Middle East & Africa Non-Dairy Yogurt Market Forecast to 2030 - Regional Analysis - by Source, Type, Nature, and Distribution Channel

The Middle East & Africa non-dairy yogurt market was valued at US$ 153.20 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 299.77 million by 2030; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2022 to 2030.

Increasing Prevalence of Lactose Intolerance Fuels the Middle East & Africa Non-Dairy Yogurt Market

According to the article published in April 2023 by National Centre of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), an average of 65% of the worlds population has lactose intolerance. People with lactose intolerance are recommended to have a lactose-free diet to avoid allergies and digestive problems such as diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and nausea. Moreover, people allergic to milk are also recommended to consume plant-based dairy products. Therefore, such people seek alternatives that are easy to digest and can fulfill their daily nutritional needs.

Non-dairy yogurts are made from almond milk, soymilk, and coconut milk, which are free from lactose. Moreover, plant-based non-dairy yogurt has a similar texture, creaminess, and consistency to conventional yogurt. Moreover, plant-based non-dairy yogurts are fortified with nutrients, such as protein and calcium, that meet the daily nutrient requirements of consumers. Thus, the increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance and milk allergies among consumers is driving the Middle East & Africa non-dairy yogurt market growth.

Middle East & Africa Non-Dairy Yogurt Market Overview

The non-dairy yogurt market in the Middle East & Africa is segmented into South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of the Middle East & Africa. With the growing consumer preference for a healthy diet due to the rising cases of lactose-intolerant people, plant-based dairy products such as non-dairy yogurt are becoming widely popular in the region. Consumers prefer non-dairy yogurt to reduce their calorie intake because traditional dairy products are often rich in calories. Moreover, exposure to westernized dietary trends is driving the non-dairy yogurt market growth in the region.

In October 2022, the Silicon Valley-based food tech firm Change Foods announced an agreement with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi to build an animal-free dairy plant in the UAE. Such expansion strategies by manufacturers in the region boost the demand for plant-based dairy products, thereby positively influencing market growth.

In the Middle East & Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a surge in plant-based substitutes. During the pandemic, there was a huge demand in Saudi Arabia for organic, lactose-free, and non-dairy milk products. Koita Foods, a dairy and plant-based drinks company, saw a 350% rise in online sales in 2020 as consumers working from home during the pandemic embraced e-commerce and healthier diets. Further, Koita Foods reported that total sales in Saudi Arabia climbed by 111% Y-o-Y in the first half of 2020, with a 150% increase in demand for plant-based drinks and a 140% rise in sales of lactose-free dairy products. Thus, the rising demand for dairy alternatives will likely drive the non-dairy yogurt market during the forecast period.

Middle East & Africa Non-Dairy Yogurt Market Segmentation

The Middle East & Africa non-dairy yogurt market is segmented based on source, type, nature, and distribution channel.

Based on source, the Middle East & Africa non-dairy yogurt market is segmented into almond, soy, coconut, oat, and others. The coconut segment held the largest share in 2022.

Based on type, the Middle East & Africa non-dairy yogurt market is bifurcated into flavored and plain. The flavored segment held a larger share in 2022.

Based on nature, the Middle East & Africa non-dairy yogurt market is bifurcated into organic and conventional. The conventional segment held a larger share in 2022.

Based on distribution channel, the Middle East & Africa non-dairy yogurt market is segmented into supermarkets & hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and others. The supermarkets & hypermarkets segment held the largest share in 2022.

Based on country, the Middle East & Africa non-dairy yogurt market is categorized into South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa. The Rest of Middle East & Africa dominated the Middle East & Africa non-dairy yogurt market in 2022.

The Hain Celestial Group Inc, Danone SA, Valio Ltd, and Oatly Group AB are some of the leading companies operating in the Middle East & Africa non-dairy yogurt market.