Middle East and Africa Sweet Biscuits Market Report | Market Size, Industry Analysis, Growth Opportunities, & Forecast (2025-2030)

Middle East and Africa Sweet Biscuits Market  Overview

The Middle East and Africa Sweet Biscuits Market is witnessing steady growth, driven by changing consumer preferences, urbanization, and rising disposable incomes. This report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, key drivers, challenges, and growth opportunities in the region.

It examines the competitive landscape, highlighting major players, their market strategies, and product innovations. The report also explores consumer behavior, including demand for healthier, organic, and sugar-free biscuit variants. Additionally, it covers distribution channels, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms, shaping the market dynamics.

Regional insights focus on key countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, and others, providing a comprehensive outlook on market performance. The study includes market segmentation by product type, ingredient composition, and packaging formats to offer a detailed perspective on industry trends.

Market Report Coverage:

The “Middle East and Africa Sweet Biscuits 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 Sweet Biscuits Market is based on a comprehensive analysis of industry trends, market dynamics, and key growth factors. The study relies on data from reputable sources, including industry reports, government publications, and verified market intelligence.

Assumptions:

1. Market Growth Factors – The study assumes continued urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences will drive market expansion.
2. Consumer Demand – The increasing trend toward healthier options, such as organic and sugar-free biscuits, is expected to shape product innovation.
3. Economic Stability – The market forecast assumes stable economic conditions across key countries, barring any major disruptions.
4. Regulatory Environment – The study considers the current food safety regulations and trade policies without significant changes in legislation.
5. Supply Chain Consistency – The availability of raw materials, manufacturing capabilities, and distribution networks will remain stable.

Definitions:

• Sweet Biscuits – Includes a variety of baked goods such as cookies, wafers, and crackers that contain sugar or sweeteners.
• Market Segmentation – The division of the market based on product type, ingredients, packaging, distribution channels, and consumer demographics.
• MEA Region – Refers to the Middle East and Africa, covering key markets such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria.

Market Scope

The Middle East and Africa Sweet Biscuits Market covers the production, distribution, and consumption of sweet biscuits across the region. This report examines key market segments, including product types, ingredient composition, packaging formats, distribution channels, and consumer preferences.

The study provides a detailed analysis of leading markets, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria, along with emerging opportunities in other MEA countries. It explores factors influencing market growth, such as changing consumer lifestyles, increasing demand for healthier snack options, and rising disposable incomes.

Additionally, the report evaluates the competitive landscape, highlighting major brands, product innovations, and marketing strategies. It also assesses regulatory frameworks and their impact on market dynamics.

By offering comprehensive insights, this study serves as a valuable resource for businesses, investors, and stakeholders looking to understand and capitalize on the Middle East and Africa Sweet Biscuits Market trends and opportunities.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Executive Summary

The Middle East and Africa Sweet Biscuits Market is experiencing steady growth, driven by urbanization, changing dietary habits, and increasing disposable incomes. Consumers in the region are showing a growing preference for convenient, on-the-go snack options, contributing to the rising demand for sweet biscuits. The market is further shaped by the increasing awareness of health-conscious choices, leading to innovations in sugar-free, gluten-free, and organic biscuit variants.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of key market trends, segmentation, competitive landscape, and growth opportunities. It covers major product categories, including plain biscuits, filled biscuits, cookies, wafers, and crackers, along with ingredient composition variations such as wheat-based, oats-based, and organic options. The study also examines packaging trends, with demand rising for single-serve packs, family packs, and multipacks to cater to different consumer needs.

Key markets in the region include Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria, with other emerging countries contributing to overall market expansion. Distribution channels are evolving, with supermarkets, convenience stores, online retail platforms, and specialty stores playing a crucial role in product availability. The report highlights the role of e-commerce in expanding consumer access and influencing purchasing decisions.

The competitive landscape consists of global brands and regional manufacturers, each focusing on product innovation, marketing strategies, and consumer engagement to strengthen their market presence. Regulatory factors, including food safety standards and import-export policies, also play a significant role in shaping market growth.

This report offers valuable insights for businesses, investors, and stakeholders seeking to navigate the evolving Middle East and Africa Sweet Biscuits Market. By understanding consumer trends, competitive strategies, and regional dynamics, market players can make informed decisions to capitalize on emerging opportunities and drive long-term growth.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Market Players

• • Mondelez International 
  • Nestlé S.A. 
  • Kellogg’s Company 
  • Britannia Industries Limited 
  • Parle Products Pvt. Ltd. 
  • Bahlsen GmbH & Co. KG 
  • United Biscuits (Pladis Global) 

• Danone S.A.

