GCC Edible Meat Market Report | Market Size, Industry Analysis, Growth Opportunities, & Forecast (2025-2030)

GCC Edible Meat Market Overview

The GCC Edible Meat Market is experiencing steady expansion, with an estimated market size of USD 10.29 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 12.27 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.58% during the forecast period 2025-2030. The GCC Edible Meat Market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the region’s meat industry from 2025 to 2030, covering key market segments such as beef, mutton, poultry, and other meats. The report examines the market dynamics, including rising demand, consumption trends, and production growth, with a special focus on poultry as the most consumed meat type in the region. The region’s consumption patterns are shifting, driven by population growth, changing dietary habits, and the rising popularity of convenience-based meat forms like frozen and processed options.

Countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE are leading the market, with Saudi Arabia being the largest consumer, while Bahrain records the highest per capita beef consumption. The report also explores the rise in investments aimed at boosting local meat production, particularly in poultry, with Saudi Arabia’s significant efforts toward self-sufficiency. Additionally, the report covers emerging distribution channels, including off-trade and on-trade, and assesses market dynamics across different meat forms such as canned, fresh, chilled, frozen, and processed. This report is an essential resource for businesses and investors seeking to understand the future of the GCC edible meat market in the next decade.

Market Report Coverage:

The “GCC Edible Meat 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

The GCC Edible Meat Market (2025-2030) report is based on a set of study assumptions and definitions that guide the analysis of market trends, growth, and projections. These assumptions are critical for understanding the data and shaping the forecasted market values.

Study assumptions include factors like the continued growth in population and urbanization within the GCC region, leading to an increase in consumer demand for meat. Moreover, evolving dietary habits, a shift toward healthier protein sources, and rising disposable incomes are assumed to drive market growth. The influence of cultural preferences, such as religious restrictions and food consumption habits in the GCC, is considered. Additionally, government policies related to food security and halal meat standards are taken into account.

Definitions in this report encompass various market elements. “Edible Meat” refers to all types of meat consumed by humans, including beef, poultry, mutton, lamb, and goat meat. The market scope also includes processed meat products such as sausages, deli meats, and ready-to-eat meat items. Distribution channels are classified into on-trade (foodservice) and off-trade (retail), with data provided on both retail sales and foodservice consumption. These definitions ensure consistent market analysis across all GCC countries.

Market Scope

The GCC Edible Meat Market (2025-2030) encompasses the production, import, distribution, and consumption of various types of meat, including beef, poultry, mutton, lamb, and goat meat, as well as processed products like sausages, deli meats, and ready-to-eat options. The market analysis covers six GCC countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

The study explores both on-trade (foodservice) and off-trade (retail) distribution channels, providing insights into consumer preferences and purchasing patterns. It examines key factors such as halal compliance, government policies, supply chain dynamics, and the rising demand for protein-rich diets driven by population growth and urbanization.

The report also delves into market segmentation by product type, end use, and distribution channel, enabling a comprehensive understanding of market drivers and challenges. This scope ensures an in-depth analysis to support stakeholders in strategic planning and market expansion initiatives.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Executive Summary

The GCC Edible Meat Market is poised for steady growth during 2025-2030, driven by rising demand for high-quality protein sources across the region. Factors such as population growth, urbanization, and increasing disposable incomes are fueling the consumption of both fresh and processed meat products. Halal certification remains a critical element in the market, ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary laws and appealing to the predominantly Muslim population.

Key market segments include fresh meat such as beef, mutton, lamb, goat, and poultry, as well as processed meat products like sausages, deli meats, and ready-to-eat options. Distribution channels are divided into retail (supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores) and foodservice (restaurants, hotels, catering). Saudi Arabia and the UAE lead the market, owing to their large populations and advanced retail infrastructure, while other GCC countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman also contribute significantly.

The market benefits from robust government support for food security and investment in the local meat industry. However, it faces challenges such as fluctuating import prices, reliance on external suppliers, and growing consumer awareness of sustainable and plant-based alternatives. Despite these obstacles, innovation in product offerings, such as organic and premium meat options, and the expansion of cold storage facilities are expected to boost growth.

Technological advancements in meat processing and preservation, coupled with evolving consumer preferences for convenience, are transforming the market landscape. Companies are focusing on strategic partnerships, product diversification, and marketing initiatives to capture the growing demand.

This report provides a detailed analysis of market dynamics, competitive landscape, and key trends shaping the GCC Edible Meat Market. It aims to assist stakeholders in making informed decisions, optimizing supply chains, and capitalizing on emerging opportunities to thrive in this expanding market.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The GCC Edible Meat Market is moderately fragmented, with regional and multinational players competing fiercely for market share.

