Middle East and North Africa Frozen Food Market

Middle East and North Africa Frozen Food Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

In 2023, the value of the Middle East and North Africa frozen food market is anticipated to reach USD 1,453.2 million. From 2023 to 2033, the MENA frozen food market is projected to record a CAGR of 2.5%, reaching a value of USD 1,863.40 million by 2033.

The Middle East and North Africa frozen food market is growing as a result of increasing demand for convenience foods, technical innovations in the cold chain industry, and advancements in retail outlets. The MENA frozen food industry can expand as frozen food products take less time and effort to prepare than home cooking.

Middle East and North Africa Frozen Food Market Consumption Analysis

• Spending on better-frozen food options is increasing as health awareness grows.
• Customers are enticed to spend more money on quality premium frozen goods.
• Ready-to-eat frozen meals increase spending that is motivated by convenience.
• Private-label products draw budget-conscious customers, which increases expenditure.
• Spending on frozen foods is increased by online grocery discounts and subscriptions.
• Making expenditures on user-friendly options is encouraged through innovative packaging.
• Sales of frozen foods are fueled by special offers, promotions, and loyalty programs.
• Partnerships between restaurants boost spending on frozen takeout choices.

Attributes	Details
MENA Frozen Food Market Value for 2022	USD 854.7 million
MENA Frozen Food Market Value for 2023	USD 1,453.2 million
MENA Frozen Food Market Value for 2033	USD 1,863.40 million
MENA Frozen Food Market CAGR from 2023 to 2033	2.5%

Historical Performance and Future Growth of MENA Frozen Food Market

An upsurge in demand is reflected by a spike in MENA frozen food market CAGR during the anticipated period compared to the previous era. The Middle East and North Africa frozen food market is being positively affected by consumers seeking out quick-to-prepare foods.

Frozen food manufacturers in the Middle East and North Africa are unveiling fresh products to give consumers a sense of novelty. Growth gets expedited by collaborations, strengthened marketing, license agreements, and innovative substitutes, including gluten-free products. Convenience and long shelf life are reinforced by a growing array of products that augment sales.

Historical CAGR	3.9%
Forecast CAGR	2.5%

Short-term Analysis of MENA Frozen Food Market from 2018 to 2022

From 2018 to 2022, the Middle East and North Africa frozen food market expanded steadily at a CAGR of 3.9%. Consumers' increased need for handy and easily prepared food items fostered the growth.

The business spotted tremendous change as companies produced a wide range of frozen food products. This evolution transformed the previously unknown instant meal business into one of the most exciting areas of supermarkets. This expansion provided consumers with a greater assortment of cuisine, more convenience, and a broad spectrum of alternatives.

Mid-term Analysis of Frozen Food Market from 2023 to 2028

The MENA frozen foods market is primed for significant expansion as we move into the mid-term scrutiny from 2023 to 2028. Companies are likely to continue introducing novel frozen food products to provide consumers with novel experiences. This growth is expected to be fueled by strategic collaborations, increased marketing activities, licensing agreements, and the development of alternatives such as gluten-free products.

An increased product range is expected to benefit the market, not simply boosting sales but also improving convenience and extending the shelf-life of frozen foods. It may be expected the market to advance at a promising rate during this era.

Long-term Analysis of Frozen Food Market from 2028 to 2033

Looking ahead, the MENA frozen foods market is expected to foster a 2.5% CAGR from 2028 to 2033, according to an in-depth evaluation by an FMI analyst. Based on long-term forecasts, the frozen food business continues to experience expansion.

The Middle East and North Africa frozen food market is likely to prosper as consumer preferences shift and technological improvements enable the development of even more appealing frozen food options. This period offers significant opportunities for manufacturers in the sector who can adapt to evolving consumer needs and deliver innovative ways that address them.

Frozen Foods Act as Time and Effort Saver in Modern Kitchens

Due to the convenience that packaged edible products provide, consumers of all ages are drawn to the processed food industry, which is expanding rapidly. A change in the Middle East North Africa frozen food market has been sparked by the growth in demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) foods.