• • Lotus Bakeries 

• Local and Regional Players

Market Share Analysis

The Middle East and Africa Sweet Biscuits Market is highly competitive, with a mix of global brands and regional players driving market growth. Leading multinational companies like Mondelez International, Nestlé, and Kellogg’s dominate the market with their strong brand presence, extensive distribution networks, and continuous product innovations. Mondelez International, for example, holds a significant share with brands like Oreo and BelVita, which appeal to both premium and mass-market consumers.

Regional players such as Britannia Industries, Parle Products, and United Biscuits (Pladis Global) have a strong foothold, particularly in price-sensitive markets. They compete by offering locally preferred flavors, affordable pricing, and region-specific marketing strategies. Lotus Bakeries and other niche brands are gaining traction, particularly in the premium and health-conscious segments.

Distribution plays a crucial role in market share distribution. Supermarkets and hypermarkets hold the largest sales share, while e-commerce and convenience stores are growing due to increasing online shopping trends and demand for on-the-go consumption.

Overall, market share is shaped by factors such as product variety, brand reputation, pricing, and accessibility. Companies that invest in innovation, regional expansion, and digital marketing are expected to gain a competitive edge in the evolving MEA sweet biscuits market.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers and Key Innovations

Market Drivers:

1. Rising Disposable Income: Increasing purchasing power in the Middle East and Africa is driving demand for packaged snack foods, including sweet biscuits.
2. Urbanization and Changing Lifestyles: Busy lifestyles and a preference for convenient, ready-to-eat snacks are boosting biscuit consumption.
3. Health and Wellness Trends: Consumers are increasingly opting for sugar-free, gluten-free, and organic biscuits, leading to innovation in the segment.
4. Growth of E-Commerce: Online grocery shopping is expanding access to a variety of biscuit brands, enhancing consumer convenience.
5. Regional Flavor Preferences: Localized flavors and ingredients tailored to cultural preferences, such as dates, cardamom, and honey, are attracting consumers.
6. Expanding Retail Infrastructure: Growth in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores is improving product availability across the region.

Key Innovations:

1. Health-Focused Biscuits: Companies are launching high-fiber, protein-enriched, and low-calorie biscuits to cater to health-conscious consumers.
2. Premium and Artisanal Offerings: Luxury biscuits with gourmet ingredients like Belgian chocolate and nuts are gaining popularity.
3. Sustainable Packaging: Brands are adopting eco-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
4. Functional Ingredients: Introduction of biscuits with added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to enhance nutritional value.
5. Smaller Portion Sizes: Single-serve and on-the-go packs are increasingly popular for portion control and convenience.

Market Challenges

1. Rising Raw Material Costs – Fluctuating prices of ingredients like wheat, sugar, and cocoa impact production costs and profitability.
2. Stringent Food Regulations – Compliance with food safety and labeling laws varies across countries, creating challenges for manufacturers.
3. Increasing Health Concerns – Growing awareness of obesity, diabetes, and sugar intake is leading consumers to seek healthier alternatives, reducing demand for traditional sweet biscuits.
4. Intense Market Competition – The presence of global brands, regional manufacturers, and private-label products increases market saturation.
5. Supply Chain Disruptions – Logistics issues, import-export restrictions, and global supply chain instability can affect product availability.
6. Shifting Consumer Preferences – Consumers are moving towards functional foods, plant-based snacks, and low-sugar products, challenging traditional biscuit sales.
7. Economic Instability – Currency fluctuations and economic slowdowns in certain MEA countries can affect consumer spending on packaged snacks.
8. Limited E-Commerce Penetration in Some Areas – While online retail is growing, access remains limited in remote and underdeveloped regions.

9. Counterfeit and Low-Quality Products – The presence of unregulated, low-cost imitations can impact brand reputation and market trust.
10. Sustainability Pressures – Growing demand for eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing increases costs for manufacturers adapting to environmental concerns.