Key Market Players

• Al Islami Foods
• Almarai Company
• BRF S.A.
• National Food Company (Americana Foods)
• Tanmiah Food Company
• Halwani Brothers Co.
• Al Kabeer Group
• Al Rawdah (Emirates Modern Poultry Co.)
• Savola Group
• Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO)
• BRF Global Halal
• Foster Farms Halal
• JBS S.A.
• Tyson Foods, Inc.
• Al Ain Farms for Livestock Production

Market Share Analysis

The GCC edible meat market is highly competitive and fragmented, with several regional and international players striving to capture significant market shares. Leading companies such as Al Islami Foods, Almarai Company, and BRF S.A. dominate the market due to their robust supply chains, extensive distribution networks, and adherence to Halal certification standards, which are crucial in the GCC region.

Al Islami Foods and BRF S.A. hold a prominent share, leveraging their strong brand recognition and diverse product portfolios. These players focus on frozen and processed meat segments to cater to the growing demand for convenience foods among urban consumers. Almarai Company is a key regional player, known for its high-quality fresh meat offerings and significant investments in production facilities.

Smaller players, including Halwani Brothers Co. and Al Kabeer Group, compete through niche product offerings and regional market penetration. Meanwhile, global giants like JBS S.A. and Tyson Foods are expanding their presence by forming strategic partnerships with local distributors and introducing premium meat products tailored to GCC consumer preferences.

Overall, the market is witnessing increasing consolidation as leading companies seek mergers and acquisitions to enhance their market position and expand their reach across the GCC countries.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers and Key Innovations

The GCC edible meat market is driven by evolving consumer preferences, rapid urbanization, and increasing demand for high-quality, Halal-certified meat products. A growing population, coupled with rising disposable incomes, has shifted consumption patterns toward premium and processed meat options, catering to the region’s busy lifestyle. Additionally, the region’s strong hospitality and tourism sector fuels the demand for meat products in hotels, restaurants, and catering services.

Cultural and religious adherence to Halal standards significantly influences the market, creating opportunities for suppliers offering certified meat products. Furthermore, government initiatives to achieve food security and promote local meat production are boosting domestic production capacities, reducing reliance on imports. For instance, advancements in sustainable livestock farming and smart agriculture technologies are enhancing productivity while ensuring quality.

Key innovations in the market include the development of plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives tailored to GCC dietary preferences. These alternatives cater to the growing health-conscious and environmentally aware consumer segment. Companies are also leveraging blockchain technology for traceability and transparency in the meat supply chain, ensuring compliance with Halal requirements.

Additionally, value-added products such as marinated and ready-to-cook meat are gaining traction due to their convenience and time-saving attributes. Packaging innovations, such as vacuum-sealed and eco-friendly solutions, further enhance product appeal. These innovations, coupled with the region’s increasing inclination toward premiumization and sustainable practices, are reshaping the competitive landscape of the GCC edible meat market.

Market Challenges

1. Dependence on Imports
   The GCC heavily relies on imported meat due to limited domestic livestock production, which makes the market vulnerable to fluctuations in global trade, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions.
2. High Production Costs
   Harsh climatic conditions in the GCC region increase the costs of livestock farming, including feed, water, and shelter, making local production less competitive compared to imports.
3. Regulatory Compliance
   Strict adherence to Halal certification and food safety standards can pose challenges for producers and suppliers, particularly small-scale enterprises, in maintaining compliance across the supply chain.
4. Growing Preference for Alternatives
   Rising awareness of environmental sustainability and health concerns is leading to increased interest in plant-based and lab-grown meat, potentially limiting the growth of conventional meat products.
5. Economic and Geopolitical Risks
   The market is sensitive to economic fluctuations and geopolitical tensions in the region, which can affect consumer spending patterns and disrupt supply chains.
6. Limited Cold Chain Infrastructure
   Inadequate cold storage and transportation infrastructure in certain areas pose challenges in maintaining the freshness and quality of meat products during distribution.
7. Changing Consumer Preferences
   A shift toward healthier eating habits and reduced meat consumption may slow the growth of traditional meat segments, compelling businesses to adapt rapidly to emerging trends.