When opposed to cooking from scratch, frozen food products need less time and effort to prepare, which is one of the main factors influencing the demand for them. Consumers ' rising disposable income is a key factor accelerating the MENA frozen food market growth.

Two-thirds of the world's population, or around a billion people, are expected to live in urban regions by 2050. The adoption and consumption of frozen food products may skyrocket due to this demographic shift and the urban population's progressively busy lives.

The Surge of Frozen Foods Owing to Hectic Schedules

The time available for preparing complex meals has significantly decreased as a result of the hectic modern lifestyle, which is defined by strenuous work and educational and personal commitments.

The time required to prepare meals has been significantly reduced thanks to the advent of frozen foods. Frozen foods and components are highly praised for their ability to save time, according to a survey of a varied group of people. The Middle East and North Africa frozen food market trend is noticeable among students and working professionals who must juggle many obligations.

The consumption of frozen foods, including sandwiches, wraps, and snacks, has increased noticeably, according to research on consumer behavior. These products satisfy the expanding demand for quick and portable meal options that are appealing to those with hectic schedules. Their appeal is boosted by how easily they can be reheated or consumed right away.

According to a longitudinal study on grocery shopping behavior, those who include frozen items in their meal plans make fewer trips to the store, which saves time and effort. In conclusion, frozen foods are becoming a popular option for people looking for efficiency in their increasingly busy lives.

Frozen Food Companies Face Sustainability Crisis

The considerable use of packaging materials necessary to maintain product quality and safety has made the frozen food business one of the sectors grappling with urgent environmental issues. This increased reliance on packaging materials has led to grave environmental problems, including increased plastic trash and the associated rise in carbon emissions from transportation and production.

The Middle East and North Africa frozen food manufacturers must delicately balance providing product protection and resolving these environmental issues through sustainable packaging solutions as consumers emphasize eco-friendliness more.

Along with environmental issues, market compliance with strict rules and standards governing food safety is crucial. When operating in locations with different rules, manufacturers face significant challenges in meeting these criteria.

Damaged outcomes from non-compliance might include expensive product recalls, tarnished reputations, and legal ramifications. For frozen food companies to preserve operational integrity and maintain customer trust, navigating this complex regulatory landscape is essential. Together, these problems highlight the industry's urgent need for creative and environmentally friendly solutions to maintain product quality and the environment.

Category-wise Outlook

Ready-to-Eat Segment is Reshaping Food Consumption

The global Middle East and North Africa frozen food market is dominated by the ready-to-eat product category, which is anticipated to develop at a 4.9% CAGR through 2033. Due to convenience, quickness, affordability, and availability, ready-to-eat food consumption is expected to increase during the projection period.

Leading Segment Name	Ready-to-Eat
CAGR	4.9%

Modern freezing, refrigeration, or packaging techniques are used to preserve huge amounts of ready-to-eat meals. They can maintain their freshness and flavor longer while maintaining their nutritional value thanks to this preservation. These products can be purchased in bulk by consumers, reducing waste and enabling long-term storage.

The demand for ready-to-cook meals has been rising as a result of an increase in convenience and time-saving factors. Due to their busy schedules and fewer trips to supermarkets and grocery stores, consumers' need for quick and wholesome foods is on the rise. There is no need for additional preparation when consuming a packed or prepared food item, dish, or meal.

Fruits and Vegetables Segment to Lead the Market

With the significant Middle East and North Africa frozen food market share, the vegetables and fruit category is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. The fruits and vegetables subsegment of the frozen food manufacturing market is predicted to grow at a profitable rate due to the lengthy storage life and extremely nutrient-rich food products.

Leading Segment Name	Vegetables and Fruit
CAGR	5.1%

When they are at their ripest and have the most nutrients, fruits and vegetables are frequently chosen for freezing, immediately after harvesting, vegetables are usually washed, blanched, sliced, frozen, and packaged.

