Middle East and Africa Fruit Snacks Market Outlook, 2030

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) food snacks market has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, driven by rapid urbanization, evolving consumer preferences, a growing middle class, and a youthful population. This diverse and dynamic region, encompassing economically varied nations from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to Sub-Saharan Africa, has shown increasing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat food products, especially snack items. Traditional eating patterns are gradually transforming as busy lifestyles, higher disposable incomes, and increasing female workforce participation contribute to a growing reliance on snack foods.

In the Middle East, countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are seeing a surge in both local and international snack brands, offering products ranging from chips, nuts, and seeds to confectionery and protein bars. Meanwhile, in Africa, especially in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, the demand for affordable and accessible snack items is rising, particularly among urban and younger consumers who favor convenience, taste, and affordability. While Western-style snacks such as potato chips, chocolate bars, and cookies are widely consumed, there is also a strong preference for regional favorites. In the Middle East, snacks like dates, hummus-based dips, and za'atar-spiced crackers have retained popularity.

Similarly, in African markets, locally produced snacks such as chin chin, plantain chips, and biltong enjoy strong cultural relevance. Halal certification is also a major consideration in the Middle East, influencing product formulation and marketing strategies. However, as lockdowns extended and consumer behavior shifted, there was a noticeable increase in demand for comfort foods and packaged snacks due to the closure of restaurants and restrictions on movement. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of health and wellness, prompting consumers to seek out snacks with added health benefits, such as those that are low in sugar, high in protein, or made from natural ingredients.

According to the research report "Middle East and Africa Fruit Snacks Market Outlook, 2030," the Middle East and Africa Fruit Snacks market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 1.45 Billion by 2030. The growth of the snack market in MEA can be largely attributed to urbanization and demographic shifts. With more people moving to cities and urban centers, especially in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and South Africa, there is a rising demand for convenient, ready-to-eat food options that cater to busy lifestyles. Urban dwellers, particularly young professionals and students, are more inclined to purchase on-the-go snacks that require little to no preparation.

As a result, there has been a notable increase in the consumption of packaged snacks such as potato chips, chocolate bars, granola bars, biscuits, and protein-based snacks. The growing influence of global food culture through media and international travel has also expanded consumers’ palates, encouraging them to try new flavors and snack formats. Consumer preferences in the MEA region are becoming increasingly sophisticated and health-conscious. With rising awareness about nutrition and wellness, especially among the younger generation, there is a growing demand for snacks that are not only tasty but also offer functional benefits. This includes products that are high in fiber, gluten-free, organic, or fortified with vitamins and minerals.

In response, manufacturers are innovating to create healthier snack options, often highlighting natural ingredients and clean labels. Additionally, halal certification remains a crucial factor, especially in predominantly Muslim countries, influencing both production and marketing strategies. Cultural influences continue to play a major role in shaping snack trends.

In the Middle East, flavors such as za’atar, sumac, tahini, and cardamom are increasingly being infused into modern snack products to appeal to local tastes while maintaining a familiar cultural connection. In Africa, there is a growing trend of incorporating indigenous ingredients such as sorghum, millet, and moringa into snack offerings. These cultural nuances present opportunities for both local and international brands to innovate and cater to specific market segments.

Market Drivers

• Rising Health Awareness and Changing Dietary Habits: In the Middle East and Africa, there is a growing consciousness about health and nutrition, especially among the younger population and urban consumers. Traditional diets are evolving as people increasingly seek healthier snacking options to manage lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Fruit snacks, with their perceived natural and nutritious qualities, are gaining traction as convenient, better-for-you alternatives to sugary or fried snacks. This shift is supported by growing awareness campaigns and the influence of global wellness trends.
• Increasing Urbanization and Modern Retail Expansion: Rapid urbanization in the MEA region is changing consumer behavior, creating demand for convenient and on-the-go snack options. The expansion of modern retail formats - supermarkets, hypermarkets, and e-commerce - is making fruit snacks more accessible to a broader consumer base. This urban growth is complemented by rising disposable incomes in several key markets, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Nigeria, enabling more consumers to afford packaged fruit snacks as part of their regular diet.

