Middle East and Africa Dairy Alternatives Market Outlook
According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the Middle East and Africa dairy alternatives market size reached a value of USD 1.18 billion in 2023. Driven by the increasing shift towards plant-based diets and growing awareness about the health and environmental benefits of dairy alternatives, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% between 2024 and 2032, eventually reaching a value of USD 3.27 billion by 2032.
Dairy alternatives are products made from plant-based sources that mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of traditional dairy. These products cater to individuals with lactose intolerance, vegans, and those seeking to reduce their dairy consumption for health or ethical reasons. The market includes plant-based milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, ice cream, and other dairy substitutes, typically derived from sources such as soy, almond, oat, coconut, and rice.
The growing consumer demand for plant-based products in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is a key factor propelling the dairy alternatives market forward. The region’s expanding vegan population, along with rising concerns over sustainability, animal welfare, and health issues related to dairy consumption, are contributing to this shift. Furthermore, the increasing availability of innovative dairy alternative products is expected to drive further market expansion.
Consumer Trends and Health Benefits
The Middle East and Africa region is witnessing a significant increase in health-conscious consumers. The rising awareness of lactose intolerance, allergies to milk proteins, and other health-related concerns has led many individuals to seek dairy alternatives. This trend is particularly prevalent among urban populations, where there is greater exposure to global food trends and health information. Dairy alternatives, particularly plant-based milk, have gained significant popularity due to their perceived health benefits, such as lower cholesterol content, fewer calories, and improved digestibility compared to traditional dairy.
Moreover, there is an increasing preference for vegan and plant-based diets, not only for ethical reasons but also due to growing concerns about the environmental impact of animal-based products. Plant-based milk, for instance, is considered more sustainable as it generally requires fewer resources such as water, land, and energy compared to dairy milk production.
Additionally, with a rise in the demand for functional foods, consumers are gravitating toward dairy alternatives fortified with nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein. These fortified options offer an attractive alternative to traditional dairy, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking to maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet without compromising on taste and texture.
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Product Innovations and Variety
The Middle East and Africa dairy alternatives market is expected to benefit significantly from the increasing variety and innovation in product offerings. Among the key products in this sector are plant-based milk, including soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk. Of these, oat milk has gained particular traction in recent years, driven by its creamy texture, natural sweetness, and versatility in various culinary applications.
Oat milk, in particular, has witnessed a surge in popularity due to its association with environmental sustainability and health benefits. With a growing preference for dairy-free beverages, oat milk has positioned itself as one of the dominant dairy alternatives, especially among environmentally conscious consumers. The product’s ability to cater to individuals with nut allergies has also enhanced its appeal.
In addition to milk alternatives, plant-based cheeses, yogurt, ice cream, and butter are seeing strong growth. These alternatives, made from a variety of ingredients such as nuts, soy, and oats, offer similar textures and flavors to traditional dairy products, making them appealing to consumers transitioning to plant-based diets. Plant-based ice cream and yogurt, often fortified with probiotics, are becoming popular as healthier dessert alternatives.
The introduction of these dairy alternatives in various flavors and textures, including options that mimic traditional dairy products, is expected to accelerate market growth. Innovations in dairy-free cheese and yogurt, in particular, are anticipated to capture a larger share of the market as manufacturers continue to improve the taste and texture of these products to meet consumer expectations.
Key Drivers of Market Growth
- Lactose Intolerance and Health Consciousness: Lactose intolerance is prevalent in many parts of the Middle East and Africa, with a significant portion of the population unable to digest traditional dairy products. This has led to a growing demand for dairy alternatives, which provide a solution for individuals seeking to avoid digestive discomfort. The rising awareness of the link between dairy consumption and various health issues, such as acne, digestive problems, and increased risk of certain diseases, has further encouraged the shift towards plant-based alternatives.
- Rising Veganism and Plant-Based Movements: The global rise of veganism and plant-based diets has gained significant traction in the MEA region, especially in urban centers. As more consumers adopt plant-based diets for ethical and environmental reasons, the demand for dairy alternatives has increased. This shift is accompanied by a growing interest in cruelty-free, sustainable food options that have minimal environmental impact.
- Sustainability Concerns: Environmental sustainability has become a critical issue in the MEA region, particularly with respect to water scarcity and the carbon footprint of traditional animal-based dairy production. Plant-based dairy alternatives are seen as a more sustainable option, as their production generally requires fewer natural resources, including water and land. This trend aligns with growing global efforts to reduce the ecological impact of food production, further driving the adoption of plant-based products.
- Improved Availability and Accessibility: The availability of Middle East and Africa dairy alternatives market region has improved significantly in recent years. Retailers and supermarkets are expanding their range of dairy-free products, while online platforms have made these products more accessible. Furthermore, local producers in the region are increasingly launching their own versions of plant-based products, contributing to greater product diversity and affordability. As the product offerings expand, consumers are more likely to try and adopt dairy alternatives.
- Cultural and Religious Factors: In certain parts of the Middle East and Africa, plant-based diets are closely aligned with cultural and religious practices. For example, Islam, the predominant religion in the region, prohibits the consumption of dairy products from non-halal animals, which drives interest in dairy alternatives. Additionally, as the population becomes more globally connected and aware of diverse food trends, the acceptance and popularity of plant-based alternatives are growing.
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Middle East and Africa Dairy Alternatives Market Segmentation
The market can be divided based on source, product, distribution channel, and country.
Market Breakup by Source
- Soy
- Almond
- Rice
- Oats
- Others
Market Breakup by Product
- Milk
- Yoghurt
- Cheese
- Ice-cream
- Creamers
- Others
Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
- Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Online
- Others
Market Breakup by Country
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Others
Competitive Landscape
The EMR report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other major developments, of the leading companies operating in the Middle East and Africa dairy alternatives market. Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:
- Danone S.A.
- Nestlé S.A.
- Blue Diamond Growers
- Oatly AB
- Freakin Healthy
- Kite Hill
- Califia Farms, LLC
- BetterBody Foods
- Archer Daniels Midland Company
- Daiya Foods Inc.
- ButtaNutt
- Okja South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
- Others
Challenges and Barriers
Despite the growth potential, there are certain challenges hindering the widespread adoption ofMiddle East and Africa dairy alternatives market. The relatively high cost of plant-based products compared to traditional dairy items remains a key barrier. Dairy alternatives often require more expensive production processes and ingredients, which may result in higher retail prices. This price disparity can limit the affordability and accessibility of these products, particularly in price-sensitive markets.
Furthermore, while awareness of dairy alternatives is increasing, there is still a lack of understanding about the nutritional benefits of plant-based dairy in some areas. Educational efforts are required to inform consumers about the health benefits and potential drawbacks of switching to plant-based diets.
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