Report

The GCC Red Meat Market size is estimated at 4 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 4.4 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.89% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

A diverse range of gastronomic preferences drives the demand for various meat products


- Mutton is the major red meat type consumed, and consumption is largely dominated by mutton due to the religious affiliations of Bahrain's population. The current population of Bahrain in 2023 is 1,485,509, a 0.9% increase from 2022. Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait have the highest per capita consumption of mutton in the region. The rise in mutton consumption in Bahrain can be attributed to increased disposable incomes. Bahrain's Gross National Disposable Income per capita was at USD 22,707.50 in 2022. The country has also seen an increase in the ex-pat population from Western and Asian nations over the past two decades, leading to a more diverse range of gastronomic preferences, including items like hamburgers.
- Apart from mutton and other meat, pork is expected to be the fastest-growing meat consumed in the region, with an anticipated CAGR of 10.50% during the forecast period (2023-2029). The demand for pork increased in the region due to the increased ex-pat population. In 2022, 12.9% of the UAE population was Christian. Similarly, other Middle Eastern countries like Cyprus (which has a 78% Christian population), Lebanon, and Egypt have high Christian populations. This population group consumes all types of red meat, including pork, resulting in higher consumption.
- Beef is the second most consumed meat in the region, and Bahrain has the highest per capita beef consumption, amounting to 15.80 kg in 2023. The country relies on beef imports from New Zealand, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. Most fresh meat cuts available through online channels are New Zealand's Beef Sirloin, Topside Steak, and Silverside Steak. Future growth is expected to be in high-end foodservice, particularly in countries that are looking to develop their tourism industries, such as Saudi Arabia.

Initiatives on self-sufficiency are anticipated to boost the market


- Red meat consumption in GCC countries observed a growth rate of 20.61% by value from 2017 to 2022. The expenditure on imported meat tends to be higher in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with a growing and affluent population. Quality, Halal assurance, and taste are the major factors considered by consumers in the Middle Eastern region when making red meat buying decisions. However, sustainability is not the main reason consumers buy beef and lamb.
- Saudi Arabia held the major share and highest CAGR by value in 2022. The red meat market in Saudi Arabia grew by 17.36% in value from 2017 to 2022. The increased consumption is a result of growing demand attributed to the rising disposable income and the increasing local production. Saudi Arabia has very high Halal standards set by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which helps boost consumer confidence in Saudi products. Processed red meat is the fastest-growing segment in the country owing to busy lifestyles, the increasing number of working women, and other factors.
- Oman is anticipated to be the second fastest-growing red meat-consuming country during the forecast period (2023-2029). It is anticipated to register a growth of 2.23% by value. Increasing investments from the government to support self-sufficiency has played an important part in the growth. State-backed enterprises, including red meat-producing companies, continue to enhance production and are offered investment opportunities. Among red meat, consumption in Oman is largely dominated by mutton, mainly due to the religious affiliation of Omani consumers. Mutton is often used in traditional dishes such as shawarma, kebabs, and biryani.


GCC Red Meat Market Trends



The underdeveloped local supply chain in the region is restraining production


- Beef production in the region declined by 7.92% in 2022 from 2021. Saudi Arabia accounted for the region's major share of beef production. However, beef production is declining in Saudi Arabia. In 2022, beef production in the country dropped by 21.63%, registering a decline from 40 thousand tons in 2021 to 31 thousand tons in 2022. Imports account for the major beef source in Saudi Arabia. The country's beef imports grew at a rate of 1.54% in 2022 compared to 2021. India, Brazil, and Australia were the major exporters of beef to Saudi Arabia in 2021, with India exporting around 27 thousand tons. With the change in the maximum shelf life of imported frozen products, manufacturers from the United States are hoping that will result in increased sales growth in the Kingdom.
- Qatar has an exponential decline in beef production, and it had a decline of 43.74% in 2022 compared to the previous year. Qatar's beef production reached 925 tons in 2022 from 1644 tons in 2021. However, the local value chain of the bovine category is underdeveloped, and live bovine animals are imported for local slaughtering. Large amounts of water and animal feed are required for fattening large animals such as cattle.
- Bahrain accounted for the lowest production in the region. However, the country saw growth in the production of beef by 3.40% in 2022. The beef market in Bahrain sees a huge demand during the Ramadan season. According to the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Undersecretary for Animal Wealth Resources, the country imported 11,611 heads of livestock, including 10,500 heads of sheep, 1,077 heads of cattle, and 40 heads of camels, to ensure sufficient stock, bringing the total availability to 27,000 heads of livestock during the Ramadan season of 2023.


The market is observing a growing demand for premium beef


- Kuwait and Bahrain recorded the highest prices for essential goods in the Gulf region. In 2022, 1 kg of beef was priced at USD 4.91 in Bahrain and USD 4.93 in Kuwait, whereas in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, it was priced below USD 4. The reliance of Gulf countries on imports for necessities, including beef and beef products, is one of the leading causes of price increases.
- Spending on premium meat is high in Middle Eastern countries owing to their large affluent populations. For the past eight years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have consistently ranked among Australia's top 20 most valuable beef export markets. In October 2022, the price of beef in Australia reached USD 2.82/1 kg, up by 5.3% week-on-week and 5.1% Y-o-Y, owing to rising exports. Western-style foodservices have grown rapidly in the last decade due to accelerated economic growth driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increased tourism. This has increased demand for higher-quality beef grades and cuts.
- The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has expanded the shelf life for chilled beef from the United States from 70 to 120 days. This measure is expected to help US exporters save at least USD 4 per kg due to lower transportation costs while allowing Saudi Arabian importers to purchase larger quantities of US beef. Instead of just a few weeks per the prior regulation, Saudi Arabian importers now have at least 70 days to sell US beef. The extra time is expected to increase profitability since a longer shelf life minimizes the need for last-minute panic sales at steep discounts.


GCC Red Meat Industry Overview

The GCC Red Meat Market is fragmented, with the top five companies occupying 7.73%. The major players in this market are BRF S.A., JBS SA, Tanmiah Food Company, The Organic Meat Company Ltd and The Savola Group (sorted alphabetically).

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- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
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