Market Challenges

• Economic Disparities and Price Sensitivity: The MEA region is characterized by significant economic disparities, with a large proportion of the population living in lower-income brackets. Price sensitivity is therefore a major challenge for fruit snack manufacturers trying to expand market reach. Premium or imported fruit snacks may be unaffordable for many consumers, limiting widespread adoption. Additionally, fluctuations in currency and import tariffs can increase costs, making it harder for brands to offer competitively priced products.
• Lack of Consumer Awareness and Limited Product Availability: While health consciousness is rising, awareness about fruit snacks and their benefits remains relatively low in many parts of the region, especially in rural areas. Consumers may not fully understand how fruit snacks differ from traditional sweets or processed snacks. Additionally, in less developed retail markets, fruit snack availability can be limited, reducing consumer trial and adoption. These factors require brands to invest in education, marketing, and distribution to build demand effectively.

Market Trends

• Focus on Halal Certification and Clean Label Products: Given the cultural and religious landscape, halal certification is crucial for food products in many MEA countries. Fruit snack manufacturers are increasingly ensuring their products meet halal standards to gain consumer trust and expand their market presence. At the same time, there is a growing trend toward clean-label products that avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and additives, aligning with global health trends and regional preferences for natural foods.
• Innovation in Packaging and Flavors Catering to Regional Tastes: Manufacturers in MEA are innovating by offering fruit snacks in convenient, small-portion packaging suited for on-the-go consumption. Packaging designs often consider local preferences, including smaller sizes for affordability and ease of carrying. Flavor innovation is also key, with companies incorporating locally favored fruits like dates, figs, and pomegranates, alongside more universal flavors, to appeal to regional palates. This localization helps brands stand out in a diverse and competitive market.

The moderate growth of dairy-based fruit snacks in the MEA (Middle East and Africa) region is primarily driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers, balanced by challenges related to cold chain logistics and dietary preferences.

The dairy-based segment within the MEA fruit snacks industry is experiencing moderate growth due to a blend of rising health awareness and practical constraints that shape consumer behavior and industry capabilities. As consumers across the region become more conscious of the nutritional value of their food, there is a growing appreciation for the health benefits associated with dairy, such as high protein content, calcium, and probiotics. These attributes align well with broader wellness trends, especially among urban middle-income groups and younger demographics seeking functional foods that support digestive health, energy levels, and immunity.

Additionally, the fusion of fruit and dairy appeals to parents looking for healthier snack options for children, further supporting demand. However, the potential for explosive growth is tempered by several structural challenges. One of the most significant barriers is the requirement for refrigerated storage and distribution - a cold chain infrastructure that remains underdeveloped or inconsistent across many parts of the MEA region. This limitation hinders product reach, especially in rural or less urbanized areas, increasing operational costs for manufacturers and reducing profit margins.

Furthermore, cultural and dietary preferences present hurdles, as certain populations within the MEA either avoid dairy due to lactose intolerance, religious dietary restrictions, or traditional food habits that do not favor milk-based snacks. In countries with a higher prevalence of lactose intolerance or where plant-based diets are gaining traction, dairy snacks face stiff competition from alternative formats such as dried fruits or nut-based snacks. Pricing also plays a role; dairy-based snacks are often more expensive due to perishability and processing costs, which can deter price-sensitive consumers.

The moderate growth of mixed fruit snacks in the MEA region is primarily driven by consumer demand for variety and balanced nutrition, constrained by limited product innovation and affordability issues.

The mixed fruit segment in the MEA fruit snacks industry is witnessing moderate growth due to the growing consumer preference for variety, convenience, and nutritional balance, though this upward trend is tempered by challenges related to product innovation, price sensitivity, and distribution. Mixed fruit snacks are increasingly favored among health-conscious consumers because they offer a combination of different fruits in one serving, enhancing the appeal through diverse flavors, textures, and a broader nutrient profile, including vitamins, fiber, and natural sugars. This variety makes them attractive not only to adults seeking healthier snacking alternatives but also to parents choosing snacks for children.

