Middle East and Africa Food Packaging Market Size to Grow At 5.5% CAGR From 2025 to 2030.

Middle East and Africa Food Packaging Market Size (2025 - 2030)

As per our research report, the  Middle East and Africa Food Packaging Market size is estimated to be growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2030.

A food packaging system plays a critical role in protecting food from contamination, spoilage, and physical damage during transportation, storage, or sale. This system is carefully designed to prepare food for consumption, ensure its safe delivery to consumers, and provide essential nutritional details. Over time, the food packaging market has experienced significant expansion. Currently, the industry emphasizes recyclable materials and packaging with enhanced barrier properties to maintain freshness. Looking ahead, the market is expected to see substantial growth, fueled by technological innovations and increasing demand for customized solutions.

The economies of Africa and the Middle East have seen substantial growth over the years. Urbanization has contributed to increased income levels within the middle class, resulting in a rise in both dine-in and takeout dining. With more lodging options, restaurants, and other dining establishments available, people now have a wider variety of choices. Additionally, a growing number of individuals are more open to trying diverse food options. The rise of online retail has further boosted the demand for product packaging.

The COVID-19 pandemic has positively influenced the market growth, particularly by increasing investments from manufacturers in the production of flexible packaging, especially for fast-moving consumer goods such as food and beverages. Furthermore, the preference among millennials for convenience foods and fast food has contributed to the growing use of flexible packaging formats, including small bags and pouches. In line with sustainable development goals, there has been an increase in the adoption of paper-based flexible packaging, further fueling market growth.

However, the food packaging market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) faces challenges related to environmental concerns, particularly regarding packaging waste, especially plastics. Rising worries over sustainability and waste management have been exacerbated by the growing accumulation of packaging waste in landfills, posing significant environmental risks.

The packaging industry is moving toward 100% recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable packaging, particularly in the food packaging sector. Companies in food service packaging are increasingly focusing on recycling and eco-friendly alternatives. Environmentally sustainable packaging options such as paper bottles made from recycled newspapers and corrugated cardboard are gaining popularity for products like wine, pet food, and protein powders. In addition, eco-friendly solutions like insulated packaging made from materials such as jute and recycled hessian bag material are becoming more common. This emphasis on sustainability not

only conserves natural resources but also protects public health and the environment. The rising disposable incomes and urbanization in the Middle East and North Africa are driving up demand for poultry products, which in turn is further fueling the need for sustainable packaging.

KEY MARKET INSIGHTS:

• Based on the Materials, The plastic segment is the largest and fastest-growing category due to its material properties. The lightweight, cost-effective, durable, and versatile nature of plastic makes it a popular choice among consumers globally. Paper and paperboard materials are preferred for their flexibility and eco-friendly characteristics, contributing to environmental sustainability goals while helping maintain product freshness. The glass segment is also experiencing notable growth, as it offers superior protection for food products, providing longer shelf life compared to other packaging materials.

• Based on the Product, Flexible packaging is the largest and fastest-growing product category, with strong demand expected to persist due to technological innovations and creative packaging solutions. As technology advances, manufacturers are able to produce flexible packaging materials that offer improved sustainability, convenience, and functionality. Its versatility makes flexible packaging a preferred choice across various industries, ensuring sustained market demand.

• Based on the Application, In the food packaging markets of the Middle East and Africa, bakeries and confectionery applications are the most dominant. High-moisture-barrier packaging is often essential to extend the shelf life of these products. Flexible packaging is gaining popularity across various applications due to its advantages over paper tins and cartons, such as its printability, affordability, and lightweight design. Additionally, the research indicates a positive correlation between the growth of the confectionery sector and its packaging solutions. This trend is also linked to the growing demand for chicken products in the region. The Middle East and North Africa are evolving as consumers increasingly seek convenient, hygienic packaging options for meat and poultry.

• Based on the region, The UAE is the fastest-expanding market in the Middle East and African food packaging sectors, fueled by the significant consumption of canned beverages and processed foods, as well as a rising demand for sustainable products in the region. This growth is also supported by high disposable incomes and a rapidly expanding tourism industry. In Saudi Arabia, the food packaging market is experiencing the most rapid growth due to several factors, including changing consumer preferences, an influx of foreign immigrants, and government initiatives to raise awareness of food safety and hygiene standards. The country's advanced grocery stores, hypermarkets, and e-commerce platforms have significantly increased the demand for packaged products and innovative packaging designs.