Middle East & Africa Plant Based Bakery Snaks and Confectionery Market Outlook, 2028

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, known for its diverse culinary traditions and flavours, is experiencing a remarkable shift in the world of bakery and confectionery. As global awareness of health, environmental sustainability, and ethical concerns grows, consumers in the MEA are increasingly turning to plant-based alternatives. This surge in demand is reshaping the landscape of the MEA plant-based bakery and confectionery market, offering exciting opportunities and challenges for both established players and emerging brands. MEA has witnessed a surge in health consciousness and ethical dietary choices, driven by concerns about chronic diseases and the environmental impact of food production. In response, consumers are seeking healthier, eco-friendly, and ethical options in their baked goods and confections. Plant-based bakery and confectionery products, which exclude animal-based ingredients, align perfectly with these evolving preferences. With rising awareness of lifestyle diseases, consumers in the MEA are looking for healthier snack options. Plant-based bakery and confectionery products are perceived as a more wholesome choice due to their lower saturated fat content and cholesterol levels. The popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets is growing steadily in MEA, driven by both health consciousness and ethical motivations. This trend has led to increased demand for plant-based bakery and confectionery items. The diverse culinary heritage of MEA, influenced by Arabian, African, Mediterranean, and Asian traditions, readily accommodates plant-based ingredients in traditional recipes. This cultural acceptance provides a natural platform for the integration of plant-based products. Many traditional MEA sweets are associated with special occasions and celebrations. Plant-based versions of these sweets are often made to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions during festive times. Floral waters, such as rose water and orange blossom water, are used to infuse traditional MEA desserts with fragrant and delicate flavors. These ingredients are also found in some plant-based confections to provide a unique aroma and taste.

According to the research report, "Middle East and Africa Plant-Based Bakery Snacks and Confectionery Market Outlook, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the Middle East and Africa plant-based bakery snacks and confectionery market is anticipated to add over USD 120 million from 2023 to 2028. An important force in MEA is people's increasing awareness of health and wellbeing. More and more consumers are looking for healthier snack and candy choices. This tendency is supported by plant-based foods, which are frequently seen as healthier due to their lower amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat. The popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets is on the rise in the MEA. Consumers are opting for plant-based snacks and confectionery products that align with their dietary preferences and values. Traditional MEA cuisine has long incorporated plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, dates, and fruits into its rich tapestry of flavours and desserts. For centuries, these ingredients formed the basis of sweet treats enjoyed on festive occasions and in everyday life. However, as globalisation and urbanisation brought changes to dietary habits, the consumption of animal-based ingredients in bakery and confectionery also increased. In recent decades, a significant transformation has occurred. Health and wellness concerns have driven consumers in the MEA to reevaluate their dietary choices. They are increasingly seeking healthier alternatives, including plant-based options. This shift is fueled by concerns about lifestyle diseases, cholesterol, and saturated fat levels in traditional sweets. Additionally, the growing awareness of ethical issues such as animal welfare and environmental sustainability has spurred a demand for products that align with these values. The rise of vegan and vegetarian diets in the MEA has further accelerated the adoption of plant-based bakery snacks and confectionery. As consumers become more health-conscious and ethically minded, they are exploring plant-based alternatives to traditional animal-based treats. This trend has paved the way for a new generation of plant-based products that cater to regional tastes while adhering to modern dietary preferences. Government initiatives in some MEA countries to promote healthier and more sustainable diets have indirectly supported the plant-based bakery and confectionery market. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the importance of promoting food choices that are not only delicious but also beneficial for individuals and the planet. Today, the MEA plant-based bakery snacks and confectionery market continues to evolve with a fusion of traditional flavours and innovative products. Entrepreneurs and established brands are introducing plant-based versions of classic desserts, providing consumers with a healthier and more ethical way to indulge in the region's beloved sweets.

Based on the product types, there are biscuits and cookies, breads and rolls, chocolates, and others. Dates are a staple ingredient in many traditional MEA desserts, and they continue to play a significant role in the plant-based confectionery market. Date-based sweets like date rolls, stuffed dates, and date-filled pastries are not only delicious but also nutritious and aligned with MEA's culinary heritage. MEA is a diverse region with a wide range of culinary preferences influenced by various cultures and traditions. Biscuits and cookies offer a versatile platform for catering to these diverse tastes. Manufacturers can create a variety of flavours and textures to appeal to different consumer segments. Snacking is an integral part of the food culture in MEA. Biscuits and cookies are convenient and portable snacks that are well-suited to the region's snacking habits. They are often enjoyed with tea or coffee and are a popular choice for both adults and children. With the increasing awareness of health and wellness, manufacturers are introducing healthier versions of biscuits and cookies in the MEA. These include reduced-sugar, whole-grain, and plant-based options to cater to health-conscious consumers. MEA is a diverse region with a wide range of culinary preferences influenced by various cultures and traditions. Biscuits and cookies offer a versatile platform for catering to these diverse tastes. Manufacturers can create a variety of flavours and textures to appeal to different consumer segments. Snacking is an integral part of the food culture in MEA. Biscuits and cookies are convenient and portable snacks that are well-suited to the region's snacking habits. They are often enjoyed with tea or coffee and are a popular choice for both adults and children.

Distribution channels include hypermarkets and supermarkets, convenience stores, e-commerce, and others. People in the region prefer to purchase plant-based bakery snacks and confectionery from the hypermarket and supermarket. Hypermarkets and supermarkets offer a one-stop shopping experience where consumers can find a wide variety of products, including plant-based snacks and confectionery, all in one place. This convenience is particularly appealing to busy individuals and families looking for a hassle-free shopping experience. Hypermarkets and supermarkets typically have a broad selection of plant-based products, including bakery snacks and confectionery items. Shoppers can choose from various brands, flavours, and dietary preferences, allowing them to explore different options and find products that suit their tastes and dietary needs. Hypermarkets and supermarkets usually provide detailed product labelling and information, making it easier for consumers to identify plant-based options and review ingredient lists and nutritional information. This transparency helps shoppers make informed choices based on their dietary preferences and requirements.

Based on the countries included in the report, they are the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. There is a growing awareness of health and wellness in Saudi Arabia, leading consumers to seek healthier alternatives to traditional snacks and confectionery. Plant-based products are perceived as a healthier choice due to their lower saturated fat content and cholesterol levels. An increasing number of consumers in Saudi Arabia are adopting vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian diets. This dietary shift has fueled the demand for plant-based snacks and confectionery products that align with these preferences. The Saudi Arabian government has been actively promoting healthier dietary choices and supporting initiatives related to sustainable agriculture. These efforts indirectly support the growth of the plant-based food market. Saudi Arabia, like many countries, is influenced by global food trends. As consumers become more aware of the worldwide shift towards plant-based eating, they are more inclined to explore plant-based snack and confectionery options.



Recent products Launches:
• Pladis, a global bakery company, has launched a new line of vegan croissants in the United Arab Emirates. The croissants are made with plant-based butter and are available in two flavors: chocolate and almond.
• The Vegan Company, a Middle Eastern vegan food company, has launched a new line of plant-based ice cream in Israel. The ice cream is made with coconut milk and is available in four flavors: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and pistachio.
• Alpro, a European plant-based food company, has launched a new line of plant-based milk chocolate in South Africa. The chocolate is made with almond milk and is available in two flavors: dark and milk.

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 Bakery Snacks and Confectionery with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Bakery Snacks and Confectionery 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

By Products:
• Biscuit and Cookies
• Breads and Rolls
• Chocolates
• Others

By Distribution Channel:
• Convenience store
• Hypermarket/Supermarket
• 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 organizations related to the Sesame Oil 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.