UAE Chocolate Market Size
Study Period | 2018 - 2030 | |
Market Size (2024) | USD 512.55 Million | |
Market Size (2030) | USD 704.11 Million | |
Largest Share by Distribution Channel | Convenience Store | |
CAGR (2024 - 2030) | 5.43 % | |
Fastest Growing by Distribution Channel | Online Retail Store | |
Major Players |
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
UAE Chocolate Market Analysis
The UAE Chocolate Market size is estimated at 512.55 million USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 704.11 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.43% during the forecast period (2024-2030).
512.55 Million
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
704.11 Million
Market Size in 2030 (USD)
2.46 %
CAGR (2018-2023)
5.43 %
CAGR (2024-2030)
Largest Segment by Confectionery Variant
50.94 %
value share, Milk and White Chocolate, 2023
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
40.94 %
value share, Convenience Store, 2023
The feasible locations of convenience stores allow consumers to shop within minimal distances with wider chocolate product availability, making it major segment of the market.
Fastest-growing Segment by Confectionery variant
5.95 %
Projected CAGR, Dark Chocolate, 2024-2030
The escalating sales of premium quality dark chocolate products, along with growing and rising consumer expenditure capacities in UAE, creating market growth in the region.
Fastest-growing Segment by Distribution Channel
6.50 %
Projected CAGR, Online Retail Store, 2024-2030
The freedom to browse digital catalogs without any hurry in a priceless way, within a short span of time to the right place, has become the major factor driving the segment.
Leading Market Player
34.98 %
market share, Mars Incorporated, 2022
Mars Incorporated has gained a competitive edge due to its extensive product portfolio, wider brand presence, and strategic moves toward innovation in flavors and ingredients.
Supermarkets and convenience stores hold major share with wide presence and easy access to multiple brands
- Convenience stores are the most widely preferred distribution channels for purchasing chocolate confectionery in the United Arab Emirates. The volume of sales of chocolate confectionery through convenience stores is estimated to register a 41.68% volume share in 2024. A nationwide network of these operators allows easy access to both local and mainstream confectionery brands. For instance, Zoom operated more than 220 stores in the United Arab Emirates, while Circle K operated more than 105 outlets in the region in 2022. Chocolate sales are estimated to grow at the highest CAGR through convenience stores to reach a sales value of USD 283.22 million by 2030.
- Supermarkets/hypermarkets are the second most preferred channels, after convenience stores, for the sale of chocolates in the country. Chocolate is the highest-sold confection among all confectioneries through supermarkets and hypermarkets, with a market volume share of 60.59% in 2023. Strategic product positioning on the dedicated shelves for the confectionery category influences impulse purchase behavior among potential consumers. Casino Supermarkets, Carrefour, Lulu, and Shoprite are some of the leading grocery store operators in the country.
- The online channel is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel for chocolate confectionery, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.38% in terms of value during the forecast period (2023-2030). Consumers’ access to technology and the internet enables the growth and development of online grocery sales. There were 10.65 million social website users (including e-commerce websites) in the United Arab Emirates in January 2022, equivalent to 10.6% of the total population, further boosting the demand for online shopping of chocolates in the country.
UAE Chocolate Market Trends
Consumers in the United Arab Emirates are more inclined toward eating dark chocolate over milk chocolates, owing to its health benefits resulting in a predominant position of dark chocolates in the country
- In UAE, the chocolate market is majorly dominated by global brands as consumers are significantly preferring unique flavors and tastes in the chocolate confection segment.
- In the United Arab Emirates, under product attributes, consumers are significantly focusing on brand image.; Packaging is considered the second most important product attribute for confectionery products, which determines the likelihood of purchasing.
- Chocolate products in 2023 have been witnessing a hike in their sales. The sales growth is linked to the healthy eating habits of consumers.; Under the chocolate segment, dark chocolate has been gaining a significant volume of popularity during 2022 as consumers prefer milk and white chocolate.
- In the United Arab Emirates, the consumption of chocolate is generally viewed from a health perspective with a mix of opinions. Consumers in UAE follow that dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and is claimed to help prevent cardiac diseases, is growing in popularity among health-aware people.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Manufacturers are incorporating Natural fruit extracts to expand the chocolate portfolio in the market
UAE Chocolate Industry Overview
The UAE Chocolate Market is moderately consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 57.05%. The major players in this market are Berry Callebaut, Ferrero International SA, Mars Incorporated, Nestlé SA and The Hershey Company (sorted alphabetically).
UAE Chocolate Market Leaders
Berry Callebaut
Ferrero International SA
Mars Incorporated
Nestlé SA
The Hershey Company
Other important companies include Chocovana Chocolatier, IFFCO, Kakaw Manufacturing Company LLC, Le Chocolate LLC, Lee Chocolate LLC, Yıldız Holding AS, Zokolat.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.
