Report

The Middle East Animal Protein Market size is estimated at 611.9 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 847.2 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.72% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Dominant demand for protein fortified food and beverages and anticipated revenue from personal care and cosmetic products lead the segmental growth


- The animal protein market is largely driven by the food and beverage sector. Consumers in the region are trying to consider the health factors when consuming every product, thus driving the use of animal proteins such as whey proteins, casein and caseinates, and milk proteins. Food and beverage demand is majorly driven by the bakery segment on a value basis, with a share of 42% in 2022. This segment has immense applications of animal proteins such as casein and caseinates, gelatin, collagen, and other milk and whey proteins. It is majorly dominated by gelatin, with a share of 57.18%, by value, in 2022.
- The supplements segment is also one of the major segments in the market, registering a growth of 6%, by volume, from 2018 to 2022. The segment's growth is primarily due to the rising obesity across the region. For instance, around 70% of men over the age of 15 and 67% of women in the United Arab Emirates were obese in 2021. The sectoral growth is largely driven by the baby food and infant nutrition sub-segment, which is anticipated to register a CAGR of 6.63%, by value, during the forecast period.
- However, the animal protein-enriched personal care and cosmetics segment is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.39%, by value, during the forecast period, owing to the increasing applicability of proteins such as keratin, elastin, and whey protein in the segment. For instance, whey protein is used as a skin-smoothening and hair-conditioning agent. High protein collagen peptide energy and beauty drinks are also gaining immense popularity in the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, and Algeria, as they are often seen as substitutes for leisure drinks due to their 20% high caffeine content.

Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran drive the segmental revenue with growing demand for meat alternatives in the region


- Saudi Arabia primarily led the market in 2022. In the country, by protein type, milk protein dominates the market with the highest demand for milk protein-based functional foods and beverages, with a market share of 66.3% by value in 2022. This increased demand was primarily because prices of dairy products (which include dairy ingredients like dairy proteins) in Saudi Arabia rose by 30-50% following the Kingdom's Cabinet decision to remove subsidies on them in 2021, leaving consumers in importing countries like Bahrain paying more for dairy products.
- However, during the forecast period, Iran is projected to witness the highest growth potential for animal proteins, particularly gelatin and collagen, with a CAGR of 8.71%, owing to the rising demand for meat alternatives in the country. For instance, per capita meat consumption in Iran fell by 50% in 2021 to an average of just 2.9 kg a year, leaving immense scope for the consumption of meat alternatives, thus driving the use of animal protein-fortified foods.
- The Rest of the Middle East segment emerged as the largest geographical segment in 2022 after Saudi Arabia, with countries like Qatar expanding dairy output to attain self-sufficiency. The processing sector, notably dairy protein, stands to benefit. As a result, players are gradually purchasing smaller businesses or investing in their manufacturing lines to extend their supply capabilities. In 2019, for example, NZMP promoted its dairy component line by showcasing high-protein solutions to address the diverse needs of the region's enterprises. In 2022, Arla Foods invested USD 63 million to expand its production in Bahrain, the largest sum for the company outside Europe.


Middle East Animal Protein Market Trends



The inclination toward a protein-rich diet supports growing consumption


- In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia emerged as the dominant player, commanding over 70% of the region's dairy market. This stronghold is propelled by a confluence of factors: a surging appetite for dairy products, a growing health-conscious consumer base, and a heightened interest in sports and nutrition, especially among the younger demographic. Whey snacks, with their diverse flavors, nutritional benefits, portability, and longer shelf life, are carving a niche as a favored snack choice. They appeal not only to millennials seeking quick bites but also to seniors eyeing protein-rich diets.
- Across the Middle East, a rising emphasis on sports nutrition and supplements is evident. The proliferation of fitness centers, equipped with cutting-edge facilities and personalized training, is luring in more consumers. In the UAE, obesity rates are strikingly high, with approximately 70% of men and 67% of women over 15 falling into this category. The region's heightened focus on sports nutrition, which now constitutes 70% of the market, is a direct response to combatting this obesity trend.
- The UAE stands out for its robust appetite for collagen-infused functional foods and beverages. Energy and beauty drinks, enriched with high-protein collagen peptides, are gaining traction, not just in the UAE but also in neighboring markets like Tunisia and Algeria. These beverages are increasingly viewed as alternatives to traditional leisure drinks, thanks to their elevated caffeine content. Noteworthy is the UAE's reliance on imports, sourcing collagen predominantly from Japan and Australia, with a notable preference for sheep-based variants. Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, a rising trend is observed: a surge in supplement consumption, especially among those frequenting fitness centers.


GCC countries to focus more on increasing production capabilities of milk and meat


- In the Middle East, the production of various raw materials, including fresh or chilled meat of chickens, pigs, and cattle, along with raw milk from cattle and goats, skim milk from cows, and derivatives like whey, was depicted in the graph. Specifically, the United Arab Emirates stood out, producing 164,934 TT of milk in 2020. The country's milk output saw a significant uptick, hitting 164,934 TT in 2020. Notably, its annual growth rate, which peaked at 22.05% in 2009, tapered off to 1.06% by 2020. Challenges like harsh climates and nascent cold chain technology in the region hamper this segment's growth.
- Overcoming these hurdles requires not only embracing cutting-edge dairy farming tech but also implementing key herd and farm management practices. Bulk orders secure the best prices for dairy products. In 2020, the growth rate of animal protein surged to 10%, doubling the historical 5-year average of 5%. Additionally, by utilizing meat and marine industry waste, animal proteins like collagen and gelatin are produced. However, it's worth noting that slaughterhouses in the Middle East have garnered a poor reputation among animal welfare advocates.
- Live animal exports to the Middle East have seen a steady climb over the last two decades, with Europe and Australia being notable contributors. For instance, in 2019, Western Australia shipped 1.0 million live sheep to nine countries, predominantly in the Middle East, fetching a value of AUD 136 million. Among these, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan emerged as the top importers, accounting for 35%, 25%, and 19% of the volume, respectively. This surge in demand is largely attributed to the region's increasing appetite for meat and dairy, coupled with the mounting pressure from a warming climate in these water-stressed nations.


Middle East Animal Protein Industry Overview

The Middle East Animal Protein Market is fragmented, with the top five companies occupying 7.35%. The major players in this market are Hilmar Cheese Company Inc., Kerry Group PLC, MEGGLE GmbH & Co. KG, Ornua Co-operative Limited and Royal FrieslandCampina NV (sorted alphabetically).

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