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The Middle East and Africa (MEA) cold pressed oil market is experiencing notable growth, driven by increasing health consciousness, changing dietary patterns, and a growing demand for natural and unrefined products. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria are witnessing a rise in the consumption of cold pressed oils like olive, sunflower, coconut, sesame, and groundnut oils, mainly due to their nutritional benefits and perceived purity compared to refined oils. Urban consumers, particularly in Gulf nations, are opting for cold pressed alternatives in both home cooking and upscale food services.This report comes with 10% free customization, enabling you to add data that meets your specific business needs.
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North African countries such as Egypt and Morocco show strong demand for olive and sunflower oils, while sub-Saharan nations like Nigeria and Kenya are leaning towards groundnut, coconut, and sesame oils. However, raw material availability remains a challenge across the region. Many countries lack sufficient domestic production of oilseeds and are heavily dependent on imports. For instance, Egypt produces only a fraction of its required soybean and sunflower seeds, relying on international suppliers to meet local processing demand. Meanwhile, countries like Ethiopia and Sudan have made strides in expanding oilseed cultivation, especially sunflower and sesame, while Morocco and Tunisia benefit from established olive and argan oil industries. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the market initially by slowing down imports, reducing tourism-related demand, and causing supply chain bottlenecks, particularly for exporters like Morocco’s argan cooperatives. However, the pandemic also shifted consumer preferences toward healthier, immunity-boosting foods, resulting in a long-term boost to the cold pressed oil segment.
According to the research report "Middle East and Africa Cold Pressed Oil Market Outlook, 2030,", the Middle East and Africa Cold Pressed Oil market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.24% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. With increasing pressure to reduce single-use plastics and overall packaging waste, governments and industries across the MEA region are embracing reusable solutions like returnable plastic crates (RPCs), intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), pallets, drums, and reusable glass or metal containers. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Kenya have taken visible steps in promoting circular economy practices.
For example, the UAE’s “Zero Waste by 2030” initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 have both spurred industrial and retail sectors to explore sustainable logistics models that incorporate reusable transport packaging. Furthermore, major logistics players in the region are increasingly adopting pooling systems for pallets and containers to reduce operational inefficiencies and meet corporate sustainability goals. Local companies and international firms operating in the MEA market are also investing in closed-loop systems that enable multiple use cycles for packaging materials. Meanwhile, agricultural exporters in Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco are turning to reusable plastic crates to ensure better ventilation, reduce post-harvest losses, and comply with European and Middle Eastern buyer requirements on packaging sustainability. The demand is also driven by the rise of e-commerce and temperature-sensitive logistics, especially in the UAE and South Africa, where durable, insulated reusable containers offer cost-effective, eco-friendly alternatives for last-mile delivery. Moreover, cost-effectiveness over the long term is playing a key role in accelerating the transition to reusable systems although initial investment is higher, reusable packaging provides a better return on investment through multiple use cycles and reduced waste disposal expenses. In October 2020, South African business Afrinatural Holdings revealed the introduction of a new line of cold-pressed oils in October 2020. These oils will be made from locally sourced ingredients like marula and baobab.
Market Drivers
- Rising Health Awareness and Demand for Nutritional Oils: One of the key drivers in the MEA cold pressed oil market is the growing awareness of health and wellness, especially in urban centers like Dubai, Riyadh, and Johannesburg. With increasing incidences of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, consumers are becoming more mindful of their dietary choices. Cold pressed oils, known for their high nutritional content, natural antioxidants, and absence of chemical processing, are gaining preference over refined oils. Oils like olive, sesame, black seed, and sunflower are widely promoted for their therapeutic benefits in both cooking and wellness, which is significantly driving demand in health-conscious demographics.
- Cultural and Traditional Usage of Natural Oils: In many parts of the MEA region, traditional use of oils for cooking, skincare, and medicinal purposes supports the adoption of cold pressed varieties. Oils like olive oil in the Middle East and black seed oil in North Africa have deep cultural and religious significance, with long-standing roots in local medicine and daily life. The revival of these traditional practices, coupled with a modern push toward organic and natural products, is encouraging producers to cater to regional preferences. This alignment with heritage and health offers a strong foundation for market expansion.