UAE Chocolate Market News
- September 2022: Barry Callebaut launched its line of whole-fruit chocolates under the Cacao Barry brand in the United Arab Emirates. The product has less sugar than conventional dark chocolate and is made from pure cacao fruit.
- July 2022: Nestlé joined forces with Dubai Duty-Free and a new travel retail-exclusive line, Mackintosh’s Quality Street Oriental Selection. The 251 g Selection features four regional flavors: Rose Pistachio, Qamar El Din, Baklawa Pistachio, and Mohalabiya.
Free with this Report
We provide a comprehensive and exhaustive set of data pointers for global, regional, and country-level metrics that illustrate the fundamentals of the confectionery industry. With the help of 45+ free charts, clients can access in-depth market analysis based on price trend analysis of confectionery ingredients and per capita consumption of confections, through granular-level segmental information supported by a repository of market data, trends, and expert analysis. Data and analysis on confections, confectionery variants, sugar content, insights into consumer preferences and purchasing patterns, an overview of key market players, etc., are available in the form of comprehensive reports as well as excel-based data worksheets.
UAE Chocolate Market Report - Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
2. REPORT OFFERS
3. INTRODUCTION
- 3.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
- 3.2 Scope of the Study
- 3.3 Research Methodology
4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
- 4.1 Regulatory Framework
- 4.2 Consumer Buying Behavior
- 4.3 Ingredient Analysis
- 4.4 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)
-
5.1 Confectionery Variant
- 5.1.1 Dark Chocolate
- 5.1.2 Milk and White Chocolate
-
5.2 Distribution Channel
- 5.2.1 Convenience Store
- 5.2.2 Online Retail Store
- 5.2.3 Supermarket/Hypermarket
- 5.2.4 Others
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
- 6.2 Market Share Analysis
- 6.3 Company Landscape
-
6.4 Company Profiles
- 6.4.1 Berry Callebaut
- 6.4.2 Chocovana Chocolatier
- 6.4.3 Ferrero International SA
- 6.4.4 IFFCO
- 6.4.5 Kakaw Manufacturing Company LLC
- 6.4.6 Le Chocolate LLC
- 6.4.7 Lee Chocolate LLC
- 6.4.8 Mars Incorporated
- 6.4.9 Nestlé SA
- 6.4.10 The Hershey Company
- 6.4.11 Yıldız Holding AS
- 6.4.12 Zokolat
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR CONFECTIONERY CEOS
8. APPENDIX
-
8.1 Global Overview
- 8.1.1 Overview
- 8.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework
- 8.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
- 8.1.4 Market Dynamics (DROs)
- 8.2 Sources & References
- 8.3 List of Tables & Figures
- 8.4 Primary Insights
- 8.5 Data Pack
- 8.6 Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- VOLUME OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET, METRIC TONNES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 2:
- VALUE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET, USD, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 3:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, METRIC TONNES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 4:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, USD, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 5:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 6:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 7:
- VOLUME OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- VALUE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 9:
- VALUE SHARE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 10:
- VOLUME OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 11:
- VALUE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- VALUE SHARE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 13:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, METRIC TONNES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 14:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, USD, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 16:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 17:
- VOLUME OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, METRIC TONNES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- VALUE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, USD, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 19:
- VALUE SHARE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 20:
- VOLUME OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, METRIC TONNES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 21:
- VALUE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, USD, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- VALUE SHARE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 23:
- VOLUME OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, METRIC TONNES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 24:
- VALUE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, USD, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- VALUE SHARE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 26:
- VOLUME OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, METRIC TONNES, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 27:
- VALUE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, USD, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 28:
- VALUE SHARE OF CONFECTIONERY MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 29:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, COUNT, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 30:
- MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 31:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS, %, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2022
UAE 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.
- Convenience stores are the most widely preferred distribution channels for purchasing chocolate confectionery in the United Arab Emirates. The volume of sales of chocolate confectionery through convenience stores is estimated to register a 41.68% volume share in 2024. A nationwide network of these operators allows easy access to both local and mainstream confectionery brands. For instance, Zoom operated more than 220 stores in the United Arab Emirates, while Circle K operated more than 105 outlets in the region in 2022. Chocolate sales are estimated to grow at the highest CAGR through convenience stores to reach a sales value of USD 283.22 million by 2030.
- Supermarkets/hypermarkets are the second most preferred channels, after convenience stores, for the sale of chocolates in the country. Chocolate is the highest-sold confection among all confectioneries through supermarkets and hypermarkets, with a market volume share of 60.59% in 2023. Strategic product positioning on the dedicated shelves for the confectionery category influences impulse purchase behavior among potential consumers. Casino Supermarkets, Carrefour, Lulu, and Shoprite are some of the leading grocery store operators in the country.
- The online channel is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel for chocolate confectionery, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.38% in terms of value during the forecast period (2023-2030). Consumers’ access to technology and the internet enables the growth and development of online grocery sales. There were 10.65 million social website users (including e-commerce websites) in the United Arab Emirates in January 2022, equivalent to 10.6% of the total population, further boosting the demand for online shopping of chocolates in the country.
