Market Trends of Middle East & Africa Confectionery Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the MEA Confectionery Market according to our research experts:
INCREASING DEMAND FOR PREMIUM AND ARTISAN CHOCOLATES
The shift in attitudes is forcing global firms, like Mars Inc., Mondelez International, and Nestle, to rebrand or reformulate its mass-market chocolates to create a healthier image or sell a more expensive premium experience. The consumers in Middle East & Africa are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly searching for premium chocolate products that are differentiated from common brands found in the retail sector. This has resulted in a surge in demand for high-quality premium chocolate products. For instance, the introduction of Lindt and Ferrero, a little over a decade ago, considerably raised the profile of premium chocolates in South Africa. In Middle East, many companies in and outside the region are catering to its growing standard and premium chocolate market. For instance, in Qatar, the chocolate producer Kaafe, established in 2011, sells 'premium hand-made Belgian chocolates' with an 'Arabic taste.' Another chocolate company in Bahrain, Chocolate & Co, focuses on premium chocolate, combining skillful artisans with a state-of-the-art manufacturing process to make products out of 'fine Belgian chocolate' and quality ingredients from around the world.
THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES EMERGES AS THE FASTEST GROWING MARKET
The chocolate confectionery market in the United Arab Emirates continued to be characterized by strong promotional activity in 2019, as manufacturers competed intensely for volume share. Consumers in the country are actively looking for healthier options, such as low calorie, high cocoa, and functional ingredients based confectionery. A functional claim on the confectionery products label is proliferating. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of products launched in sugar-free gums, energy chews, and candy. In May 2017, Premium and Halal certified chocolate maker, Patchi doubled its production capacity to 10 MT in the United Arab Emirates, owing to increase demand. Patchi's current facility at Dubai Industrial Park is halal-certified, which is the first halal luxury chocolatier in the United Arab Emirates.