Market Challenges
- High Cost and Limited Affordability: A major challenge in the MEA cold pressed oil market is the relatively high retail price of these products compared to widely used refined oils. Cold pressed oils require more raw material and offer lower yields, increasing production costs. For large parts of the population especially in low-income or rural areas of Africa affordability becomes a significant barrier to adoption. While there is growing demand in affluent segments, the overall market penetration remains limited due to price sensitivity and economic disparities across the region.
- Lack of Standardization and Weak Regulatory Oversight: The market in MEA also suffers from a lack of clear regulatory frameworks and quality standards for cold pressed oils. In many countries, there is insufficient monitoring of labeling accuracy, purity claims, or production practices, which creates consumer mistrust and opens the market to counterfeit or adulterated products. This lack of regulation affects both domestic consumption and export opportunities, especially for small and medium-sized producers who may struggle to meet international certification requirements. Strengthening quality assurance systems is essential for long-term market credibility and growth.
Market Trends
- Growth of Organic and Halal-Certified Products: There is a growing trend in MEA toward organic and halal-certified cold pressed oils, driven by the region’s religious and ethical consumer preferences. As Islamic dietary laws are central to many countries in the region, halal certification plays a crucial role in consumer purchasing decisions. Simultaneously, the global organic movement is gaining ground in the Middle East and parts of Africa, particularly among urban elites and health-conscious consumers. Brands offering certified organic and halal cold pressed oils are well-positioned to cater to this niche but expanding demand.
- Increasing Presence of E-Commerce and Niche Health Retailers: E-commerce platforms and health-focused retail stores are playing a transformative role in the availability and awareness of cold pressed oils in the MEA region. Online marketplaces such as Noon, Jumia, and Amazon.ae, along with specialty organic stores, are making it easier for consumers to access a variety of cold pressed oils. These channels also allow for better product education, consumer engagement, and direct-to-consumer marketing strategies. As digital adoption grows across the region, especially among younger populations, online retail is expected to be a major growth enabler for premium oil products.
The moderate growth of sunflower oil in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) cold pressed oil industry can be attributed to a gradual shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and lighter cooking oils, especially among urban middle-class populations. With rising awareness around cardiovascular health, cholesterol levels, and the risks associated with saturated fats, sunflower oil-rich in vitamin E, polyunsaturated fats, and low in saturated fats-is increasingly being chosen as a healthier alternative. This trend is particularly visible in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and South Africa, where rising disposable incomes and access to health information through digital platforms have influenced dietary habits.
Cold pressed sunflower oil is considered premium due to its minimal processing, which retains natural nutrients and flavor, making it appealing to consumers seeking clean-label and natural food products. Furthermore, the hospitality and foodservice sectors, especially in urban centers and tourist hubs, are opting for sunflower oil in salad dressings, marinades, and light frying due to its neutral taste and nutritional profile. While cold pressed oils generally command a higher price, sunflower oil remains relatively cost-effective compared to other specialty oils like avocado or flaxseed, making it accessible to a wider consumer base. Additionally, the growth of organized retail channels and health-focused specialty stores in major MEA cities has improved availability and visibility of cold pressed sunflower oil. However, this growth is moderate rather than rapid due to certain limiting factors. These include competition from widely used traditional oils like palm and soybean oil, lower awareness levels in rural areas, and limited local cold pressing infrastructure. Moreover, geopolitical instability in parts of the region and dependency on imports for sunflower seeds or oil have occasionally disrupted supply chains and pricing.
Hypermarkets and supermarkets dominate the MEA cold pressed oil industry due to their wide product variety, strong urban presence, and ability to offer trusted, branded oils with attractive promotions under one roof.
In the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, hypermarkets and supermarkets serve as the largest distribution channel for cold pressed oils primarily because they combine accessibility, product diversity, and consumer trust within a modern retail environment. These large-format stores are strategically located in urban centers and affluent suburban areas, where health-conscious consumers are more likely to seek premium, natural, and organic food options like cold pressed oils.