Confectionery Variant | Dark Chocolate |
Milk and White Chocolate | |
Distribution Channel | Convenience Store |
Online Retail Store | |
Supermarket/Hypermarket | |
Others |
Market Definition
- Milk and White Chocolate - Milk chocolates is a solid chocolate made with milk (in the form of either milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk) and cocoa solids. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter and milk and contains no cocoa solids whatsoever. The scope includes regular chocolates, low-sugar, and sugar-free variants
- Toffees & Nougats - Toffees include hard, chewy, and small or one-bite candies marketed with labels as toffee or toffee-like confectionery. Nougat is a chewy confection with almond, sugar, and egg white as a basic ingredient; and it originated in Europe and Middle East countries.
- Cereals Bars - A snack composed of breakfast cereal that has been compressed into a bar shape and is held together with a form of edible adhesive. The scope includes snack bars made with cereals such as rice, oats, corn, etc. mixed with a binding syrup. These also include products labeled as cereal bars, cereal treat bars, or grain bars.
- Chewing Gum - This is a preparation for chewing, usually made of flavored and sweetened chicle or such substitutes as polyvinyl acetate. The types of chewing gums included in the scope are sugar-chewing gums and sugar-free chewing gums
Keyword | Definition |
---|---|
Dark Chocolate | Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate containing cocoa solids and cocoa butter without the milk. |
White Chocolate | White chocolate is the type of chocolate containing the highest percentage of milk solids, typically around or over 30 percent. |
Milk Chocolate | Milk chocolate is made from dark chocolate that has a low cocoa solid content and higher sugar content, plus a milk product. |
Hard Candy | A candy made of sugar and corn syrup boiled without crystallizing. |
Toffees | A hard, chewy, often brown sweet that is made from sugar boiled with butter. |
Nougats | A chewy or brittle candy containing almonds or other nuts and sometimes fruit. |
Cereal bar | A cereal bar is a bar-shaped food product, made by pressing cereals and usually dried fruit or berries, which are in most cases held together by glucose syrup. |
Protein bar | Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of protein to carbohydrates/fats. |
Fruit & Nut bar | These are often based on dates with other dried fruit and nut additions and, in some cases, flavorings. |
NCA | The National Confectioners Association is an American trade organization that promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats. |
CGMP | Current good manufacturing practices are those conforming to the guidelines recommended by relevant agencies. |
Unstandardized foods | Unstandardized foods are those that do not have a standard of identity or that deviate from a prescribed standard in any manner. |
GI | The glycemic index (GI) is a way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels over a period of time |
Skimmed milk powder | Skimmed milk powder is obtained by removing water from pasteurized skim milk by spray-drying. |
Flavanols | Flavanols are a group of compounds found in cocoa, tea, apples, and many other plant-based foods and beverages. |
WPC | Whey protein concentrate- the substance obtained by the removal of sufficient nonprotein constituents from pasteurized whey so that the finished dry product contains greater than 25% protein. |
LDL | Low density Lipoprotein- the bad cholesterol |
HDL | High density Lipoprotein- the good cholesterol |
BHT | butylated Hydroxytoluene is a lab-made chemical that is added to foods as a preservative. |
Carrageenan | Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks. |
Free form | Not containing certain ingredients, such as gluten, dairy, or sugar. |
Cocoa butter | It is a fatty substance obtained from cocoa beans, used in the manufacture of confectionery. |
Pastellies | A type of of Brazilian candy made from sugar, eggs, and milk. |
Draggees | Small, round candies that are coated with a hard sugar shell |
CHOPRABISCO | Royal Belgian Association of the chocolate, pralines, biscuit, and confectionery industry- A trade association that represents the Belgian chocolate industry. |
European Directive 2000/13 | A European Union directive that regulates the labeling of food products |
Kakao-Verordnung | The German chocolate ordinance, a set of regulations that define what can be labeled as "chocolate" in Germany. |
FASFC | Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain |
Pectin | A natural substance that is derived from fruits and vegetables. It is used in confectionery to create a gel-like texture. |
Invert sugars | A type of sugar that is made up of glucose and fructose. |
Emulsifier | A substance that helps to mix to liquids that does not mix together. |
Anthocyanins | A type of flavonoid that is responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of confectionery. |
Functional Foods | Foods that have been modified to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. |
Kosher certificate | This certification verifies that the ingredients, production process including all machinery, and/or food-service process complies with the standards of Jewish dietary law |
Chicory root extract | A natural extract from the chicory root that is a good source of fiber, calcium, phosphorous, and folate |
RDD | Recommended daily dose |
Gummies | A chewy gelatin-based candy that is often flavored with fruit. |
Nutraceuticals | Food or dietary supplements that are claimed to have health benefits. |
Energy bars | Snack bars that are high in carbohydrates and calories are designed to provide energy on the go. |
BFSO | Belgian Food Safety Organization for the food chain. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms