Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market Size (2025 – 2030)

The Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market was valued at USD 35.93 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 110.55 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2025-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.6%.

The Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market encompasses the sector of food products that are pre-cooked, cured, or otherwise processed meats, such as sausages, salamis, hams, and deli meats, which are popular for their convenience and flavor versatility. The expansion of this market has been gradual, in line with the trend of a growing urban population, rising disposable incomes, and the increasing adoption of Western food culture in the region. The transformation of consumers' lifestyles, which now value quick meal solutions and protein-rich diets, has had the effect of significantly increasing the demand for packaged and ready-to-eat meat products. Besides, improvements in cold chain logistics and refrigeration technology have made it possible for the product to be accessible and have a longer shelf life even in new markets, thus facilitating the expansion of the market. One of the main drivers of the demand for cold cuts is the foodservice industry, which includes fast-food chains, cafes, and catering services. On the other hand, the preference for certain types of food, religious dietary restrictions, and the fear of processed meats affecting health are factors that continue to impede the market. In spite of these issues, producers are turning to product innovation, such as low-sodium, halal-certified, and preservative-free products, to meet the needs of different consumer groups. In general, the Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market is transitioning to a more modern, health-conscious, and convenience-driven market, which will remain stable over the forecast ​‍​‌‍​‍‌period.

Key Market Insights:

60% of regional consumers say they plan to increase fresh-produce consumption in the next six months, and 67% are worried about risks of ultra-processed foods — so cold-cuts brands that reduce perceived “ultra-processed” traits (cleaner labels, lower sodium, natural ingredients) will be favored.

53% of regional consumers purchase prepared foods or order takeaway at least once a week; the region’s online/on-demand food market was valued at US$9.8bn (2022) with projected high growth (PwC cites a strong multi-year growth trajectory). Cold-cuts that target ready meals, meal kits, and delivery-friendly packs will capture incremental volume. PwC
 

Market Drivers:

Rapid Urbanization and Lifestyle Shifts are Fueling Demand for Convenient Cold Cut Products in the Middle East and Africa.

Urbanization​‍​‌‍​‍‌ in the Middle East and Africa region and changing lifestyle patterns have also led to the demand for ready-to-eat, protein-rich food products such as cold cuts. Consumers are driven by busy work schedules, the rise of nuclear families, and the increased participation of women in the workforce to look for convenient meal solutions that do not compromise nutrition. Also, the growing expatriate population and the exposure to Western-style eating habits have made sandwiches, wraps, and salads that use cold cuts more popular. Improvements in cold chain logistics and packaging technologies have, therefore, been the major factors that have extended product shelf life, safety, and accessibility, thus allowing a wide variety of imported and locally processed cold cuts to be available in modern retail outlets and e-commerce platforms. The increasing demand by consumers for premium, low-fat, high-protein, and clean-label products has also led producers to innovate, thereby confirming urbanization and the lifestyle evolution as a main factor of market ​‍​‌‍​‍‌growth.

Expansion of the Foodservice and Hospitality Sector is Accelerating Cold Cuts Consumption Across the Middle East and Africa.

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ growing foodservice and hospitality industry in the Middle East and Africa is a major factor that is driving up the demand for cold cuts. The increase in the number of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and quick-service restaurants, together with the rise in tourism and international business travel, has led to a strong institutional demand for versatile cold cuts that can be used in sandwiches, breakfast platters, salads, and charcuterie. This demand is being further amplified by large-scale events, international expos, and mega infrastructure projects. Trends of dining that focus on health and halal-certified products are some of the factors that have led to the adoption of leaner, high-quality cold cuts. Moreover, the rise in digital food delivery platforms has made ready-to-eat meals featuring cold cuts more accessible to consumers. The improvement of the cold chain infrastructure and the strategic collaborations between manufacturers and hospitality chains that result in the supply, quality, and product innovation being maintained consistently are some of the reasons why the foodservice and hospitality sector is the main market growth ​‍​‌‍​‍‌driver.

Market Restraints and Challenges:

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market is also confronted with notable limitations and complications that may impede the progression of the market. Across the whole region, very strict food safety and labeling regulations complicate compliance, particularly for small and medium-sized manufacturers, as different standards between countries, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa, increase the cost of certification and extend the time of product launches. In addition to that, the market of the cold supply chain for raw materials is quite weak and is also very dependent on imports. This, therefore, gives rise to a series of problems that render the supply chain more vulnerable. Variations in global supply, increased transportation costs, and a lack of sufficient refrigerated storage result in the wastage of products and their irregular availability, which in turn influences pricing and the trust of consumers. Altogether, these regulatory and logistical challenges constitute considerable obstacles to the smooth market ​‍​‌‍​‍‌expansion.

