Middle East Chocolate Market Size

The Middle East chocolate market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increasing consumer preference for high-quality chocolate products and the expansion of modern retail channels. The market's expansion is supported by the rise of convenience shopping and online distribution channels, which are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and quick delivery options. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are key markets, contributing a substantial share to the region's chocolate sales. The development of industry regulations and the high production capacity in these countries further facilitate market growth. Additionally, Kuwait is noted for its rapid market growth, influenced by lifestyle factors and health considerations.

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Market Size of middle east chocolate Industry

Middle East Chocolate Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2018 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 2.70 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 3.78 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Distribution Channel Convenience Store
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 5.81 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Saudi Arabia

Major Players

Middle East Chocolate Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Middle East Chocolate Market Analysis

The Middle East Chocolate Market size is estimated at 2.70 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 3.78 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.81% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

2.70 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

3.78 Billion

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

3.64 %

CAGR (2018-2023)

5.81 %

CAGR (2024-2030)

Largest Segment by Confectionery Variant

67.30 %

value share, Milk and White Chocolate, 2023

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The innovative flavor offerings possible in white chocolate, followed by the preference for varied taste profiles in the region, are anticipated to drive segmental growth.

Largest Segment by Distribution Channel

45.35 %

value share, Convenience Store, 2023

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Rapid development in the sector with respect to the growing number of convenience stores across the region with an increased product base is making it the largest segment.

Fastest-growing Segment by Confectionery variant

6.16 %

Projected CAGR, Dark Chocolate, 2024-2030

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The increasing demand for low-fat and sugar-free chocolates, catalyzed by growing health consciousness among individuals, is anticipated to drive demand for dark chocolate.

Fastest-growing Segment by Distribution Channel

7.58 %

Projected CAGR, Online Retail Store, 2024-2030

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The increased adoption of e-commerce platforms among consumers and the growing presence of online retailers are anticipated to drive the segment during the forecast period.

Leading Market Player

37.77 %

market share, Mars Incorporated, 2022

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The presence of exhaustive product offerings, along with a larger distribution network and a wider presence throughout the region, has made Mars a leading market player.

Dominance of convenience stores and supermarkets/hypermarkets due to increased shopping facilities and brand availability led to chocolate sales in the region

  • In the Middle East, the overall retailing segment has maintained a growth rate of 5.28% by value in 2023 as compared to 2022. The projected expansion is driven by consumers' increasing preference for convenience shopping facilities within the market. Within the retailing segment, the convenience stores segment is the largest retailing unit in terms of volume in 2023. Some of the popular convenience stores in the Middle East are Spinneys, LuLu Express, 7-Eleven, Zoom, Fresh Plus, and Circle K. By 2028, the convenience store segment in the Middle East is estimated to register a growth of 6.37% by volume.
  • Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the second-largest channels in the Middle Eastern chocolate confectionery market. The channel grew by 4.77% by value in 2023 compared to 2022 in the overall distribution channels segment for the Middle East’s chocolate confectionery sales in 2023. The development of modern retail channels such as supermarkets or hypermarkets has made it feasible for consumers to purchase high-quality chocolate products. The proximity factor of these channels in the countries provides them with an added advantage of influencing the consumer’s decision to purchase among the large variety of products available in the market.
  • Online channels are the fastest-growing distribution channels, attaining a CAGR of 6.43% from 2023 to 2030, through which chocolate confectionery products are consumed in the region. Consumers prefer online channels as they provide quick, convenient delivery options. The high internet penetration in the region also drives the demand for these channels. Among all the countries in the region, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia had the highest internet penetration, at 99% as of July 2023.
Middle East Chocolate Market

Substantial production and consumption of chocolates led by Saudi Arabia and UAE with value share of almost 70% in 2023

  • The Middle Eastern chocolate market registered a growth of 5.28% by value in 2023 compared to 2022. The consumer demand for high-quality chocolate products, such as single-origin chocolates, organic chocolates, handmade chocolates, artisan chocolates, and other chocolate products, is a major factor driving the chocolate market across the region. Saudi Arabia and UAE were identified as the major markets in the region, which collectively accounted for a 63.38% value share in the overall chocolate sales in the region in 2023. The key driving factors are high production, rising consumer preference for premium chocolates, and adequate industry regulation to facilitate the manufacturing and trading of chocolates.
  • Saudi Arabia is the largest chocolate producer in the GCC countries, supported by the highest consumption of chocolates in the country, including milk and dark chocolate products. As of 2023, there are more than 1,000 chocolate-producing sites in Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh accounting for the largest number of these (around 35%). Also, Saudi Arabia produces roughly 50% of the chocolate that it consumes. The consumption of chocolates in Saudi Arabia is anticipated to reach around USD 1534.01 million in 2030, registering a value CAGR of 4.45% between 2023 and 2030.
  • Kuwait is the fastest-growing chocolate market in the region. The Kuwaiti chocolate market is anticipated to grow by a value of 16.03% during 2023-2025. Dark chocolate is the leading category, accounting for 26.15% of the value of the overall chocolate market in 2023. The growth is attributed to the country's higher rates of lifestyle disorders. Kuwait ranks first worldwide in obesity and second in diabetes rates, with 77% of Kuwait’s population being overweight and over 40% obese in 2023.

Middle East Chocolate Industry Segmentation

Dark Chocolate, Milk and White Chocolate are covered as segments by Confectionery Variant. Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates are covered as segments by Country.

  • In the Middle East, the overall retailing segment has maintained a growth rate of 5.28% by value in 2023 as compared to 2022. The projected expansion is driven by consumers' increasing preference for convenience shopping facilities within the market. Within the retailing segment, the convenience stores segment is the largest retailing unit in terms of volume in 2023. Some of the popular convenience stores in the Middle East are Spinneys, LuLu Express, 7-Eleven, Zoom, Fresh Plus, and Circle K. By 2028, the convenience store segment in the Middle East is estimated to register a growth of 6.37% by volume.
  • Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the second-largest channels in the Middle Eastern chocolate confectionery market. The channel grew by 4.77% by value in 2023 compared to 2022 in the overall distribution channels segment for the Middle East’s chocolate confectionery sales in 2023. The development of modern retail channels such as supermarkets or hypermarkets has made it feasible for consumers to purchase high-quality chocolate products. The proximity factor of these channels in the countries provides them with an added advantage of influencing the consumer’s decision to purchase among the large variety of products available in the market.
  • Online channels are the fastest-growing distribution channels, attaining a CAGR of 6.43% from 2023 to 2030, through which chocolate confectionery products are consumed in the region. Consumers prefer online channels as they provide quick, convenient delivery options. The high internet penetration in the region also drives the demand for these channels. Among all the countries in the region, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia had the highest internet penetration, at 99% as of July 2023.
Confectionery Variant
Dark Chocolate
Milk and White Chocolate
Distribution Channel
Convenience Store
Online Retail Store
Supermarket/Hypermarket
Others
Country
Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East
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Middle East Chocolate Market Size Summary

The Middle East chocolate market is experiencing a robust expansion, driven by a growing consumer preference for high-quality and premium chocolate products. This trend is supported by the development of modern retail channels such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores, which offer easy access to a wide variety of chocolate options. Online channels are also gaining traction, fueled by high internet penetration and the demand for convenient shopping experiences. The market is characterized by a strong demand for artisanal, organic, and single-origin chocolates, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates leading in consumption and production. The region's young population and rising incomes are further propelling the market, as consumers increasingly seek luxurious and premium confectionery items.

The market landscape is fairly consolidated, with major players like Ferrero International, Mars Incorporated, Mondelēz International, Nestlé SA, and Strauss Group Ltd dominating the scene. These companies are actively investing in the region to enhance their production capabilities and cater to the evolving consumer preferences. Innovations such as plant-based and whole-fruit chocolates are being introduced to meet the demand for healthier options. The Middle East's chocolate market is not only expanding in terms of value but also adapting to changing consumer tastes, with a notable shift towards healthier ingredients like dark chocolate and nuts. This dynamic market environment presents significant opportunities for growth and investment in the coming years.

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Middle East Chocolate Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Confectionery Variant

      1. 1.1.1 Dark Chocolate

      2. 1.1.2 Milk and White Chocolate

    2. 1.2 Distribution Channel

      1. 1.2.1 Convenience Store

      2. 1.2.2 Online Retail Store

      3. 1.2.3 Supermarket/Hypermarket

      4. 1.2.4 Others

    3. 1.3 Country

      1. 1.3.1 Bahrain

      2. 1.3.2 Kuwait

      3. 1.3.3 Oman

      4. 1.3.4 Qatar

      5. 1.3.5 Saudi Arabia

      6. 1.3.6 United Arab Emirates

      7. 1.3.7 Rest of Middle East

Middle East Chocolate Market Size FAQs

The Middle East Chocolate Market size is expected to reach USD 2.70 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.81% to reach USD 3.78 billion by 2030.

In 2024, the Middle East Chocolate Market size is expected to reach USD 2.70 billion.

Middle East Chocolate Market Report Snapshots

Middle East Chocolate Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030