Middle East Sheep Meat Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The Middle East sheep meat market is supported by the global sheep meat market, which attained a volume of about 16478.32 CWE Tons in 2024, and is further expected to grow in the forecast period of 2025-2034 at a CAGR of 1.60% to reach a volume of about 19313.01 CWE Tons by 2034.

Cultural and Religious Significance of Sheep Meats Boosting the Sheep Meat Industry in the Middle East

The increasing animal husbandry activities in Middle East countries due to the rising domestic demand for sheep meat is aiding the market growth. Moreover, the prominence of wet markets, butchers, and small corner stores is catalysing the market growth. Additionally, the popularity and cultural significance of home-cooked sheep meat food like kebabs, kofta, and stews are propelling the market growth. Sheep meats are also associated with significant religious and family celebrations as well as gift-giving, which are further invigorating to the market growth. Also, the rising demand for ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook food and the increasing popularity of fast casual dining by the millennials and the expatriate population of the Middle East are contributing to the industry growth.

The soaring demand for online food products boosted by the coronavirus pandemic is also driving the market growth. Moreover, the prospering restaurant to home delivery by food delivery services like Zomato, Tabalat, and Deliveroo due to the high smartphone usage and internet penetration is increasing the demand for sheep meat food products, consequently aiding the market growth. Furthermore, the flourishing tourism sector, especially in regions like Dubai, is witnessing the robust demand for premium sheep meat, further augmenting the market growth.

Sheep Meat: Market Segmentation

Sheep meat is the meat of a domestic sheep and comprises lamb, hogget, and mutton. It is one of the best sources of high-quality protein and provides all the essential amino acids required for the growth and maintenance of the body. It also contains various minerals and vitamins, such as phosphorus, iron, and Vitamin B12.

Market Breakup by Type

• Organic
• Conventional

Market Breakup by Product

• Fresh
• Frozen
• Processed

Market Breakup by Offering

• Neck
• Shoulder
• Rib
• Breast
• Leg
• Foreshank
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Food Service
• Retail

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

Market Breakup by Region

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Israel
• Turkey
• Iran
• Others

Rising Health-Consciousness Among the Consumers to Bolster the Middle East Sheep Meat Industry

The rising health-consciousness of the consumers is driving the market growth. Sheep meat is a healthy source of vitamins and saturated fats that are crucial in the development of the body. Rising awareness regarding its properties is further invigorating the market growth. The incorporation of sheep meat in various convenience and ready-to-eat food products is also propelling the market growth. Rapid urbanisation, westernisation and the emergence of the expatriate population are also expected to boost the industry growth. Strong economic growth, rising disposable incomes, increasing penetration of international companies, and the swift development of the retail sector are fuelling the market for sheep meat in the region.

The increasing development of retail chains and the increasing demand for frozen meat products are also leading the market growth. The rising investments by the governments to host various world events, such as the World Cup and World Expo and the consequent development of hospitality and foodservice sectors, is also anticipated to propel the market growth. Although the market was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in stringent lockdowns, crashing oil prices, and decreasing disposable income, the strong government response and the upgradation of the healthcare system are expected to boost the market growth. As people are consuming more protein and vitamins-rich food products to boost their immunity, the sales of sheep meats are witnessing robust growth, consequently catalysing the market growth for sheep meat.

Key Industry Players in the Middle East Sheep Meat Market

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the Middle East sheep meat market, looking into their capacity, market shares, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions:

• Alin Meats Co.
• Golden Meat Company Ltd.
• Meat Hub
• Others

The comprehensive report looks into the macro and micro aspects of the industry. The report gives an in-depth insight into the market by providing a SWOT analysis as well as an analysis of Porter’s Five Forces model.