Market Trends of Gulf Cooperation Council Frozen Bakery Products Industry
Popularity of Convenient and On the Go Snacking Options
- The major factors driving the frozen bakery market in the region are the increased demand for convenient food products and the drive for extraordinary taste, safety, and consistency. Fast-paced and hectic lifestyles are compelling consumers to purchase suitable food and ready-to-eat products, including frozen bakery products such as croissants, rolls, and breads. Furthermore, manufacturers focus on introducing product varieties in the frozen bakery category. In addition, new companies are venturing into this segment to cater to the consumers' diversified needs.
- For instance, in March 2021, UAE-based producer of frozen halal products Al Islami Foods unveiled a new dough category, starting with frozen paratha, as it looks to expand the availability, variety, and visibility of the brand. The launch of the frozen paratha marks Al Islami Foods' entry into the fast-growing global frozen dough market. Hence, the availability of a wide range of products will likely increase the popularity of frozen bakery products among consumers.
Frozen Bread Products are in High Demand
- The frozen bread segment accounts for the largest share of the market based on product type. The increasing influence of Western culture on the eating habits of the GCC population represents the main factor behind the significant market growth. The value of annual per capita expenditure on bread in the United Arab Emirates was USD 357.7 in 2022, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
- The manufacturers of frozen bread are utilizing the popularity of regional bread specialties like Cuban bread and cornbread in addition to other bread to develop value-added products to broaden their product lines. With the rise in the number of health-conscious consumers, fortified, clean-label, and organic bread are the preferred frozen bread categories around the region.
- Flatbread is among the oldest foods throughout the region. These products suit the modern lifestyle by offering convenient, easy-to-prepare snacks or meals. Wholegrains and multigrain will keep trending upward to attract health-conscious consumers.