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

Middle East and Africa is a blooming market of plant based cheese. One of the primary drivers of the increasing demand for vegan cheese in the Middle East & Africa region is growing awareness regarding animal cruelty and the environmental impact of animal-based diets. Consumers who follow a vegan diet avoid all animal-derived products, including cheese, milk, cream, yogurt, and honey. The rise of the vegan population in the region has led to increased demand for plant-based alternatives. In addition to the growing awareness of animal welfare, rising personal disposable income, shifting tastes and preferences, and increasing adoption of the western lifestyle are also expected to contribute to the growth of the vegan cheese market in the Middle East & Africa. The plant-based cheese market in Middle East and Africa has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years, reflecting changing consumer preferences and a growing awareness of sustainability and health-conscious consumers are increasingly turning to plant-based cheese due to its lower saturated fat content and absence of cholesterol, aligning with their desire for healthier dietary choices. Additionally, as more people adopt vegetarian, vegan, or lactose-free diets, the demand for plant-based cheese continues to soar. Plant based cheese comes in variety of textures, color, flavors, odor and with the involvement of innovative ingredients.

According to the research report “Middle East & Africa Plant Based Cheese Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, The market is projected to reach market size USD 152 Million by 2028. The Middle East and Africa plant-based cheese market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, driven by changing dietary preferences and a rising awareness of environmental and health concerns. When analyzing this market on a country-by-country basis, several trends and factors become evident. In countries like Israel and the United Arab Emirates, the demand for plant-based cheese has surged due to health-conscious consumers seeking dairy alternatives. These nations have witnessed a proliferation of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, leading to increased accessibility to plant-based cheese products. In South Africa, the market for plant-based cheese has also been expanding steadily. This can be attributed to a growing number of consumers adopting vegan and vegetarian diets and a rising interest in lactose-free options. Local producers have responded to this demand by introducing a variety of plant-based cheese alternatives, both in supermarkets and specialty stores. Economic factors, infrastructure challenges, and traditional dietary habits play a role in shaping the market dynamics in these regions. Overall, the Middle East and Africa plant-based cheese market exhibit a diverse landscape, with variations in consumer preferences and market maturity across different countries. As awareness of the benefits of plant-based diets continues to grow, along with advancements in product quality and taste, we can anticipate further expansion of this market across the region.

Based on the product types, the plant based cheese market in MEA has been segmented into Mozzarella, Cheddar, Feta, Parmesan, Roquefort, Others. Mozzarella, often associated with pizza, has been a focal point in the plant-based cheese market due to its widespread use in various culinary applications. Plant-based Mozzarella cheese offers the meltability and stretchiness that consumers crave, making it a staple in the vegan pizza and pasta industries. Cheddar, known for its sharp and tangy flavor, has also seen a surge in plant-based alternatives. Plant-based Cheddar cheese is utilized in sandwiches, burgers, and snacks, providing a satisfying cheesy experience without dairy. Feta, a crumbly and savory cheese, has gained popularity for its use in Mediterranean cuisine. Plant-based Feta cheese allows consumers to enjoy the authentic taste and texture in dishes like salads and pastries while aligning with dietary preferences. Parmesan, renowned for its nutty and umami-rich profile, is another cheese variety that has found its place in the plant-based market. Plant-based Parmesan alternatives are used to sprinkle over pasta, salads, and other dishes, giving them a cheesy, savory kick. As the plant-based cheese market continues to evolve and expand, consumers can expect an even broader range of choices within these product segments, making it easier than ever to enjoy plant-based cheese in their favorite dishes while contributing to sustainability and animal welfare.

The market is divided into Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Conventional Stores, E-commerce, and other channels based on the distributional channels. The hypermarkets and supermarkets dominate the cheese business in the Middle East and Africa region because they offer the most practical means for customers to purchase the cheese due to their obvious labeling. Additionally, traditional retail establishments serve as the best medium for customers because they offer a wide range of goods, including different brands and varieties of plant-based cheese, making it simple for customers to find their preferred choices during routine grocery shopping trips. Customers are increasingly using online shopping sites to research and buy plant-based dairy products. Customers looking for specialized dietary needs and specialty flavors appreciate the ease, wider range of options, and price comparisons that the online channel provides. Online sales of plant-based cheese have also been boosted by the growth of direct-to-consumer companies and specialty shops.

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 Plant Based Cheese market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type:
• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• 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 as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing 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 conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Plant Based Cheese 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.