Middle East & Africa Cake Market Outlook, 2030

The introduction of cakes to the Middle East and Africa can be traced back to historical trade routes and colonial influences, particularly from French and British powers. The idea of sweet baked sweets, Western baking methods, and recipes were introduced by European colonists and merchants. These were eventually modified locally, resulting in hybrid cake varieties that combined local ingredients and culinary techniques. For example, classic MEA desserts like maamoul and basbousa have textual parallels to cakes and gradually impacted the evolution of semolina-based cakes, which are now known for their crumbly texture and rich sweetness.

Particularly at weddings, family reunions, and religious festivals, cakes gained a solid foothold in hospitality and festive traditions. Giving cakes was seen as a sign of warmth and kindness, which is a core value in many MEA communities. Layer cakes, sponge cakes, and fusion formats such pistachio cheesecake or rosewater-infused cupcakes were sold in Western-style bakeries that began to flourish in urban centers like Dubai, Riyadh, and Cairo, alongside traditional sweet shops. In reality, MEA bakers adjusted by utilizing local flours like semolina and cornmeal, as well as natural flavorings like dates, saffron, rose, and cardamom. By harmonizing with cultural palates, this regional integration helped maintain the relevance of cakes.

The development of cakes with less sugar and fat has been driven by health-conscious consumers in recent years. Now, bakeries use natural sweeteners like honey or date syrup, as well as gluten-free and vegan alternatives that adhere to religious dietary restrictions and satisfy health needs. MEA cake industry is a mix of imported tradition and local innovation, with its roots in the colonial era, and now it's a vibrant industry that reflects both global tastes and regional identity, with an increasing focus on health and personalization in the contemporary food market.

According to the research report, "Middle East and Africa Cake Market Outlook, 2030," the Middle East and Africa Cake market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 5.48 Billion by 2030. The bakery and confectionery sector in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) area, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, is seeing a little but consistently increasing market size. The increase in income that is disposable, the young population, and the preference for high-quality, culturally acceptable goods are what drive this expansion. The growing demand for Halal-certified products, which is fueled by religious and cultural tastes, is a key trend in the MEA bakery industry.

Local bakeries such as Saadeddin are leading the way, providing Halal-certified products in addition to event-specific cakes that reflect a blend of tradition and creativity and are designed for weddings, Ramadan, and Eid celebrations. In product categories like sugar-free and date-sweetened cakes made for diabetic consumers, where the market is growing due to increased health awareness in the area, innovation is a crucial factor in growth. By catering to local taste preferences as well as dietary limitations, these products increase consumer appeal.

The high-end hospitality market, which includes upscale hotels and catering services, is adopting Halal bakery trends, emphasizing the premiumization of traditional products and raising them to the level of gourmet cuisine. The Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) continues to have a crucial role in controlling and harmonizing halal standards throughout member nations, making halal certification a vital component of market credibility.

Compliance with these criteria is a non-negotiable requirement for both local producers and foreign newcomers because it is a question of food safety, consumer trust, and religious adherence. In order to seize long-term value in this dynamic and culturally diverse area, companies that prioritize innovation, cultural alignment, and regulatory compliance are best positioned as the MEA industry continues to change.

Market Drivers

• The Cultural and Religious Need for Halal Goods: One of the primary causes is the high demand for Halal-certified products in the MEA area, notably in GCC nations. When it comes to cakes, consumers want those that adhere to Islamic dietary regulations, which cover how the ingredients are obtained and how they are made. Consumers are more likely to trust and be loyal to halal-certified products. The need for cakes increases during festivities like weddings, Eid, and Ramadan. Satisfying these expectations allows local bakeries like Saadeddin to flourish. The significance of Halal practices is emphasized by government-supported GSO norms. The need is spreading to the hospitality and high-end markets as well.
• A Consumer Base That Prioritizes Health: As knowledge of diabetes and obesity increases in the MEA, so does the demand for cakes that are date-sweetened and sugar-free. These more nutritious options meet dietary requirements without sacrificing conventional tastes. This advancement is being driven by the diabetic community in cities. The competitive advantage belongs to companies that sell desserts with low glycemic index and a clean label. This driver aligns with international wellness trends. It draws worldwide attention from bakery businesses that prioritize health. This is creating a new market for high-end health cakes.

Market Challenges

• High Reliance on Imports and Raw Material Prices: The market is vulnerable to price swings worldwide because the MEA nations import a large quantity of baking materials. Disruptions to the supply chain might result in delays and higher expenses. In many places, there is little local output of high-quality raw resources. Pricing instability is exacerbated by currency volatility, which has an impact on smaller bakeries. These elements make it more challenging to provide high-quality products at reasonable costs. The cost of running a business is increased by imported equipment and packaging. For businesses with little money, the task becomes even harder.
• Striking a Balance Between Tradition and Innovation: Although innovation is crucial, the majority of consumers still choose traditional flavors and presentation methods. The introduction of novel formats, such as vegan, keto, or Western-style cakes, may encounter opposition. Cultural tastes and regional flavor profiles differ greatly throughout the MEA. Due to this, product localization is both difficult and expensive. Loyal customers may feel alienated by items that are too contemporary. It is also difficult to teach consumers about new components. It is crucial to strike a balance between tradition and innovation, but this is not always easy.

Market Trends

• Increase in High-End and Bespoke Cakes in Hospitality: Premium, custom-designed cakes are increasingly being offered to guests at luxury hotels and event spaces. These cakes are elegant and respectful of halal and cultural conventions. There is an increasing need for special celebration cakes during Eid, weddings, and corporate events. Local ingredients like dates, saffron, and pistachios are being used to infuse flavors. The key selling points are artistic presentation and individualized messages. Instagram-worthy designs are having an impact on purchasing choices. This trend also increases cooperation with artisan bakeries.
• Online Cake Orders and Digitalization: The cake-buying experience in urban MEA markets is being revolutionized by e-commerce. Consumers can browse, customize, and arrange for cake delivery from their houses using online platforms. Social media is essential to brand recognition and advertising. Mobile applications and WhatsApp ordering are growing more common, particularly for last-minute purchases. Digital payments and real-time tracking provide convenience. Online cake orders surge during Ramadan and Eid. This trend is fueling cloud bakery models and home-based businesses.

Due to their portion control, customization, and appeal for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions, cupcakes are the fastest-growing by-product in the MEA cake market.

Changes in consumer lifestyles, convenience, and evolving tastes are the main drivers behind the fast growth of the cupcake sector in the MEA cake market. Compared to regular full-sized cakes, cupcakes have portion control, which makes them more appealing to health-conscious consumers who want to treat themselves without going overboard. Their personal serving size also complements the growing desire for clean, single-portion desserts, particularly in the post-COVID era, where sharing desserts has become less popular. Furthermore, cupcakes are extremely flexible in terms of taste, appearance, and presentation, enabling bakers to accommodate a wide variety of preferences, events, and dietary requirements.

Cupcakes are great for any occasion, from birthday parties and baby showers to business events and Ramadan celebrations, because they are simple to customize and move. The increase in premiumization and aesthetic appeal is another factor contributing to growth. Cupcakes are now created to be aesthetically pleasing, frequently appearing in social media posts and event decor. Cupcakes satisfy the desire for gorgeous and photogenic sweets, which is driven by Instagram culture. They serve as a high-margin, low-waste, and flexible pricing strategy product in the foodservice and retail industries.

The low entry barrier and scalability of cupcake production are particularly advantageous to smaller local bakeries and home-based enterprises in the MEA area. This expansion is fueled by digitization. Themed cupcakes with customized messages are selling like crazy online, especially during holidays like Eid or Valentine's Day. Furthermore, cupcakes are popular among younger age groups, such as kids and adolescents, who have a significant impact on household purchasing choices. Cupcakes are a fusion of global trends and local tastes, with flavors ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to regionally inspired varieties like saffron, cardamom, and date. They are the fastest-rising by-product in the MEA cake market due to their versatility, convenience, and cultural fit.

Since they provide a wide selection of products, consistent availability, and reliable quality all under one roof for value-conscious consumers, supermarkets and hypermarkets are the market leaders in the MEA cake industry.

Due to their strategic location as convenient, one-stop shops for a wide variety of bakery items, supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the MEA cake market. Under one roof, these retail behemoths provide customers with access to a variety of cake brands, both local and foreign, as well as private label choices and fresh baked goods. In the culturally diverse and demographically young MEA area, this wide variety is especially important since it meets a wide range of tastes, financial constraints, and dietary needs. Their capacity to preserve consistent product availability and quality also fosters customer confidence, especially during busy times like Ramadan, Eid, and weddings, when there is a high demand for cakes.

The competitive pricing and promotional initiatives, these contemporary retail models appeal to customers who are looking for value. Loyalty schemes, package deals, and bulk purchases increase customer happiness and promote repeat business. Supermarkets are well-organized and professionally presented, making for a clean and engaging shopping experience that is particularly valued in metropolitan areas where food safety and presentation are top priorities. In addition, many hypermarkets have in-house bakeries that sell freshly baked, customizable cakes, which enhances brand loyalty and customer involvement. Furthermore, hypermarkets and supermarkets are taking advantage of the digital revolution.

Their extensive geographic coverage, ranging from high-end shopping centers in Dubai to neighborhood centers in Riyadh and Cairo, guarantees significant market penetration across both premium and mass-market categories. Many of them now provide online ordering, in-store pickup, and delivery services, which improves accessibility and meets shifting customer trends in the post-pandemic environment. These big retailers are excellent venues for product visibility, sampling, and promotional trials for manufacturers and distributors. The combination of accessibility, affordability, product variety, and increasing digital integration solidifies supermarkets and hypermarkets as the primary distribution channel for the MEA cake industry.

Due to its worldwide appeal, versatility, and close cultural association with indulgence and celebration, chocolate is the most popular flavor category in the MEA cake industry.

Due to its widespread appeal across age groups, cultures, and events, chocolate continues to be the most popular flavor in the MEA cake industry. Chocolate is a widely adored, decadent flavor that transcends borders in an area renowned for its festive atmosphere, where cakes are the focal point of birthdays, weddings, religious events like Eid, and even casual get-togethers. Its rich flavor and sensory appeal make it a safe yet satisfying option for a variety of cake forms, including cupcakes, layer cakes, and pastries, and appeal to both traditional and modern consumers.

Chocolate can be readily customized to fit regional tastes, whether it's served in a simple sponge, packed with ganache, or coupled with dates, nuts, or saffron, all while retaining its fundamental appeal throughout the world. Due to the abundance of chocolate-flavored cakes available in supermarkets, cafes, bakeries, and even fast-food restaurants throughout the MEA region, customers may readily purchase them. Due to the flavor's powerful emotional association with luxury, comfort, and festivity, demand remains constant even during economic downturns. Moreover, chocolate's reputation has been enhanced by the growth of high-end and artisanal cakes in the MEA area.

The ingredient is crucial to both classic and modern innovation, as seen by high-end restaurants' dark chocolate ganache cakes and Halal bakeries' decadent date-chocolate fusion cakes. chocolate's popularity is boosted by its compatibility with health trends. In metropolitan areas, gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free chocolate cakes are now widely available, catering to health-conscious customers without compromising flavor. The strong visual appeal of chocolate, which is frequently utilized in marketing, packaging, and social media advertising, also helps to boost impulse purchases and online cake orders. Chocolate is the undisputed flavor favorite in the MEA cake industry, thanks to its sensory richness, creative flexibility, and strong emotional and cultural appeal.

Unpackaged/artisanal cakes lead the MEA cake market due to their freshness, customization, and alignment with cultural preferences for handmade, occasion-specific products.

The unpackaged or artisanal segment dominates and grows rapidly in the MEA cake market, largely because it aligns closely with local cultural values, consumer expectations, and the rising demand for freshness and personalization. In many Middle Eastern and African societies, food especially for celebrations is seen as an expression of care, tradition, and hospitality. Consumers often prefer freshly made cakes crafted by local bakers or pâtissiers over mass-produced, pre-packaged alternatives.

These cakes are perceived as more authentic, flavorful, and aligned with family-centered or religious events like weddings, Eid, or birthdays, where presentation and taste are of paramount importance. Artisanal cakes also offer high levels of customization. Customers can request specific flavors, shapes, sizes, and decorations allowing them to reflect cultural motifs, religious symbols, or even personalized messages. This customization is especially valued during occasions like Ramadan, where unique themes and ingredients such as dates, pistachios, and rose water are used to enhance the cultural relevance of the product.

The visual appeal of artisanal cakes also makes them popular for social media sharing, which has amplified their desirability among younger, trend-sensitive consumers. From a market perspective, the growing number of boutique bakeries, home-based businesses, and high-end patisseries across the GCC and broader MEA region has fueled this segment. These players capitalize on consumer willingness to pay a premium for quality, aesthetic, and freshness.

Moreover, unpackaged cakes often evoke trust as they are perceived to be made with natural ingredients and without preservatives. In an era where food transparency and health consciousness are gaining traction, this perception gives artisanal cakes a competitive edge. As MEA consumers increasingly seek unique, high-quality, and culturally resonant experiences, the unpackaged/artisanal segment continues to expand as both the largest and fastest-growing form in the cake market.

Due to its robust consumer demand, which is fueled by significant disposable income and a flourishing hospitality industry, Saudi Arabia dominates the MEA cake market.

A distinctive combination of economic, cultural, and infrastructural advantages supports Saudi Arabia's supremacy in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) cake industry. The kingdom's wealthy populace, with its high disposable incomes and rising demand for upscale and foreign dessert options, is at the center of this leadership. Cakes have become daily pleasures for an expanding middle and upper class as lifestyles have become more contemporary and Western culinary influences have gained popularity. The growing retail environment, which includes local bakeries as well as multinational supermarket chains, guarantees broad access to a wide selection of cake goods.

Significant investments have been made in the food and hotel industries as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 program, which seeks to diversify the economy. This has encouraged the expansion of upscale hotels, restaurants, and cafés, all of which provide cakes as part of their services, thereby boosting cake consumption. Increased social events, weddings, and festivities that include Western-style cakes are indicative of changing culture, especially among young people. The nation's advantageous location and strong logistical infrastructure also support the efficient import of raw materials and export of bakery goods, which enhances its position in the regional market.

Local producers and worldwide giants are taking advantage of this trend by offering cutting-edge flavors and health-conscious alternatives catered to Saudi tastes, such as date-infused pastries or sugar-free products. By increasing the accessibility and ease with which cakes may be purchased online, e-commerce and food delivery platforms have also played a crucial role in meeting the consumer desire for prompt, high-quality goods. The market for organic and low-calorie cakes is expanding as health consciousness increases, which is resulting in greater product diversity. In sum, these elements combine to form a favorable environment for ongoing market dominance, establishing Saudi Arabia as a trendsetter in the MEA cake industry as well as a consumer hub.

Considered in this report

• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report

• Cake Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product

• Cupcakes
• Sponge Cakes
• Dessert Cakes
• others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Bakery
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail Stores
• Other Distribution Channels

By Form

• Packaged
• Unpackaged/Artisanal

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.