almonds, typically utilizing regional flavors and ingredients that appeal to consumers' palates. The classic plant-based yogurt types like labneh (strained yogurt) made from soy, coconut, or almond milk are also gaining popularity among MEA members. These goods provide consumers with a flavor of familiarity with a dairy-free twist by fusing contemporary health consciousness with local culinary heritage. The market for plant-based yogurt in the MEA is diverse and combines international dairy substitute trends with regional flavors and ingredients. There are more options accessible as consumer knowledge of plant-based diets and sustainability rises in the area, enabling consumers to enjoy plant-based yogurt that is in line with their cultural customs and nutritional preferences. In terms of distribution channel market is bifurcated into hypermarkets and supermarkets, convenience stores, e-commerce and others. E-commerce sector is growing rapidly in the Middle East & African region and is predicted to be the fastest growing distribution channel for plant-based yogurt products in the Middle East & Africa. In the MEA region, distant and underserved locations where physical retailers, especially supermarkets and hypermarkets, may be few can be reached through e-commerce platforms. This increased accessibility makes sure that customers may obtain a variety of plant-based yogurt options even in rural and sparsely populated places. In MEA, where obstacles like traffic congestion and lengthy distances to physical businesses might be significant, the convenience of online shopping is particularly valuable. Consumers can explore, buy, and have plant-based yogurt products delivered to their doorstep through e-commerce, which saves them time and effort. Online shopping is becoming more popular as a result of the fast-paced urbanization and hectic lifestyles in the major cities of MEA nations. Urban consumers who may have little time for shopping can have their requirements met through e-commerce platforms. Due to its frequent centralized distribution and reduced transit, e-commerce can be more environmentally friendly than traditional retail. This fits with MEA's growing awareness of environmental sustainability.

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Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

Considered in this report • Geography: Middle East & Africa • Historic year: 2017 • Base year: 2022 • Estimated year: 2023 • Forecast year: 2028 Aspects covered in this report • Middle East & Africa Plant-based Yogurt with its value and forecast along with its segments • Country-wise Plant-based Yogurt market analysis • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation Countries covered in the report • United Arab Emirates • Saudi Arabia • South Africa

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By Product Type: • Soy • Almond • Rice • Others By Distribution Channel: • Hypermarkets and Supermarkets • Convenience Stores • E-Commerce • Others The approach of the report This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organisations related to the Plant-based Yogurt 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.