Report Overview

A wide presence of a large Muslim population, increasing popularity of e-commerce platforms, the proliferation of ready-to-eat and convenient halal food products, and an increase in the number of strict regulatory frameworks that include mandatory halal labeling and certification rules for food and beverages could drive the GCC Halal Food Products Market at a steady growth rate during the forecast period between 2022 and 2028.

GCC Halal Food Products Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2028

GCC Halal Food Products market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period between 2022 and 2028. By 2028, GCC halal food products market size is forecast to reach a value of USD 78.2 billion. The GCC region's large Muslim population, which follows Islamic Sariah norms as part of their religious beliefs, is primarily driving demand for halal food products. Furthermore, the increasing number of stringent regulatory frameworks that include mandatory halal labeling and certification rules for food and beverages is driving market growth. Rising awareness, particularly among non-Muslims, of the food safety, hygiene, and dependability provided by halal food products is also expanding the halal food products market across the GCC countries. Aside from that, significant growth in the food retail sector and increasing availability of halal food and beverages through diverse distribution channels are also expected to catalyze the growth GCC halal food products market growth during the period in analysis.

GCC Halal Food Products Market – Overview

Halal food refers to food and beverage products that are manufactured strictly following Islamic dietary law. Blood, alcohol, animals that are dead before slaughtering and those that are not killed in the name of Allah, pork and its by-products, are forbidden or haram to consume for Muslims. Furthermore, halal food is packaged and stored in containers that have been cleaned under religious regulations.

GCC Halal Food Products Market

Growth Drivers

Large presence of Muslim population

A sizable Muslim population across GCC countries, which adheres to Islamic shariah laws as part of their religious convictions, is responsible for the rising halal food consumption. GCC halal food products market is growing significantly because of the growing awareness among non-Muslim communities of the benefits provided by halal food products, including safety, hygiene, better taste, high nutritional value, and tender and hormone- and stress-free meat.

Adoption of smart technologies for the distribution halal food products

One of the main trends gaining traction in the halal market is technology advancements in halal food products. Halal laboratories are actively involved in food safety, and analysis of food products for maintaining quality standards to detect the presence of porcine material or alcohol, blockchain, and the Internet of things (IoT) is the technological advancements that strengthen the market. These trends coincide with the rising demand for halal foods.

Emergence of e-commerce platforms

Launch of several value-added food items, including hot dogs, candies, soups, burgers, sandwiches, and sauces, by major market players is also expanding their product portfolio. It is expected to help the growth of GCC halal food products market. Additionally, the proliferation of food products with halal certification on e-commerce platforms is fostering the market expansion. In addition, rising standards of living and rising disposable income among consumers are boosting demand for halal food products. By demanding healthy, flavorful, and convenient meals that can be delivered, Muslim consumers are driving a rapid digital shift. With the rise of supermarket e-commerce and home deliveries, new halal food and grocery delivery options, such as halal cloud or ghost kitchens, have emerged. Kitopi, a cloud-kitchen platform based in Dubai, is taking advantage of this opportunity.

Impact of COVID-19 on GCC Halal Food Products Market

The GCC halal food products industry was impacted by the disruption of the food supply chain brought on by the rapid spread of COVID-19. Leading manufacturers experienced labor shortages and disruptions in the import and export of halal food, which had a significant impact on the food's quality to be consumed and sold. The industry was also negatively impacted by the slowdown in demand for meat products brought on by safety and hygiene worries during the pandemic. However, GCC halal food products market is expected to grow during the forecast period due to growing consumer preference for wholesome and secure food.

GCC Halal Food Products Market

Segmental Coverage

GCC Halal Food Products Market – By Product

By product, GCC halal food products market has into Meat, Poultry & Seafood, Fruits & Vegetables, Dairy Products, Cereals & Grains, Oil, Fats & Waxes, Confectionery, and other product segments. The meat segment held the largest market share in 2021 and is expected to maintain its dominant position during the forecast period. Because of rising consumer preference for bacteria-free meat due to health, hygiene, and safety concerns, demand for these products is expected to rise in the coming years. Furthermore, a degree of acculturation are key factors in the segment's growth. Additionally, grain products, on the other hand, are expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period. Because of their nutritional advantages, cereals and other grain products are becoming more popular with consumers. Wheat, rice, pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals are some of these products.

GCC Halal Food Products Market - By Distribution Channel

By distribution channel, GCC halal food products market is divided into Traditional Retailers, Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Online, and others. The hypermarket and supermarket segment leads in the GCC halal food products market by distribution channel. A larger consumer base is being drawn in due to the growing presence of independent retail giants. Sales through this channel are being driven by consumers' preference to physically inspect these products before purchasing. For instance, Al Islami Foods Corporation supplies these shops across the UAE with a variety of halal goods. With so many regional and local players present, GCC halal food products market is extremely fragmented.

GCC Halal Food Products Market- By Region

Geographically, GCC halal food products market covers major Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. Saudi Arabia, being the largest country in the region and with major population following Sharia laws, holds the highest market share in GCC halal food products market. During the forecast period, Saudi Arabia is expected to continue its dominance in the market.

Competitive Landscape

GCC halal food products market is fiercely competitive. Prominent players in the market include Al Kabeer Group ME, Al Rawdah Foods, Al Islami Foods, Al-Falah Supermarket, American Halal Company Inc., BRF Global (Sadia Halal), Nestle S.A., Podravka Gulf FZE, JM Foods LLC, and Seara Foods Middle East. These market leaders use key strategies, such as new product and service launches, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures. To further grow their market share, these companies are also focusing on investing in innovations and expansions.

Recent Developments

• In October 2022, the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) entered into an agreement to promote and boost the exports of halal products from Brazil to gulf countries.

• In 2019, Saudi Arabia expanded its mandated halal certification to include imported frozen and chilled meals, milk, confectionary, long-life products, and dairy products, as well as fats and oils.

Scope of the Report

By Product

• • • • Meat, Poultry & Seafood

      • Fruits & Vegetables

      • Dairy Products

      • Cereals & Grains

      • Oil, Fats & Waxes

      • Confectionery

      • Others

By Distribution Channel

• • • • Traditional Retailers

      • Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

      • Online

      • Others

By Country

• • • • Saudi Arabia

      • UAE

      • Qatar

      • Kuwait

      • Oman

      • Bahrain