Middle East & Africa Tobacco Products Market Outlook, 2028

The tobacco products market in the Middle East and Africa is a diversified and complex terrain with a rich history that is profoundly connected with cultural, economic, and regulatory concerns. The region has a large and culturally established tobacco consumption tradition, comprising a wide range of goods such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and hookah. The Middle East & Africa tobacco market's cultural and historical significance is one of its distinguishing aspects. For millennia, tobacco has been used in various forms throughout the region, sometimes playing a key role in social and ceremonial gatherings. Smoking hookah or shisha, for example, is firmly ingrained in Middle Eastern society and is a popular and treasured pastime. Similarly, the use of tobacco products, particularly cigarettes, has become a daily habit for millions of people in the Middle East & Africa region, creating a steady demand for tobacco products. Economic factors can have an impact on the MEA region's tobacco market. The economic realities of each country in the region differ greatly, affecting the affordability of tobacco products. Cigarettes and other tobacco products are quite inexpensive in some nations, making them more available to a larger proportion of the population. This affordability, together with cultural traditions, may result in increased consumption rates. Consumer tastes in the Middle East and Africa also have an impact on the cigarette market. The shift toward healthier lifestyles and increased awareness of the health implications of smoking have spurred interest in alternatives to traditional tobacco products. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products have gained traction in the region, providing users with an alternative while maintaining some aspects of the smoking experience.

According to the research report, “Middle East & Africa Tobacco Product Market Outlook, 2028” published by Bonafide Research, the market is projected to reach market size of more than USD 30 Billion by 2028. The tobacco products market in the Middle East and Africa is characterized by a blend of tradition and modernity, cultural relevance, economic issues, and public health concerns. This market includes a wide range of tobacco products, the most common of which are cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, and hookah (shisha). Each of these items has its own cultural and societal meanings, which add to the region's total desire for tobacco. Furthermore, the hookah, an iconic emblem of Middle Eastern culture, remains a popular method of tobacco consumption in a number of nations around the area. Hookah lounges and social gatherings centered on shisha smoking are common, which contributes to the ongoing demand for flavored tobacco products and related equipment. Several Middle Eastern and African countries are big tobacco growers. Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Tanzania are major African tobacco producers, while Turkey is a major Middle Eastern producer. Another Middle Eastern country with a tobacco cultivation heritage is Egypt. Shisha or hookah cafes are popular in the Middle East and North Africa, where people meet to smoke flavored tobacco using water pipes. People can chat play games, and enjoy traditional beverages while smoking in these cafés. Tobacco firms from throughout the world have a long history of involvement in these regions, both in terms of manufacturing and marketing. Concerns have been expressed in these locations about multinational tobacco businesses' impact on promoting smoking and weakening tobacco control efforts.


Based on report market is divided into three major countries United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. South Africa is expected to lead the market of tobacco products in Middle East & Africa.

The South African tobacco product market is a complex and shifting landscape influenced by a variety of factors, such as legal changes, health concerns, cultural traditions, and economic dynamics. The tobacco industry in South Africa is commercially significant. It generates revenue for the government through excise taxes and creates jobs in agriculture, manufacture, distribution, and retail. The sector also helps trade by exporting South African tobacco goods to foreign markets. South Africans have a variety of shopping options that are influenced by cultural values. Some societies, for example, have a strong tradition of using smokeless tobacco, such as snuff and chewing tobacco. South Africa's online environment has grown tremendously, including the tobacco industry. Many cigarette companies are increasingly relying on digital marketing tactics to attract consumers, particularly the younger generation. E-commerce platforms are also growing in popularity, giving clients a quick and easy way to purchase tobacco products. This pattern corresponds to the broader digitalization of retail and the migration to online shopping. In the South African tobacco product market, flavor innovations and customization options have developed as key trends. Manufacturers are incorporating flavors and smells into both traditional and alternative tobacco products. This trend caters to customers who demand unique and personalized smoking experiences.

Based on product market is bifurcated into cigarette, smokeless tobacco, cigars and cigarillos, next generation products and kretek. Next generation product is predicted to grow at fastest rate in Middle East & Africa tobacco product market during the forecast period.

The rise of next-generation tobacco products in the Middle East and African tobacco product market can be linked to a number of reasons that have created an advantageous climate for these products. In the region, next-generation tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco products have grown in popularity. Consumer preferences are one of the key drivers of the rise of next-generation tobacco products in the Middle East and Africa. Traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, have been linked to health problems, and many consumers are looking for less dangerous alternatives. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are frequently seen as such alternatives, which drives their uptake. Next-generation products are frequently advertised as less hazardous substitutes for regular cigarettes. Consumers may resort to these items to lower their health risks in regions where awareness of the health dangers linked to smoking is developing. The cultures of the Middle East and Africa are diverse, and certain communities in these locations have a history of using different tobacco products. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are becoming more acceptable and available as they correspond more closely with certain cultural behaviors. Next-generation products often come in a variety of flavors and have a modern, tech-savvy image, which can attract younger consumers. The appeal to younger generations contributes to the growth of these products in the market.

Based on distribution channel market is divided into speciality store, hypermarket/ supermarket, convenience stores, online and others. Online channel is expected grow at fastest rate in Middle East & Africa tobacco product market.

Internet penetration has been gradually expanding throughout the Middle East and Africa. As more people obtain internet access, they are increasingly inclined to shop online for a variety of things, including tobacco products. This larger internet consumer base offers substantial development potential. Online shopping provides consumers with ease and accessibility, particularly in locations where physical stores may be limited or located far from residential areas. Customers can get their chosen tobacco products delivered to their door with a few clicks, saving time and effort. As opposed to brick-and-mortar establishments, online sellers frequently have a wider selection of tobacco items. This enlarged selection can cater to a wide range of consumer tastes while also introducing them to new products. Online platforms make it simple to launch promotional campaigns and discounts. Customers can benefit from unique offers and promotions, which encourage them to make online purchases. Cross-border trading is enabled through e-commerce, allowing consumers to access a greater selection of tobacco products from around the world. This can be especially appealing to people looking for one-of-a-kind or imported items. Consumers in the Middle East and Africa are becoming more comfortable with completing online transactions as digital payment methods become more common and accessible, boosting e-commerce growth.

Companies Covered in this report:
British American Tobacco plc, Scandinavian Tobacco Group, Imperial Tobacco Group plc, The Japan Tobacco Inc, Habanos S.A, ITC Limited, Intercontinental Tobacco Group, Eastern Company SAE, Tabacos Monte Paz.

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 Tobacco Product market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Tobacco Product market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Country covered in the report:
• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Product:
• Cigarette
• Smokeless Tobacco
• Cigar and Cigarillos
• Next Generation Products
• Kretek

By Distribution Channel:
• Speciality Store
• Hypermarket/supermarket
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• 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 Tobacco Product 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.

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