Middle East and Africa Frozen Meat & Poultry Market Outlook, 2029

The market for frozen meat and poultry in the Middle East and Africa has grown significantly as a result of rising tourism, a thriving food service sector, shifting customer preferences, and sophisticated distribution networks. The market is also positively impacted by the growing number of working women, particularly by the rising demand for products that are ready to eat and ready to prepare. Convenience, together with rising disposable income and an increase in the number of working professionals, is the primary factor influencing the expansion of frozen meat and poultry in the area. Additionally, with technical advancements in the food business, the variety of convenience foods has increased to include chilled, frozen, shelf-stable, microwaveable, and prepared mixes, helping to broaden the regional market for all meat products. The increased consumption of frozen meat and poultry products in the MEA can be attributed to improvements in freezing technology, creative refrigerator displays in supermarkets and hypermarkets, and better and faster supply chain solutions. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the region's demand for frozen meat and poultry products will continue to be supported by the regular introduction of new processed meat products, as well as by hyper-branding and modern retailing across the meat shelves of supermarkets is expected to continue supporting demand for frozen meat and poultry products in the region. The Middle East and Africa region has witnessed significant growth in the foodservice industry, including restaurants, hotels, and cafeterias. Frozen meat and poultry products are commonly used in these establishments due to their longer shelf life, easy storage, and consistent quality, driving the demand for such products.

According to the research report, “Middle East and Africa Frozen Fish and Seafood Market Outlook, 2029", published by Bonafide Research, the market is projected to reach market size of USD 6.28 Billion by 2029. The Middle East and Africa are popular tourist destinations, attracting a large number of international visitors. The hospitality sector, including hotels, resorts, and catering services, relies on frozen meat and poultry products to meet the diverse culinary requirements of their guests. The growth of the tourism and hospitality industry contributes to the demand for frozen meat and poultry. The development of robust cold chain infrastructure, including efficient storage, transportation, and distribution networks, has facilitated the availability and accessibility of frozen meat and poultry products in the region. This infrastructure development has enabled retailers and foodservice providers to maintain product quality and extend the shelf life of frozen products. Middle Eastern and African consumers are increasingly exposed to global cuisine and diverse culinary experiences. Frozen meat and poultry products allow consumers to explore international dishes at home, making them popular choices for those seeking culinary diversity and convenience. The majority of the population in the Middle East and Africa follows Islam, which requires adherence to halal dietary guidelines. Halal certification is important for meat and poultry products, ensuring they are prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. Halal certification signifies that the product is permissible for consumption by Muslims and meets the religious requirements. Each country in the MEA region has its own traditional cuisine and cooking methods. Frozen meat and poultry products are often used in traditional dishes, catering to local tastes and preferences. Traditional recipes and cooking techniques influence the demand for specific cuts, marination styles, and flavors of frozen meat and poultry products. Festivals and celebrations play a significant role in MEA cultures, and food is an integral part of these occasions. Frozen meat and poultry products are often in demand during festive periods, as they offer convenience and help in meal preparation for large gatherings.

Grilling and barbecuing are popular traditions in the MEA region, especially during social gatherings and celebrations. Frozen meat and poultry products, such as kebabs, skewers, and marinated cuts, are commonly used for grilling and barbecuing, as they offer convenience and ease of preparation. These cooking methods are often associated with outdoor events, creating a festive atmosphere and bringing people together. Traditional stews and slow-cooked dishes are an integral part of MEA cuisine. Frozen meat and poultry products, particularly cuts suitable for slow cooking, are used in dishes like tagines, biryanis, and casseroles. These dishes often involve long cooking times, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. Such recipes reflect the traditional cooking methods and culinary heritage of the region. Historically, the MEA region has employed various preservation techniques to extend the shelf life of meat and poultry. Freezing is one such method that has become widely adopted in modern times. Traditional preservation methods, such as salting, drying, and smoking, are still practiced in some areas and are occasionally combined with frozen products to achieve specific flavors and textures.

Based on the report, meat products include, beef, chicken and pork. The beef is holding major market share in MEA and is dominating the market as well. The MEA region is home to a substantial number of expatriate communities from various countries. These communities often have preferences for the meat products they consumed in their home countries. Frozen beef products have a longer shelf life compared to fresh beef. This longer shelf life enables easier storage and distribution, making them a convenient option for consumers, retailers, and foodservice establishments. Additionally, frozen beef allows consumers to stock up on meat products, reducing their shopping frequency. Frozen beef products are often perceived as being of high quality and safe for consumption. When frozen promptly after processing, beef can retain its nutritional value, texture, and flavor. Proper freezing and packaging techniques contribute to maintaining the quality and safety of frozen beef products. Beef plays a prominent role in traditional cuisines across the MEA region. For example, dishes like kofta, shawarma, and various grilled and stewed meat preparations often feature beef. These traditional dishes have been passed down through generations and continue to be popular, leading to a sustained demand for beef in the frozen meat market.

The sales channel of the market includes Supermarket /modern retail / hypermarket, Independent Retailers / Departmental /convenience store, On-line Shop. The Supermarket /modern retail / hypermarket is dominating the market in 2023. Supermarkets and modern retail outlets typically have robust cold chain infrastructure in place, including proper storage, transportation, and display systems for frozen products. This infrastructure ensures the quality and safety of frozen meat and poultry products, maintaining their freshness and nutritional value. Consumers are more likely to trust the quality and reliability of products purchased from established retail chains. Supermarkets and modern retail outlets invest in consumer education and provide product information through labeling, nutritional facts, and cooking instructions. This helps consumers make informed choices about frozen meat and poultry products based on their preferences, dietary requirements, and cooking methods. Supermarkets and hypermarkets offer a one-stop shopping experience for consumers, providing convenience and a wide range of products under a single roof. This includes a diverse selection of frozen meat and poultry products, offering consumers the convenience of choosing from various cuts, brands, and packaging options. Some the Supermarket /modern retail / hypermarket includes, Spinneys, Lulu Hypermarket, HyperPanda, Spar, Choithrams, Shoprite and many more.



Considered in this report
• Geography: Middle East and Africa
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Middle East and Africa Frozen Fish and Seafood market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Frozen Fish and Seafood market analysis
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries Covered in the report:
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Meat Product:
• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork
• Others

By End User:
• Residential
• Commercial

By Sales Channel:
• Supermarket /modern retail/ hypermarket
• Independent Retailers / Departmental /convenience store
• On-line Shop

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Frozen Meat and Seafood industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.