Market Opportunities

1. Rising Demand for Healthier Alternatives – Growing consumer interest in sugar-free, gluten-free, high-fiber, and protein-enriched biscuits presents an opportunity for innovation.
2. Expansion of E-Commerce – Increasing online grocery shopping trends provide brands with a direct-to-consumer sales channel for wider market reach.
3. Growing Popularity of Premium Biscuits – Demand for artisanal, organic, and gourmet biscuits is rising, especially in urban centers and among high-income consumers.
4. Product Localization and Regional Flavors – Introducing biscuits with local flavors such as dates, saffron, cardamom, and honey can attract regional consumers.
5. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging – Brands adopting biodegradable, recyclable, and plastic-free packaging can appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
6. Expansion into Emerging Markets – Untapped regions in Africa and smaller Gulf countries offer significant growth potential due to increasing urbanization.
7. Investment in Functional Ingredients – Biscuits fortified with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and plant-based proteins can cater to health-conscious consumers.
8. Strategic Partnerships and Mergers – Collaborations with local distributors, supermarkets, and online platforms can enhance market penetration.
9. Innovation in Smaller Portion Sizes – On-the-go, single-serve, and resealable packaging formats are gaining traction for portion control and convenience.
10. Marketing and Digital Engagement – Leveraging social media, influencer marketing, and brand storytelling can strengthen consumer engagement and loyalty.

RECENT STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

Product Innovation & Healthier Alternatives –

• Mondelez International launched BelVita Honey & Nut in the MEA region, catering to health-conscious consumers.
• Britannia introduced gluten-free and high-fiber digestive biscuits to address growing demand for functional foods.

Expansion of Local Production Facilities –

• Nestlé invested in expanding its biscuit production facility in Dubai, UAE, to cater to regional demand.
• United Biscuits (Pladis Global) increased its manufacturing capacity in Egypt to support local and export markets.

Sustainable Packaging Initiatives –

• Kellogg’s announced a transition to 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging in the Middle East by 2025.
• Lotus Bakeries introduced paper-based and compostable wrappers for its Biscoff biscuit range.

E-Commerce and Digital Expansion –

• Parle Products partnered with Jumia and Noon to boost its online retail presence in Africa and the Gulf region.
• Mondelez leveraged AI-driven consumer insights to optimize its online marketing strategies.

Strategic Mergers & Acquisitions –

• In 2023, Ferrero acquired a regional biscuit brand in South Africa to strengthen its presence in the premium segment.
• Britannia formed a joint venture with a Middle Eastern distributor to expand its reach in the Gulf market.

Localized Flavor Innovations –

• Ulker introduced date-flavored and saffron-infused biscuits targeting Middle Eastern consumers.
• Bahlsen launched honey and cardamom-flavored biscuits tailored for the African market.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

1. Comprehensive Market Insights – Provides in-depth analysis of market trends, consumer behavior, and growth opportunities in the Middle East and Africa sweet biscuits market.
2. Strategic Decision-Making Support – Helps businesses, investors, and manufacturers make informed decisions regarding product development, pricing, and expansion strategies.
3. Competitive Landscape Analysis – Offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, their market share, strategies, and recent developments to assess competition.
4. Emerging Opportunities Identification – Highlights untapped markets, rising consumer trends, and innovation prospects for businesses looking to expand.
5. Regulatory and Compliance Guidance – Helps stakeholders understand food safety regulations, import-export policies, and labeling requirements for smoother market entry.
6. Supply Chain and Distribution Insights – Provides information on logistics, retail trends, and e-commerce growth to optimize distribution strategies.
7. Investment and Partnership Prospects – Identifies potential areas for mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations with regional suppliers and retailers.
8. Consumer Preference Analysis – Examines demand for health-focused, premium, and locally flavored biscuit varieties to tailor product offerings.
9. Sustainability and Innovation Roadmap – Assists businesses in adopting eco-friendly packaging and sustainable ingredient sourcing to align with evolving industry standards.
10. Revenue Growth Potential – Equips stakeholders with data-driven insights to capitalize on increasing demand and drive profitability in the MEA sweet biscuits market.

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 Product Type

• • • • Plain Biscuits, Filled Biscuits, 
      • Cookies, Wafers, Crackers

• By Ingredient Composition

• • • • Wheat-Based, Oats-Based, 
      • Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Organic

• By Packaging Format

• • • Single-Serve Packs, Family Packs, 
    • Multipacks, Bulk Packaging

• COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Recent Strategies (Key Strategic Moves)
• Market Share Analysis
• Company Profiles
  • Mondelez International 
  • Nestlé S.A. 
  • Kellogg’s Company 
  • Britannia Industries Limited 
  • Parle Products Pvt. Ltd. 
  • Bahlsen GmbH & Co. KG 

• 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