Middle-East and Africa Animal-based Meat and Dairy Products Market Report | Market Size, Industry Analysis, Growth Opportunities, & Forecast (2025-2030)

Middle-East and Africa Animal-based Meat and Dairy Products Market Overview

The Middle-East and Africa Animal-based Meat and Dairy Products Market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing demand for protein-rich foods. Traditional consumption patterns, deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices, continue to favor animal-based meat and dairy, including beef, lamb, poultry, milk, cheese, and yogurt. In countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, and Egypt, expanding retail networks and the growth of quick-service restaurants are further propelling market expansion.

Despite rising interest in plant-based alternatives, animal-based products remain dominant across the region due to consumer trust in their nutritional value and taste. Additionally, government support for domestic meat and dairy production is encouraging local manufacturing and reducing import dependency.

The market is segmented by product type, source, distribution channel, and end-user, with notable growth in frozen meat, flavored dairy drinks, and value-added cheese products. This report offers an in-depth analysis of key trends, market dynamics, competitive landscape, and future opportunities in the sector.

Market Report Coverage:

The “Middle-East and Africa Animal-based Meat and Dairy Products Market Report—Future (2025-2030)” by Digiroads Research & Consulting covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the market.

Study Assumptions and Definitions

This report on the Middle-East and Africa Animal-based Meat and Dairy Products Market is developed based on a detailed analysis of industry trends, consumption patterns, and regulatory frameworks across key countries in the region. Several foundational assumptions have been made to ensure accurate and reliable market forecasting.

Assumptions:

• The market is influenced by rising population, urbanization, and shifting dietary preferences toward protein-rich animal products.
• Traditional preferences and religious practices, especially Halal certification, significantly shape consumer behavior and product demand.
• Domestic production will continue to be supported by government initiatives to reduce reliance on imports.
• Inflation, geopolitical factors, and supply chain fluctuations are assumed to moderately affect pricing but not long-term demand.
• Data projections consider the growing influence of modern retail formats and cold chain development in urban centers.

Definitions:

• Animal-based Meat Products: Includes red meat (beef, lamb, goat), poultry, and processed meats derived from livestock.
• Animal-based Dairy Products: Includes milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and ghee derived from animals such as cows, goats, and camels.
• Retail Channels: Distribution via supermarkets, butcher shops, convenience stores, and online platforms.
• End-Users: Consumers, foodservice operators, hotels, catering services, and institutions utilizing meat and dairy products.

Market Scope

The Middle-East and Africa Animal-based Meat and Dairy Products Market encompasses the production, distribution, and consumption of animal-derived food products across diverse consumer and industrial segments. This includes red meat (beef, lamb, goat), poultry, and a wide range of dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and ghee. The study examines both fresh and processed formats, highlighting the growing demand for value-added and convenience products.

The market is segmented by product type, animal source, distribution channel, consumer type, end-user, and region. Geographic analysis includes GCC countries, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Africa. The report evaluates retail and foodservice channels, with a special focus on Halal-certified products and region-specific dietary patterns.

Key drivers, challenges, competitive strategies, and emerging trends—such as sustainability and cold chain logistics—are assessed. This comprehensive scope provides stakeholders with actionable insights into current dynamics and future opportunities across this evolving regional market.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Executive Summary

The Middle-East and Africa Animal-based Meat and Dairy Products Market is witnessing consistent growth, fueled by population expansion, urbanization, and rising consumer preference for protein-rich diets. Meat and dairy products such as beef, lamb, chicken, milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter are dietary staples across the region, influenced by cultural and religious practices, including strong demand for Halal-certified offerings.

Market Dynamics

Drivers:

• Rising Protein Consumption – Growing demand for animal-sourced proteins among middle-class and urban populations
•  Government Initiatives – Investments in domestic livestock and dairy production to reduce import dependence.
•  Retail Modernization – Expansion of supermarkets and cold chain infrastructure in urban centers.
•  Health & Nutrition Trends – Increased interest in organic, low-fat, and fortified dairy products.

Challenges:

• Supply Chain Limitations – Inadequate cold storage and logistics, especially in remote areas.
•  Price Volatility – Rising feed, fuel, and import costs affecting product pricing.
•  Regulatory Disparities – Inconsistent food safety and import regulations across countries.

Market Segmentation

The market is segmented by product type (meat, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt), source (cattle, poultry, goat, sheep, camel), distribution channel (supermarkets, butcher shops, online), and consumer type (households, foodservice, institutions). Regional trends are analyzed across GCC, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Africa.

Competitive Landscape & Outlook

Key players such as Almarai, Al Ain Dairy, Clover Industries, and Brookside Dairy are investing in processing facilities, product diversification, and regional distribution networks. With increasing demand for high-quality, packaged, and Halal-certified products, the market is poised for strong growth over the next five years, especially in emerging urban areas and export-driven segments.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Market Players

• Almarai Co.

