Middle East and Africa Sweet Biscuits - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The middle east africa sweet biscuits market size was valued at USD 4.63 billion in 2025 and estimated to grow from USD 4.85 billion in 2026 to reach USD 6.09 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.68% during the forecast period (2026-2031). This report is Segmented by Product Type (Plain Biscuits, Cookies, Sandwich Biscuits, and More), Packaging Format (Single-Serve Flow-Wraps, Family/Multipack Boxes, and More), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, and More), and Geography (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Units).

Middle East And Africa Sweet Biscuits Market Trends and Insights

Rising Penetration of Modern Retail Drives Channel Transformation

Across GCC capitals, hypermarkets and supermarkets are increasingly adopting eye-level planograms and establishing dedicated Ramadan bays, with a clear emphasis on premium biscuit SKUs. Carrefour, under Majid Al Futtaim, boasts over 465 stores across 13 countries, catering to 770,000 shoppers daily. The brand is also piloting its HyperMax large-format outlets, which are designed to expand grocery ranges and provide a more comprehensive shopping experience. Not to be outdone, Lulu Retail unveiled a sprawling 200,000 sq ft flagship in Mecca, strategically designed to cater to a wide range of consumer needs, and has ambitious plans with 45 new openings across the GCC in the next three years. These strategic rollouts not only boost product visibility and facilitate bundled promotions but also promote the adoption of healthier and artisanal biscuit options among middle-income consumers. This reflects a growing demand for premium, diverse, and health-conscious product offerings in the region, driven by evolving consumer preferences and increasing disposable incomes.

Seasonal Gifting Amplifies Premium Positioning Opportunities

During Ramadan and Eid, biscuit demand sees a notable uptick, with consumers gravitating towards ornate tins and select flavors for gifting. These festive periods are marked by a cultural emphasis on exchanging gifts, driving higher consumption of premium and limited-edition products. In Ramadan 2025, regional e-commerce platforms reported a staggering 203.7% surge in gift GMV, with confectionery and biscuits accounting for 20.4% of the total gift volume. "Dubai Chocolate," a pistachio-based cookie line, commanded prices 1.6-2.0 times higher than regular offerings, reflecting a strong consumer preference for indulgent and unique items. This trend prompted retailers like Noon Minutes and Amazon.ae to broaden their holiday selections to cater to the growing demand. Manufacturers are seizing these opportunities to experiment with indulgent formats, command premium shelf space, and enhance overall category profitability, leveraging the festive season to test consumer preferences and optimize product offerings.

Commodity Price Volatility Pressures Input Cost Management

Wheat and palm oil continue to account for over half of the cost of goods sold at most biscuit plants. In 2024, Egypt set a record by importing 14.4 million tons of wheat. This came as global prices dipped by 11%, settling at USD 226.16 per ton FOB Black Sea. However, a weakening local currency tempered the advantage, reducing the potential cost savings for manufacturers and increasing pressure on production costs. In February 2025, Saudi Arabia's tender for 920,000 tons averaged USD 276.37 per ton, underscoring ongoing vulnerabilities in securing affordable wheat supplies amidst fluctuating global prices. Additionally, detours in Red Sea shipping, caused by geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges, are costing an extra USD 1 million for each Europe-Asia round trip. These increased costs are tightening gross margins for manufacturers, forcing them to pass on the burden to consumers through higher shelf prices, which could potentially impact demand and market dynamics.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• E-commerce Acceleration Reshapes Distribution Economics
• Saudi Vision 2030 Incentivizes Local Manufacturing Scale
• Regulatory Compliance Complexity Increases Market Entry Barriers

Segment Analysis

In 2025, Sandwich Biscuits dominated the market, clinching a 27.62% share, thanks to their strong consumer appeal. These biscuits, especially in filled formats, are favored for their enhanced taste and perceived value. Their popularity is bolstered by the ability to mix and match diverse flavors, making them adaptable to local preferences. For instance, date-filled variants are especially cherished during Ramadan celebrations. Brands are capitalizing on this versatility, introducing region-specific fillings to broaden their reach and relevance. This segment's dominance stems from its knack for satisfying both traditional and innovative cravings, fueling sustained growth in the biscuit category. Furthermore, manufacturers are emphasizing premium ingredients and indulgent textures to bolster perceived quality. In culturally significant markets, sandwich biscuits often take center stage in promotional campaigns, allowing suppliers to maximize market penetration during peak seasons. Their lasting appeal underscores how filled biscuits have seamlessly integrated into both daily snacking and festive indulgence.

On the other hand, cookies have emerged as the fastest-growing segment, boasting a projected CAGR of 5.62% through 2031. This surge is a testament to shifting consumer attitudes, especially among younger demographics. These consumers are increasingly drawn to artisanal and premium products that not only elevate their snacking experience but also resonate with social media aesthetics. Innovations play a pivotal role in this demand, with ingredients like vegan alternatives, protein fortification, and natural flavor infusions gaining traction, mirroring the broader trend of healthy indulgence. Events like ISM Middle East 2024 have spotlighted these industry shifts, with exhibitors unveiling products that meld functional benefits with traditional taste. Retailers are keenly attuned to these trends, broadening their portfolios with “Instagram-worthy” cookie formats and seasonal delights, aligning with frequent purchase cycles. The cookies segment's agile positioning enables it to siphon market share from both classic plain biscuits and richer chocolate-coated varieties. As the trend of premiumization gains momentum, cookies are increasingly becoming the gateway for consumers in search of novel and functional snacking adventures.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Product Type
  • Plain Biscuits
  • Cookies
  • Sandwich Biscuits
  • Filled Biscuits
  • Chocolate-Coated Biscuits
  • Other Sweet Biscuits
• By Packaging Format
  • Single-Serve Flow-Wraps
  • Family/Multipack Boxes
  • Gift & Seasonal Tins, Bulk packagings
• Distribution Channel
  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Specialist Bakeries
  • Online Retail Retails
  • Others
• By Geography
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Bahrain
  • South Africa
  • Nigeria
  • Turkey
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Britannia Industries Ltd
• Gandour
• Deemah United Food Industries
• IFFCO(Tiffany Foods)
• Yildiz Holding
• Mondelez International Inc.
• ITC Ltd
• Al Yanbou (United Biscuits KSA)
• Bimbo Group
• Gulf Confectionery & Biscuit Co.
• Parle Products Pvt Ltd
• National Biscuits & Confectionery Co.
• Almarai Company
• Bahlsen GmbH
• Lotus Bakeries NV
• Olam Group
• Edita Food Industries
• Walkers Shortbread Ltd
• Mamballys
• Mars Inc

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support