Blanching is typically avoided since it can significantly impact the texture of fruits. To prevent spoiling, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or sugar can be added as a replacement.

Region-wise Analysis

Due to their expanding populations and quick urbanization, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, together with the rest of the Middle East and North Africa, retain the majority of the region's frozen food industry revenues. The demand for frozen food may increase as consumers' preferences for low-trans-fat and high-nutritional items evolve.

Leading Country	Saudi Arabia

The expansion of restaurants, hotels, and resorts is expected to fuel significant Middle East and North Africa frozen food market growth. The freezing method tends to reduce chemical presence, preventing the human body from ingesting dangerous chemicals, and is predicted to contribute significantly to MENA frozen food market growth.

Rising consumer awareness about food waste, accompanied by an increase in the substitution of frozen food for fresh food, which is considered perishable, is likely to escalate frozen food acceptance and spur the Middle East and North Africa frozen food market growth.

The frozen food sector is expanding as a result of consumer interest in frozen pizza and various breakfast options. The growing popularity of frozen ready-to-eat items for on-the-go convenience has increased the acceptance of frozen food products in MENA. Adopting an efficient procurement strategy for frozen food to ensure cost efficiency from imported items is expected to boost the Middle East and North Africa frozen food market expansion.

The development of frozen food products with low fat, low cholesterol, whole wheat, and artificial additives, such as peas, pizza, sausages, plain chicken, and other frozen food products, may increase demand in the Middle East and North Africa.

Competitive Analysis

With many regional and international competitors, the Middle East and North Africa frozen food market is fragmented and highly competitive. The region's primary corporations are investing in research and development to innovate their product offerings, such as halal-certified and organic frozen food.

The bulk of global businesses collaborate with regional enterprises to distribute their frozen food items throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

Novel Advancements

Company	Details
Seara	In August 2022, the Brazilian food manufacturer Seara offered Saudi Arabia its entire portfolio of halal goods. The portfolio contains 120 frozen food products, including for example, breaded chicken, chicken, and beef burgers, minced meats, sausages, and meatballs.
Simplifine	In January 2022, the food processing company Simplifine expanded its product portfolio by introducing a production line for frozen fresh French fries in Kenya.
Nomad Foods	Nomad Foods established an open innovation site in April 2022 and invited partners to discuss creative solutions. The introduction of the new portal boosted the company's ability to scale up its manufacturing of frozen mussels and other bivalve goods.
Al Islami Foods	In March 2021, a new dough category was created by Al Islami Foods, a producer of frozen halal goods based in the United Arab Emirates. Frozen paratha is the first item in the category.

Key Middle East and North Africa Frozen Food Manufacturers

• Aryzta A.G.
• Ajinomoto Co. Inc.
• Cargill Incorporated
• General Mills Inc.
• JBS S.A.
• Kellogg Company
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Nestle S.A.
• ConAgra Brands, Inc.
• Associated British Foods Plc.

Key Segments

By Type:

• Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
• Frozen Meat and Fish
• Frozen Desert
• Frozen Snacks
• Frozen Cooked Ready Meals
• Other

By Category:

• Ready-to-eat
• Ready-to-cook
• Ready-to-drink
• Others

By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Channels
• Others

By Freezing Technique:

• Blast Freezing of Foods
• Belt Freezing of Foods
• Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) of Foods
• Others

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the MENA Frozen Food Market in 2023?

The market is expected to be valued at USD 1,453.2 million in 2023.

How Much Will the Market Be Worth by 2033?

The market is anticipated to be worth USD 1,863.40 million by 2033.

What is the Anticipated CAGR for the Market?

By 2033, the market is expected to develop at a 2.5% CAGR.

What Category is Considered Influential in the Market?

The ready-to-eat frozen food segment is expected to register a CAGR of 4.8% through 2033.

Which Type Segment Leads the MENA Frozen Food Market?

The fruits and vegetables segment has the potential to develop at a CAGR of 4.9% till 2033.