• Al Ain Dairy

• Clover Industries Limited

• Brookside Dairy Limited

• Nadec (National Agricultural Development Company)

• Savannah Dairy

• Amul (exporting to MEA region)

• FrieslandCampina (operating in Nigeria and ME markets)

• Tanmiah Food Company

• Al-Watania Poultry

Market Share Analysis

The Middle-East and Africa Animal-based Meat and Dairy Products Market is moderately fragmented, with a mix of local, regional, and international players competing for market share. Large companies with strong brand names dominate in urban areas where modern retail and cold storage facilities are available. These players benefit from advanced production techniques, wide distribution networks, and consistent product quality.

However, smaller local producers also play a key role, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where consumers prefer fresh, locally-sourced meat and dairy products. Traditional markets still hold a strong presence in many parts of the region, giving smaller players a loyal customer base.

The dairy segment tends to have more established companies with recognizable brands in milk, cheese, and yogurt. The meat segment is more fragmented, with numerous producers serving different countries or regions based on dietary preferences and religious requirements such as Halal certification.

Overall, competition is intensifying as companies invest in product innovation, packaging, and marketing to attract modern consumers. The rise of supermarkets, online shopping, and increasing awareness about health and nutrition are also reshaping market dynamics, encouraging both new entrants and established brands to expand their presence across the region.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers and Key Innovations

Market Drivers:

1. Health and Nutrition Awareness: There’s a growing consumer focus on health, leading to increased demand for protein-rich animal products known for their nutritional benefits.​
2. Cultural and Traditional Significance: Meat and dairy products are integral to many MEA diets, deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices, ensuring consistent consumption.​
3. Urbanization and Lifestyle Changes: Rapid urbanization has led to busier lifestyles, boosting the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meat and dairy products.​

Key Innovations:

1. Technological Advancements in Production: Innovations like precision fermentation and 3D printing are being explored to create meat and dairy analogs, enhancing product quality and sustainability. ​
2. Sustainable Farming Practices: In response to climate change, some regions are adopting resilient livestock, such as camels in Kenya, which are better suited to arid conditions and contribute to sustainable dairy production. 
3. Product Diversification and Fortification: Manufacturers are expanding product lines to include organic, grass-fed, and fortified options, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking enhanced nutritional profiles.​
4. Alternative Protein Development: Countries like Israel are leading in lab-grown meat technologies, offering sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional meat products. ​
5. Enhanced Distribution Channels: The rise of e-commerce and home delivery services has improved consumer access to a variety of meat and dairy products, reflecting changing purchasing behaviors.

Market Challenges

1. Regulatory Complexity – Varying food safety and import/export regulations across countries can slow down product approvals and trade flow.
2. Infrastructure Limitations – Inadequate cold storage, processing facilities, and logistics networks in many regions affect product quality and shelf life.
3. Climate Change Impact – Droughts, water scarcity, and rising temperatures are impacting livestock health and dairy production efficiency.
4. Price Volatility – Fluctuating feed prices and import dependence increase production costs and retail prices, affecting affordability.
5. Health Concerns – Rising awareness about saturated fats and cholesterol is prompting some consumers to reduce meat and dairy intake.
6. Competition from Plant-Based Alternatives – Increasing popularity of plant-based and dairy-free products is capturing consumer attention and market share.
7. Animal Disease Outbreaks – Diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth and Avian Influenza disrupt meat supply chains and reduce consumer confidence.
8. Consumer Trust & Food Safety – Scandals related to meat contamination or adulteration can lead to reduced trust in animal-based products.
9. Import Dependency – Many countries rely on imports for processed meat and dairy, making them vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.
10. Lack of Innovation in Local Production – Limited R&D investment in domestic meat and dairy industries slows product development and quality improvement.

Market Opportunities

• Rising Demand for Protein-Rich Diets – Growing middle-class populations and health awareness are driving demand for high-protein meat and dairy options.
• Expansion in Halal-Certified Products – MEA countries have a strong preference for Halal products, creating opportunities for certified meat and dairy brands to expand.
• Growth in Urbanization & Modern Retail – Increased urbanization is leading to the growth of supermarkets, convenience stores, and online grocery platforms, expanding access to packaged meat and dairy.
• Emerging Markets in Sub-Saharan Africa – Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana are showing rising consumption trends and untapped market potential.
• Premiumization & Value-Added Products – Consumers are willing to pay more for organic, grass-fed, hormone-free, and fortified dairy and meat products.
• Investment in Cold Chain Infrastructure – Improved cold storage and logistics open the door for safe distribution of perishable products across remote areas.
• Export Potential to Asia and Europe – MEA countries, particularly in North Africa, can tap into global demand through animal product exports.
• Innovation in Packaging – Smart and eco-friendly packaging is gaining interest, offering better shelf life and sustainability appeal.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) – Government initiatives and foreign investments are supporting dairy and livestock farming improvements.
• Digital and Direct-to-Consumer Channels – E-commerce and mobile grocery platforms are enabling wider reach and convenience for consumers.

