Which Middle East markets are leading food and beverage sales?
The Middle Eastern food industry is booming, with billions of dollars of growth expected over the next decade
A new report recently released by The Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman) revealed that Arab countries in the Middle East import some US$139bn worth of foods and non-alcoholic beverages every year.
Further estimates from Fitch predicted a healthy 8.6% growth for this sector in this region last year, placing its value at an estimated US$430bn as of end-2025.
UAE government survey flags high salt, low vitamin D in local diets
New UAE data has shown excess salt consumption and poor vitamin D levels, findings set to guide national reformulation and health initiatives.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) recently published the findings of its latest National Health and Nutrition Survey, spanning results from 2024 to 2025.
The survey was conducted on 20,000 households across the UAE and 2,000 workers in work accommodations, representing a comprehensive look into the state of the country’s population health, dietary and nutrition patterns, identifying key disease and nutritional risks for early intervention.
“This data provides a clear, evidence-based picture of population trends and reinforces the importance of prevention, early intervention, and long-term planning,” Minister of Health and Prevention H.E. Ahmed Ali Al-Sayegh said via a formal statement.
Youth engagement and gamification drive APAC & ME packaging trends
Brands are embracing connected packaging, using youth-focused, gamified strategies in Asia Pacific and the Middle East
Asia Pacific and the Middle East are emerging as key growth markets for connected packaging, driven by youthful demographics, high mobile penetration and growing regulatory readiness.
Connected packaging refers to smart solutions that transform traditional packaging into interactive digital platforms, typically via QR codes or web-based applications.
Middle East focus: Our top 10 Middle East stories in 2025
We reveal the top 10 Middle East food and beverage stories of 2025.
These include Saudi Arabia’s rapid market evolution, rising regional manufacturing investment and changing consumer demand.
What’s next for chocolate? Key trends shaping a $184bn market
Chocolate is changing fast - premium indulgence, health-driven treats, and even cocoa-free innovations are rewriting the rulebook
The cocoa crisis continues to shape the industry, changing the way suppliers and manufacturers operate.
Shifting consumer trends are also throwing up issues, as industry fights to keep pace with evolving shopper tastes and priorities.
