Middle East & Africa Meat Snacks Market Outlook, 2030

Market Dynamic

Market Drivers • Growing Demand for Halal-Certified Meat Snacks: With a predominantly Muslim population in the Middle East and parts of Africa, the demand for halal-certified meat snacks is increasing. Consumers seek products that meet Islamic dietary laws, and manufacturers are responding by ensuring compliance with halal certification bodies. The availability of halal beef, poultry, and lamb-based snacks is expanding across retail stores and online platforms, creating opportunities for both local and international brands to tap into this growing segment. • Expansion of Modern Retail and Convenience Stores: The rapid growth of supermarket chains, hypermarkets, and convenience stores in urban centers is enhancing the accessibility of packaged meat snacks. Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are witnessing a surge in modern retail infrastructure, making it easier for consumers to explore ready-to-eat protein snacks. The rise of e-commerce and quick commerce platforms further strengthens distribution, allowing meat snack brands to reach a broader audience with home delivery options. Market Challenges • Religious and Cultural Food Preferences: While halal meat snacks are in demand, certain products, such as pork-based jerky, face limited acceptance in Islamic-majority countries. Additionally, variations in dietary traditions across different regions impact product choices. In some African nations, fresh meat consumption is preferred over packaged options, limiting the penetration of processed meat snacks. To succeed, brands must carefully navigate cultural sensitivities and tailor their product offerings accordingly. • Limited Consumer Awareness: Unlike in North America and Europe, where meat snacks are well-established, awareness remains relatively low in parts of the Middle East and Africa. Many consumers still associate meat primarily with full meals rather than on-the-go snacking. Additionally, concerns regarding preservatives and processed foods can impact purchasing decisions. Education campaigns, sampling promotions, and targeted marketing strategies are necessary to build consumer trust and familiarity with meat snacks. Market Trends • Rise of Spiced and Seasoned Meat Snacks: Middle Eastern and African culinary traditions are rich in bold spices and seasonings, influencing the flavors of emerging meat snack products. Popular regional flavors such as harissa, sumac, za’atar, and peri-peri are increasingly incorporated into meat snacks to cater to local taste preferences. These unique seasoning profiles differentiate products from traditional Western-style jerky, attracting adventurous consumers. • Growing Interest in Air-Dried and Natural Meat Snacks: As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a shift toward minimally processed, preservative-free meat snacks. Air-dried options like South African biltong and Middle Eastern dried lamb strips are gaining traction due to their natural preservation methods and rich flavors. These products align with the preference for clean-label, high-protein snacks while offering a regional twist on traditional jerky-style products.