With increasing awareness of healthy lifestyles and growing middle-class incomes, shoppers in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Egypt are drawn to these retail formats not only for convenience but also for their ability to compare a range of local and imported cold pressed oils across price points and packaging options. Hypermarkets and supermarkets often stock well-established brands, which carry certifications for quality and authenticity, providing reassurance to buyers wary of adulterated or counterfeit oils often found in informal markets. Additionally, these stores benefit from robust supply chain systems and cold storage capabilities that help maintain the freshness and shelf life of oils, an important factor for products like cold pressed oils that are sensitive to heat and oxidation. Another key driver is promotional marketing hypermarkets and supermarkets frequently run discounts, bundle deals, and loyalty programs that make premium oils more affordable and appealing to bulk buyers. The presence of trained staff, in-store demonstrations, and health food sections also aids in educating consumers about the health benefits and culinary uses of cold pressed oils, thus encouraging purchases. Moreover, in the MEA region’s high-income economies, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, hypermarkets are often part of large retail chains like Carrefour, Lulu, or Spinneys, which carry a range of global and specialty wellness brands.
The cosmetics and personal care industry is the fastest-growing application segment in the MEA cold pressed oil market due to the rising demand for natural, chemical-free beauty products and the region's cultural reliance on oil-based skin and hair care traditions.
The cosmetics and personal care segment is witnessing the fastest growth in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) cold pressed oil industry, driven by a surge in consumer preference for natural, organic, and non-toxic beauty solutions. As global skincare and haircare trends emphasizing clean beauty gain traction, consumers in the MEA region are increasingly turning to cold pressed oils such as argan, jojoba, coconut, and olive oil for their therapeutic and nourishing properties. These oils are prized for being free of synthetic additives and retaining high concentrations of vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants due to the cold pressing process.
In many MEA cultures-particularly in the Gulf, North Africa, and parts of East Africa-there is already a deep-rooted tradition of using oils for beauty rituals. Women have long used oils for hair strengthening, skin moisturization, anti-aging, and even in aromatherapy, making it culturally easy to integrate these products into modern cosmetic formulations. As a result, both domestic and international brands are capitalizing on this heritage while marketing premium, organic cold pressed oils as luxury skincare essentials. The rise in disposable income, especially in urban areas of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, is further accelerating this shift, enabling consumers to spend more on wellness and self-care. Additionally, the proliferation of beauty influencers and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has played a crucial role in popularizing DIY skincare routines and natural beauty regimes, often featuring cold pressed oils as core ingredients. Local cosmetic startups and natural product brands are also embracing cold pressed oils in formulations for serums, face masks, body lotions, lip balms, and beard oils, driving innovation and variety.
The UAE is experiencing growth in the MEA cold pressed oil industry due to rising health-conscious consumer behavior, strong demand for premium organic products, and increased reliance on imported wellness goods supported by a robust retail and e-commerce infrastructure.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly emerging as a key growth market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) cold pressed oil industry, driven by a significant rise in health and wellness consciousness among its population. As awareness about lifestyle diseases and the benefits of clean eating increases, consumers are actively seeking healthier food alternatives, and cold pressed oils have gained considerable attention as a superior substitute to conventional refined oils. These oils, processed without the use of heat or chemicals, retain essential nutrients, antioxidants, and natural flavors, making them ideal for health-conscious individuals aiming to maintain balanced nutrition.
The UAE’s affluent and diverse population, which includes a high percentage of expatriates, has created a strong market for premium, organic, and specialty food products. This demographic is more inclined toward global health trends, including plant-based diets and functional foods, both of which have boosted demand for nutrient-rich oils like cold pressed olive, flaxseed, coconut, avocado, and black seed oil. Although the UAE has limited agricultural capacity due to its arid climate, the country compensates with a highly efficient import system and strong trade links that allow it to source raw materials and finished products from around the world. This ensures the availability of a wide range of high-quality cold pressed oils in the market. The presence of an advanced retail infrastructure including upscale supermarkets, organic specialty stores, and an expanding e-commerce sector further enhances consumer access and convenience. Online platforms such as Kibsons, Carrefour UAE, and organic wellness-focused websites have made it easier for consumers to explore and purchase cold pressed oils directly from home, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic when demand for immunity-boosting and natural health products surged.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary5. Economic /Demographic Snapshot8. Strategic Recommendations10. Disclaimer
2. Market Dynamics
3. Research Methodology
4. Market Structure
6. Middle East & Africa Cold Pressed Oil Market Outlook
7. Competitive Landscape
9. Annexure
List of Figures
List of Tables