UAE vertical farming pioneers Madar Farms is selling its ‘microgreens’ direct to consumers for the first time, after enjoying initial success with the food service and hotel industries (HORECA).
The annual Global Food Security Index (GFSI) 2019 published by The Economist Intelligence Unit, has revealed Qatar to be the number one nation for food security among 15 Middle Eastern and North African countries.
The Ministry of Economy in UAE has stated that it has enough food to meet the needs of its citizens for at least six months, amidst concerns of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak which is showing no signs of slowing in the region.
UAE’s food and beverage manufacturer National Food Products Company (NFPC) has launched its Oasis brand of drinking water in sustainable Tetra Pak carton packaging, the first water brand in the region to do so.
The snack sector in the Middle East is soaring as consumers become increasingly time poor, with more healthy options also becoming increasingly popular, albeit from a low base.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Economy has revealed a new initiative to reduce the prices of 5,000 food and supermarket goods with discounts ranging between 25% to 60% as the Ramadan month draws near.
Dubai-based B2B e-commerce platform Seafood Souq is intensifying expansion into UAE and new markets in GCC this year on the back of new traceability technology called ‘SFS Trace’.
Legislations and government programmes to combat lifestyle diseases are driving demand for fibre-enriched products, reduced sugar and fat goods, and vegan dairy-alternatives across the Middle East.
Hochwald Foods GmbH, Germany’s second largest dairy cooperative, said it is accelerating its efforts of targeting consumers in search of healthy on-the-go dairy products in the Middle East region.
UAE’s dairy giant, Al Ain Farms has launched its first bottled water product that is lower in sodium, in a bid to improve the country’s food security and health situation.
The UAE Cabinet has established the Emirates Council for Food Security (ECFS) to oversee all food security activities in the country in an attempt to boost self-sufficiency.
GNT Group is hoping to tap into consumer demands for clean label and natural colours for beverages in the Gulf region, where it believes the introduction of several sugar taxes have heightened demand for healthier options.
We reveal the top 10 most viewed Middle East food and beverage stories from 2019, including sugar taxes, sustainable packaging and plant-based developments within the region.
Demand for sustainably produced food products is increasing in the MEASA region (the Middle East, Africa and South Asia), especially in UAE and Saudi Arabia, according to emulsifier firm, Palsgaard.
Consumer interest in sugar and calorie reduction is growing in the Middle East, but manufacturers are faced with the double challenge of maintaining sweetness and compensating for the loss of mouthfeel.
Bunge Loders Croklaan has launched its clean label and ‘healthier’ version of cocoa butter replacer for the confectionery industry, in an attempt to capitalise on demand for more healthy options in the Middle East.
The flagship dairy project of the Sultanate of Oman, Mazoon Dairy Company, has launched its first fresh milk and dairy products nationwide as it seeks to boost local self-sufficiency and meet rising demand.
There is a huge opportunity for brands based in the Middle East to jump on the healthy snacking trend, with protein bars in particular set to experience sustained growth.
UK-based Iposol is planning to enter the Middle East food industry with its salt reduction product that claims to slash sodium content in finished goods between 30 to 60%.
Firmenich has launched its Gulfood Flavour 2020, which comprises of a range of Mediterranean flavours containing spices, basil and garlic notes, to cater to the tastes of consumers in the India, Middle East and Africa region (IMA).
The Middle East’s growing younger population is driving consumption of packaged food and beverage products, with firms turning to new packaging innovations to entice this lucrative market.
Consumers in Middle East are increasingly more willing to try out new trends, but demands for convenience at an affordable price can pose a challenge for manufacturers.
Nestle Middle East's Al Maha factory in Dubai has started generating renewable energy with its 20,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels, that will supply 85% of the factory’s annual electricity consumption.
The most dominant clean label trend across the Asia, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region is the importance of safety, according to new research by Kerry.
The ban on exporting live sheep from Australia to the Middle East has been extended to September 22, due to the risk of heat stress, Australia’s Department of Agriculture announced.
Singapore-based premium gourmet coffee specialist Boncafe has its eye on the China and Middle East coffee markets, banking on an increased focus on its Ready-To-Drink (RTD) products in line with current trends.
Egypt is looking to increase food exports to new markets, after ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have made it difficult to secure the gains sought in its traditional territories.
UAE-based importer Truebell is planning to increase the number of probiotic products in the next 12 months to tap on MEA’s growing US$15 billion probiotic market.
Saudi food conglomerate Almarai has reported a drop of 11.9% in second-quarter profits this year to SAR 582.5 million (US$155 million) compared to the corresponding quarter in 2018, attributing this to the performance drop in its dairy and juice category.
Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-based F&B start-ups received US$20 million in funding, and clinched 8% of deals in H1 2019, amidst findings that investor interest in the region’s food and beverage sector is on the rise.
Gourmet popcorn is gaining popularity in the Middle East, with the product set to become more than a treat at the movies and instead fully-fledged mainstream trend.
Lebanon’s chocolatier Patchi, UAE’s Al Rawabi Dairy, and Saudi’s Almarai food conglomerate are the top three ‘most intimate’ consumer brands among UAE consumers, according to a survey by brand insights agency MBLM.
Farmchimp General Trading, a Dubai-based e-commerce and bricks-and-mortar retailer, is seeking to bring “source traceable” products directly from farmers to end-consumers in the Middle East., by using QR codes to provide traceability information.
The Middle East and North African (MENA) region (excluding sub-saharan Africa) has been predicted to lead the global health and wellness packaged food market growth over the next five years, according to an international study.