Market Opportunities

1. Growing Demand for Halal Meat
   Increasing Muslim population and rising preference for Halal-certified products create significant opportunities for producers and exporters catering to the GCC region.
2. Development of Local Livestock Farming
   Investments in advanced farming techniques, such as vertical farming and sustainable feed production, can help the GCC reduce dependency on imports and enhance domestic production.
3. Rising Popularity of Premium and Organic Meat
   Consumers in the GCC are showing growing interest in premium, organic, and grass-fed meat products, presenting opportunities for niche market players to capture higher profit margins.
4. Advancements in Cold Chain Infrastructure
   Investments in state-of-the-art cold storage and logistics facilities can help improve the quality and availability of meat products, ensuring better market penetration and reduced wastage.
5. Technological Innovations in Production
   The adoption of technology, such as precision farming and AI-driven livestock monitoring, can enhance efficiency and output in meat production, making it more sustainable and cost-effective.
6. Strategic Trade Partnerships
   Strengthening trade agreements with key meat-exporting countries can ensure a stable supply chain and competitive pricing for GCC markets.
7. Emergence of Online Retail Channels
   The rapid growth of e-commerce and online grocery platforms in the GCC provides an additional channel for meat distribution, catering to the growing demand for convenience among consumers.

RECENT STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

Investment in Local Livestock Production

• Several GCC countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have increased investments in local livestock farming to enhance food security. In 2023, Saudi Arabia announced a $1.3 billion fund for agricultural development, which includes livestock projects.

Expansion of Halal Meat Certification Processes

• To cater to the global Halal market, GCC nations have streamlined certification processes. In 2024, UAE introduced a digital Halal certification system to ensure quality and authenticity for exports and imports.

Cold Chain Infrastructure Enhancement

• Oman and Qatar invested heavily in cold storage facilities in 2024, with Qatar inaugurating a $150 million state-of-the-art cold chain logistics center to support the growing meat trade.

Partnerships with Global Meat Exporters

• GCC countries strengthened partnerships with key exporters like Brazil and Australia. In 2024, Saudi Arabia signed a $200 million trade deal with Brazil to secure consistent meat supply.

Introduction of Premium and Organic Meat Products

• Major retailers like Carrefour introduced premium organic meat ranges in 2023, targeting affluent consumers. Reports indicate a 15% year-on-year increase in demand for organic meat products in the UAE.

Adoption of Advanced Technologies

• AI-driven livestock monitoring systems and blockchain for supply chain transparency have been adopted. Saudi Arabia deployed blockchain-based tracking for meat imports in late 2023 to enhance traceability.

Growth in Online Meat Retail

• Online grocery platforms like Noon and Talabat have reported a 30% increase in meat product sales in 2024, driven by consumer preference for convenience and variety.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

Enhanced Profit Margins Through Localization

• Increased investments in local livestock production reduce dependency on imports, lowering costs and improving profit margins for producers and suppliers.

Access to a Growing Halal Market

• GCC’s emphasis on halal certification and standards enables stakeholders to tap into the global halal meat market, estimated to grow significantly during 2025-2030.

Technological Advancements in Meat Processing

• Adoption of AI and blockchain technologies improves supply chain efficiency, traceability, and product quality, benefiting suppliers, distributors, and consumers.

Opportunities in Premium and Organic Meat Segments

• Rising demand for premium and organic meat provides growth opportunities for producers and retailers targeting health-conscious and affluent consumers.

Government Support for Agribusiness

• Favorable government policies, subsidies, and funds for livestock farming and food security projects provide a stable environment for investment.

Increased Consumer Reach Through E-commerce

• Rapid growth in online retail platforms offers stakeholders new sales channels, enabling them to reach a larger audience with minimal infrastructure investment.

Strengthened Trade Relations

• Trade agreements with leading meat-exporting countries ensure a stable supply chain, enhancing market reliability and operational efficiency.

Sustainability Opportunities

• Focus on sustainable practices, such as reducing environmental impact and waste, aligns with global trends, offering long-term growth and brand enhancement for stakeholders.

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.

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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 
  • By Meat Type:
    • Focuses on different types of edible meats such as beef, mutton, poultry, and others, with poultry being the most consumed.
  • By Distribution Channel:
    • Analyzes off-trade (retail) and on-trade (foodservice) channels, considering how consumers purchase meat products.
  • By Region:
    • Segments the market by GCC countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, with unique demand dynamics in each country

• COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Recent Strategies (Key Strategic Moves)
• Market Share Analysis
• Company Profiles
  • Al Islami Foods
  • Almarai Company
  • BRF S.A.
  • National Food Company (Americana Foods)
  • Tanmiah Food Company
  • Halwani Brothers Co.
  • Al Kabeer Group
  • Al Rawdah (Emirates Modern Poultry Co.)
  • Savola Group
  • Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO)
  • BRF Global Halal
  • Foster Farms Halal
  • JBS S.A.
  • Tyson Foods, Inc.
  • Al Ain Farms for Livestock Production

• 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