United Arab Emirates (UAE) Plant-based Food Market Overview, 2028

The United Arab Emirates is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islamic dietary laws play a significant role in shaping food choices. Islam encourages compassion and respect for animals, leading many Muslims to embrace plant-based diets or consume more vegetarian meals. During the holy month of Ramadan, which is observed by Muslims worldwide, there is a heightened interest in plant-based foods as fasting encourages a focus on simple, nourishing, and plant-based meals. The United Arab Emirates is a melting pot of cultures, with a significant expatriate population from various countries. Many of these expatriates come from regions with rich plant-based food traditions, such as India, Lebanon, and Egypt. This cultural diversity has contributed to the availability and acceptance of plant-based dishes in the country. Rising consumer knowledge of the detrimental impact of meat eating on health is driving to a shift towards a vegan diet. Furthermore, the benefits of cholesterol-free protein with a meat-like texture are one of the primary elements encouraging the expansion of plant-based goods in the region. According to World Obesity Organization data from April 2022, 25% of men and 30% of women are obese, while 16.4% of individuals have diabetes in the United Arab Emirates. As a result, regional market players are introducing a variety of plant-based products. For instance, VBites, a vegan food brand established in the United Kingdom, announced new listings in the United Arab Emirates in January 2021. In 90 stores, Spinney's outlets around the UAE, and Waitrose shops in Dubai, the company released nine goods from its 51-strong plant-based product portfolio. Similarly, Kind Lyfe, a new vegan snack brand founded in the United Arab Emirates in November 2021, is growing popularity around the region through sales in supermarkets and online retail channels. According to the research report "United Arab Emirates Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the France Plant Based Food market is expected to grow at more than 12.16 % CAGR from 2023 to 2028. Food manufacturers and startups are constantly introducing innovative plant-based products in the United Arab Emirates. These products include plant-based meat alternatives, dairy-free alternatives, plant-based snacks, and ready-to-eat meals, catering to the diverse tastes of consumers. Many restaurants, cafes, and foodservice providers in the United Arab Emirates are incorporating plant-based options into their menus. Plant-based dishes are no longer limited to specialty vegan or vegetarian establishments but are becoming mainstream offerings in various dining outlets. In the United Arab Emirates, where halal certification is essential for food products, there has been a growing demand for halal-certified plant-based options, ensuring that these products adhere to Islamic dietary guidelines. Plant-based diets are gaining acceptance in sports and fitness communities. Plant-based athletes and influencers are promoting the benefits of plant-based nutrition for athletic performance and overall health. Plant-based food companies and restaurants are forming partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and animal welfare organizations to raise awareness about the benefits of plant-based diets and ethical considerations. The most populous city, Dubai, is a popular destination for social-media-influencing visitors, whose posts enhance its reputation as a foodie destination. There are more than 150 vegan-friendly restaurants in the city. This includes fully vegan places like Seva, Bounty Beets and Soul Sante. In addition, Emirates airline has recently announced a multimillion-dollar investment to improve vegan options in its onboard catering.

Based on product type the market is divided into Plant-based Milk, Plant-based Meat and Seafood, Plant-based Cheese, Plant-based Desserts, Plant-based Ice Cream, Plant-based Yogurt, Plant-based Butter, Plant-based Bars, Plant-based Bakery Snacks and Confectionery, Plant-based Creamer, Plant Based Mayyonaise and Salad Dressing and Others. Among them, Plant Based Milk segment is expected to the highest Market Share. The UAE, like many other countries, has witnessed an increasing focus on health and wellness. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and seeking healthier food options. Plant-based meat and seafood products often offer lower saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories compared to their animal-based counterparts, making them attractive to health-conscious individuals. The number of individuals adopting vegan and vegetarian lifestyles in the UAE has been increasing. Plant-based meat and seafood offer viable alternatives for those looking to avoid animal products while still enjoying familiar flavors and textures in their diets. The UAE is an international hub with a diverse population, including expatriates from various countries. As global consumer trends shift towards plant-based diets, the demand for plant-based meat and seafood is also influenced by the preferences of these international communities. In addition, Consumers in the UAE, like in many other countries, have become more health-conscious and are seeking healthier food options. Plant-based mayonnaise and salad dressing products often use healthier ingredients compared to traditional mayonnaise and dressings, such as using plant oils instead of animal fats, making them attractive to health-conscious individuals. Furthermore, Plant-based mayonnaise and salad dressing products cater to individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies, such as lactose intolerance, egg allergies, or those following a vegan diet. These products provide suitable alternatives that allow people with specific dietary needs to enjoy creamy dressings without animal-derived ingredients. Hypermarkets and supermarkets were major players in the distribution of plant-based food products in the UAE. These retail outlets offered a wide range of plant-based alternatives, including meat substitutes, dairy-free products, plant-based snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. Popular supermarket chains in the UAE that carried plant-based food items included Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, Spinneys, and Choithrams, among others. In addition, E-commerce platforms were on the rise in the UAE, and they had a notable impact on the distribution of plant-based food products. Online marketplaces and dedicated e-commerce websites allowed consumers to explore a wide array of plant-based options, including products that might not be as readily available in physical stores. Popular e-commerce platforms in the UAE, such as Noon, Amazon UAE, and others, likely offered plant-based food alternatives. For instance, some organization in United Arab Emirates include Veganuary is an international nonprofit organization that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. Veganuary United Arab Emirates promotes plant-based diets, hosts events, and provides resources to support those interested in adopting veganism. United Arab Emirates Vegans is a community organization that aims to bring together vegans and those interested in plant-based living in the United Arab Emirates. They organize meetups, workshops, and events to raise awareness about plant-based food and its benefits. Green Monday is a global social initiative advocating for individuals and corporations to adopt plant-based eating on Mondays to reduce their carbon footprint. Green Monday United Arab Emirates works with restaurants and businesses to promote plant-based meal options on Mondays. This organization in Ras Al Khaimah focuses on promoting plant-based diets, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. They organize events, workshops, and educational activities related to plant-based food. Considered in this report • Geography: United Arab Emirates • Historic year: 2017 • Base year: 2022 • Estimated year: 2023 • Forecast year: 2028 Aspects covered in this report • United Arab Emirates Plant-based Food 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 • Plant-based Milk • Plant-based Meat and Seafood (Tofu, Quorn, Seitan, Fish, TVP, Burger Patties, Tempeh, Hot Dogs and Sausages, Meatballs, Ground Meat, Nuggets, Crumbles, Shreds, Crab, shrimp, Others) • Plant-based Cheese • Plant-based Desserts (Cakes, Pastries, Custard, Pudding, etc.) • Plant-based Ice Cream • Plant-based Yogurt • Plant-based Butter • Plant-based Bars (Protein Bars, Energy Bars, Cereal Bars, Fruit & Nut Bars, etc.) • Plant-based Bakery Snacks and Confectionery (Biscuit and Cookies, Bread and Rolls, Chocolate, etc.) • Plant-based Creamer • Plant Based Mayonnaise and Salad Dressing • 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 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 Plant-based Food 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.