In urban centers across the Middle East and Africa - particularly in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Kenya - there is a visible shift toward on-the-go, ready-to-eat snack formats, and mixed fruit snacks align well with this demand. However, the pace of growth remains moderate rather than rapid due to several limiting factors. Firstly, while consumers appreciate variety, the region still lacks extensive innovation in terms of flavor combinations, packaging styles, and preservation techniques that would make mixed fruit snacks stand out as a premium or differentiated offering.

The market continues to be dominated by standard mixes such as apple-banana or tropical blends, which may not sustain long-term interest in the absence of new product development. Secondly, cost is a significant consideration; mixed fruit snacks tend to be more expensive than single-fruit options due to sourcing, processing, and packaging multiple fruit types, making them less accessible to price-sensitive consumers, especially in lower-income segments. Additionally, inconsistent supply chains and limited local processing infrastructure in several MEA countries affect the freshness and availability of high-quality mixed fruit products. Seasonal fluctuations and import dependence also affect pricing and availability.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are leading distribution channels in the MEA fruit snacks industry due to their wide product assortment, strong supply chain networks, and consumer preference for one-stop shopping experiences.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the fruit snacks distribution landscape in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region primarily because they offer a convenient, reliable, and well-organized shopping environment that appeals to a broad spectrum of consumers. These retail formats are particularly prevalent in urban centers across countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya, where rising urbanization and growing middle-class populations are reshaping consumer shopping behaviors. Supermarkets and hypermarkets provide a vast assortment of local and imported fruit snack brands under one roof, enabling consumers to compare products based on price, ingredients, brand reputation, and packaging.

This visibility and accessibility encourage impulse purchases and support brand discovery, which is especially important for newer or niche fruit snack products trying to enter the market. Moreover, the infrastructure and supply chain capabilities of large retailers allow them to maintain consistent stock levels, handle perishable goods effectively, and ensure quality control, which is crucial for fruit snacks that may have limited shelf life or require specific storage conditions. These channels also frequently offer promotional campaigns, loyalty programs, and discounts, which further attract budget-conscious consumers and increase foot traffic.

Additionally, supermarkets and hypermarkets have become central to the modern retail ecosystem in the MEA, supported by expanding mall culture and increased consumer preference for one-stop shopping experiences that combine grocery, household, and lifestyle purchases. The trust in product authenticity and safety is also higher in these formal retail environments compared to informal markets, making them the preferred choice for health-conscious buyers seeking fruit snacks with clean labels, organic certification, or specific dietary attributes.

Saudi Arabia is the largest market in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) fruit snacks industry primarily due to its growing health-conscious population, high disposable incomes, and well-developed retail and distribution infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia’s leading position in the MEA fruit snacks industry is a result of multiple converging factors centered on evolving consumer lifestyles, economic strength, and expanding retail capabilities. The country’s population is increasingly health-conscious, driven by rising awareness about nutrition and wellness, partly influenced by government health campaigns targeting lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions that have become more prevalent in the region. Consumers are shifting away from traditional high-calorie, sugar-laden snacks toward healthier alternatives like fruit snacks, which are perceived as natural, nutritious, and convenient.

This shift is particularly strong among younger consumers and families who seek snacks that provide both health benefits and ease of consumption in their fast-paced daily lives. Saudi Arabia’s relatively high disposable income compared to other MEA countries enables consumers to spend more on premium and imported food products, including fruit snacks, which often come with organic or fortified claims that appeal to health-focused buyers. The country’s growing urbanization and busy lifestyles also contribute to the demand for on-the-go snack options that fit modern consumption habits.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia boasts a well-developed retail sector featuring hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and an expanding e-commerce landscape, all of which facilitate wide availability and accessibility of fruit snack products. Retail giants such as Carrefour, Panda, and Lulu Hypermarket dominate the scene, providing a strong distribution platform for both local and international brands. The government’s Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes diversification of the economy and modernization of infrastructure, has also encouraged investments in the food and beverage sector, leading to improved supply chains and enhanced product variety.

Considered in this report

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

Aspects covered in this report

• Fruit Snacks 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 Type

• Candies and Bars
• Sweet and Savory Chips
• Dairy-based
• Other Fruit Snacks

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

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.