RECENT STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

• Expansion of Cheese Production Lines – Almarai invested nearly EGP 1 billion in Egypt to launch two new cheese production lines under its Beyti subsidiary, enhancing local dairy processing capabilities.
• Factory Modernization for Export Growth – Danone committed EGP 2 billion to upgrade its Al-Obour facility in Egypt, aiming to double exports and strengthen supply chains into Africa and the Middle East.
• Strategic Acquisition in Jordan – Almarai, through Teeba Investment, acquired Hammoudeh Food Industries for SAR 263 million to boost its dairy portfolio and regional market share.
• Global Agricultural Investment – Saudi-based SALIC acquired an 80.01% stake in Olam Agri (Singapore) for $1.78 billion to secure agri-food supply chains and support meat and dairy imports.
• Growth of Plant-Based Alternatives – The UAE’s plant-based meat market is forecasted to quadruple by 2027, driven by consumer health consciousness and demand for sustainable animal-product alternatives.
• Fermentation-Based Dairy Innovation – Israeli startup DairyX developed precision-fermented casein proteins, enabling the creation of real cheese without using cows—an eco-friendly innovation for dairy.
• Adaptation to Climate Shifts – In Kenya, prolonged droughts are driving a shift from traditional cattle to camel farming, offering more resilient and higher milk-yielding livestock in arid regions.
• Ice Cream Production Scale-Up – Pure Ice Cream in the UAE is building a AED 80 million factory in Dubai Industrial City, set to triple output and support exports to GCC, Africa, and the U.S.
• Sustainable Export Strategy – MEA companies are aligning with global trends by upgrading logistics, packaging, and product diversity to meet halal standards and reduce environmental impact.
• Focus on Health-Conscious Consumers – Producers are reformulating products with lower fat, higher protein, and organic certifications to tap into the growing wellness-driven customer segment.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

1. Food & Beverage Manufacturers – Understand consumer preferences and emerging trends to develop competitive meat and dairy offerings tailored to local tastes.
2. Retailers & Supermarkets – Identify popular product categories and buying behavior to optimize shelf space, inventory, and in-store promotions.
3. Exporters & Importers – Gain insights into market demand, trade regulations, and halal certification requirements to expand cross-border operations.
4. Agricultural Producers & Livestock Farmers – Discover opportunities in value-added products, such as organic meat or camel milk, and adapt to climate-resilient farming practices.
5. Government & Policymakers – Use market data to support food security strategies, regulate imports, and promote domestic meat and dairy production.
6. Investors & Venture Capitalists – Evaluate the region’s growth potential in processed meat, dairy expansion, and sustainable livestock operations for smart investment decisions.
7. Logistics & Cold Chain Providers – Tap into the rising need for efficient storage, transportation, and distribution of perishable animal-based products.
8. Sustainable Packaging Companies – Address increasing demand for eco-friendly and halal-compliant packaging materials in meat and dairy sectors.
9. Nutrition & Health Experts – Leverage insights into consumer demand for organic, high-protein, and fortified dairy and meat products.
10. Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) – Explore niche markets such as flavored dairy, artisan cheese, or regional meat snacks for business growth.

At DigiRoads Research, we emphasize reliability by employing robust market estimation and data validation methodologies. Our insights are further enhanced by our proprietary data forecasting model, which projects market growth trends up to 2030. This forward-thinking approach ensures our analysis not only captures the current market landscape but also anticipates future developments, equipping stakeholders with actionable foresight.

We go a step further by offering an exhaustive set of regional and country-level data points, supplemented by over 60 detailed charts at no additional cost. This commitment to transparency and accessibility allows stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the industry’s structural and operational dynamics. By providing exclusive and hard-to-access data, DigiRoads Research empowers businesses to make informed strategic decisions with confidence.

In essence, our methodology and data delivery foster a collaborative and data-driven decision-making environment, enabling businesses to navigate industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities effectively.

Contact Us For More Inquiry. 

Table of Contents

• • INTRODUCTION

    • Market Overview
    • Years Considered for Study
    • Market Segmentation
    • Study Assumptions and Definitions
    • Market Scope

  • RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

  • MARKET OUTLOOK

    • Executive Summary
    • Market Snapshot
  • Market Segments 

• Product Type

• • • • Meat (Beef, Lamb, Poultry), Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Butter, Cream, Ghee

• Distribution Channel

• • • • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Butcher Shops, Online Retail

• End-User

• • • Retail Consumers, Hotels & Restaurants, Catering Services, Industrial Use

• COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Recent Strategies (Key Strategic Moves)
• Market Share Analysis
• Company Profiles
  • Almarai Co.

  • Al Ain Dairy

  • Clover Industries Limited

  • Brookside Dairy Limited

  • Nadec (National Agricultural Development Company)

• MARKET DYNAMICS

  • Market Drivers
  • Market Challenges
  • Market Opportunities
  • Porter’s Five Forces’ Analysis
    • Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • Threat of New Entrant
    • Threat of Substitutes
    • Competitive Rivalry

• GLOSSARY OF PROMINENT SECONDARY SOURCES

• DISCLAIMER

• ABOUT US