GCC Halal Food Market

Market Overview:

The GCC halal food market size reached US$ 62.9 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 86.5 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% during 2024-2032. The increasing popularity of numerous ready-to-eat and convenient halal food items, rising awareness among non-Muslim communities regarding several benefits offered by halal food products, and easy product availability across e-commerce platforms are among the key factors driving the market growth.

Halal food refers to food and beverages that are permissible for consumption according to Islamic dietary laws. The term "halal" translates to "permissible" in Arabic. It encompasses various regulations and guidelines that govern the production, preparation, and consumption of food in accordance with Islamic principles. Halal food must meet specific criteria, including the sourcing of ingredients from permissible sources, adherence to specific animal slaughter methods, and avoidance of certain prohibited substances. Halal certification ensures that a food product or establishment meets these requirements and is suitable for consumption by Muslims. Halal food is not limited to specific cuisines or dishes but encompasses a wide range of food and beverages, providing options for individuals who follow a halal diet.

The growing Muslim population in the GCC countries, coupled with the increasing religious adherence to halal dietary practices, represents the key factor driving the GCC market for halal food. In addition, a rising number of individuals seeking to consume food that aligns with their religious beliefs, is propelling the market growth. Moreover, inflating consumer disposable incomes and changing lifestyles in the GCC region has escalated the consumption of halal food. Apart from this, as economies in the region develop and urbanization progresses, consumers have more purchasing power and are willing to spend on high-quality halal food products. In line with this, the emergence of premium and value-added halal food offerings catering to varying consumer preferences is contributing to the market growth. Halal certification provides consumers with confidence in the integrity and authenticity of halal food products, assuring them that the products meet specific halal standards and are free from any prohibited substances or ingredients. Furthermore, the heightening awareness and demand for food safety and quality assurance among consumers has catalyzed the market growth.

GCC Halal Food Market Trends/Drivers:

Increase in Focus on Halal Tourism

The GCC region has witnessed a significant increase in halal tourism, where Muslim travelers seek destinations that offer halal-friendly amenities, including halal food options. This trend is driven by the growing number of Muslim travelers globally and their desire to have access to halal-certified food during their travels. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants in the GCC region are responding to this demand by providing halal food services and facilities. They ensure that their food preparation processes align with halal standards, source ingredients from halal-certified suppliers, and offer dedicated halal menus. This focus on halal tourism has not only contributed to the growth of the GCC halal food market but has also positioned the region as an attractive destination for Muslim travelers seeking a comprehensive halal experience.

Rapid Expansion of Halal E-commerce

The market has witnessed the expansion of halal e-commerce, fueled by the increasing adoption of online shopping and the demand for convenience among consumers. Dedicated e-commerce platforms and websites are emerging, offering a wide range of halal food products. These platforms provide consumers with the convenience of browsing and purchasing halal-certified products from the comfort of their homes. Halal e-commerce platforms often partner with trusted suppliers and ensure the proper certification and labeling of their products. This expansion has resulted in an increased variety of halal food options available to consumers, including fresh produce, packaged goods, and ready-to-eat meals. Halal e-commerce has made it easier for consumers, particularly urban dwellers with busy lifestyles, to access a wide range of halal-certified products, contributing to the growth and accessibility of the halal food market in the GCC region.

GCC Halal Food Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the GCC halal food market report, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels from 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on product type and distribution channel.

Breakup by Product Type:

• Meat, Poultry & Seafood
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Dairy Products
• Cereals & Grains
• Oil, Fats & Waxes
• Confectionery
• Others
   

Meat, Poultry & Seafood represent the most popular product types

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes meat, poultry and seafood, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cereals and grains, oil, fats and waxes, confectionery, and others. According to the report, meat, poultry & seafood represented the largest segment.

Meat, poultry, and seafood serve as the dominating product types in the market due to several key drivers. The GCC region has a predominantly Muslim population with a strong adherence to halal dietary practices, which has augmented the demand for halal-certified meat, poultry, and seafood products. This cultural and religious significance drives the consumption of these products and establishes them as staple components of the regional cuisine. Moreover, rapid population growth and rising disposable incomes have led to increased consumer spending on high-quality food products. In line with this, the escalating demand for premium-grade halal meat, poultry, and seafood that meets stringent halal standards and quality expectations is propelling the segment growth. Furthermore, the surging efforts to regulate and promote halal products reinforce consumer confidence and drive the dominance of meat, poultry, and seafood as the preferred product types in the market.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Traditional Retailers
• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Online
• Others
   

The majority of the halal food is distributed through supermarkets and hypermarkets

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel has also been provided in the report. This includes traditional retailers, supermarkets and hypermarkets, online, and others. According to the report, supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for the largest market share.

Traditional retailers refer to brick-and-mortar stores that have been operating for an extended period, often characterized by smaller store sizes and a focus on serving the local community. These retailers typically offer a range of products across different categories and rely on in-store shopping experience for customer engagement and sales. Supermarkets are large-scale retail stores that offer a wide variety of food and non-food products, including groceries, household items, and personal care products.

Hypermarkets are expansive retail establishments that combine the features of supermarkets and department stores. They offer an extensive range of products, including groceries, clothing, electronics, and household goods. Online distribution channels refer to e-commerce platforms and websites where consumers can browse and purchase products online. This channel enables customers to shop from the comfort of their homes, with the convenience of doorstep delivery.

Breakup by Country:

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Oman
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Bahrain
   

UAE exhibits a clear dominance in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market has been provided based on country. This includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. According to the report, UAE accounted for the largest market share.

The UAE contributes to the market through its diverse population and role as a global hub for trade and tourism, attracting a wide range of halal food products and international halal food brands.

Oman also fuels the market with its growing tourism industry and focus on promoting authentic Omani cuisine, including halal seafood and traditional dishes. Kuwait also plays a vital role in the market with its affluent population, high consumer spending, and preference for premium halal food products. The country's emphasis on food safety, quality control, and strict halal certification standards ensures the integrity of halal food offerings in the market.

Qatar contributes to the market through its economic growth, hosting of international events, and investments in the food industry. Bahrain drives the GCC halal food market with its growing hospitality and tourism sector, which attracts a diverse range of halal food options and international halal food chains.

Competitive Landscape:

The key players in the market have made several innovations and advancements to meet the evolving demands of consumers and businesses. The expansion of halal-certified food production and manufacturing facilities by key players is driving the market growth. These facilities ensure that food products are prepared in accordance with halal standards, adhering to specific sourcing, processing, and packaging requirements. Various specialized halal certification bodies and accreditation agencies have been established in the GCC region. These organizations play a crucial role in certifying and verifying the halal status of food products and establishments.

Furthermore, key players are introducing digital platforms and mobile applications that provide comprehensive information about halal food products, including ingredient details, sourcing, and certification status. These platforms enable consumers to make informed choices and easily identify halal-certified products while shopping.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided.Some of the key players include 

• Al Islami Foods
• Al Kabeer Group ME
• Al Rawdah Foods
• Al-Falah Supermarket
• BRF Global (Sadia Halal)
• Nestle S.A.
• Podravka Gulf FZE
• JM Foods LLC
• American Halal Company Inc. (Saffron Road)
• Seara Foods Middle East

GCC Halal Food Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the GCC halal food market from 2018-2032.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the GCC halal food market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the GCC halal food industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.