Market Opportunities:

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market is opening up mainly due to changes in consumer preferences and the expansion of the retail sector. The trend of consumers becoming more health-conscious and opting for protein-rich, low-fat, and preservative-free diets is pushing the demand for clean-label, organic, and fortified cold cuts. This allows manufacturers to innovate and attract niche segments. At the same time, the rapid proliferation of modern retail chains, hypermarkets, and e-commerce platforms in the region is creating a perfect opportunity to reach more customers, increase brand visibility, and provide the convenience of home delivery, thus accelerating market penetration in urban and semi-urban ​‍​‌‍​‍‌areas.

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA COLD CUTS MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market Segmentation:

Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market Segmentation By Type:

• Deli Cold Cuts
• Packaged Cold Cuts
   

Deli​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Cold Cuts are the main Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts market leaders. This segment has the largest market share because of its strong distribution in retail chains, supermarkets, and deli counters throughout the region. Deli cold cuts are attractive to consumers because of their freshness, convenience, and a wide range of products, which meet the consumer's growing preference for ready-to-eat, protein-rich food. The development of modern retail infrastructure and the increase in urbanization in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are the main factors that support the dominance of deli cold cuts. Consumer trends towards freshly prepared and high-quality meat products are the main reasons for the continuous growth of this ​‍​‌‍​‍‌segment.

Packaged​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Cold Cuts are becoming the most significant trend in the market, representing the fastest-growing subsegment. The shift towards health-conscious eating has contributed greatly to the demand for hygienic products, which in turn has led to convenience and longer shelf-life becoming some of the most sought-after attributes of packaged products. The innovations in vacuum packaging, resealable packs, and preservative-free formulations attract the urban consumers who are generally busy and are working professionals. The growth of the segment can be traced to a significant extent in the cities where modern retail and online grocery channels are expanding at a fast pace. Brand awareness is getting higher, and more fortified and clean-label packaged cold cuts are being introduced, thus giving more impetus to the segment’s ​‍​‌‍​‍‌growth.

Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market Segmentation By Application

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Retailers
• Others
   

Supermarkets​‍​‌‍​‍‌ and Hypermarkets lead the product application segment of the Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market. These retail formats provide a wide range of products, attractive prices, and a convenient one-stop shopping experience, which in turn, are appealing to a large number of consumers. The existence of a network of well-established supermarket chains in the likes of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa enables producers to access huge consumer bases in a very efficient manner. The expansion of organized retail, modern trade infrastructure, and loyalty programs contributes to the consolidation of supermarkets and hypermarkets as the main distribution channel for cold cuts in the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌region.

Convenience​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Stores are leading the evolution of the subsegment of the market to a new level. The trend is mainly influenced by urbanization, the increasing busyness of people's lifestyles, and the demand for ready-to-eat protein-rich foods. In consequence, consumers are willing more than ever to quickly prepare their meals. Convenience stores, which are normally close to the most crowded areas, offer in this way the quickest access to packaged cold cuts. That is why they are triggering so-called "on the spot" purchases and making consumers "repeat" the behavior more and more. The swift growth of small-format retail chains in the major cities of the MEA region is the main reason behind the phenomenal rise of this segment, which in turn is becoming the fastest-growing application channel for cold ​‍​‌‍​‍‌cuts.

Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis:

• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Israel
• South Africa
• Nigeria
• Kenya
• Egypt
• Rest of MEA

Cold​‍​‌‍​‍‌ cuts in the Middle East and Africa are primarily consumed in Saudi Arabia, which became the leading country for this sub-segment in the region. The significant factors behind the steady demand are a robust retail infrastructure in the country, increasing urbanization, and a rising tendency to use convenient protein products that require no further preparation. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and modern food service chains are growing at a fast pace in Saudi Arabia, thus making it a center for local consumption as well as for the import of cold cuts. The segment enjoys the benefits of a growing appetite for premium and health-conscious meat products, which is the main driver of its steady market ​‍​‌‍​‍‌dominance.

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the fastest-growing regional part of the MEA cold cuts market to change. Different and international cold cut varieties are being adopted faster in the UAE due to the country's dynamic foodservice sector, high per capita income, and cosmopolitan consumer base. The double-digit growth is caused by the rapid expansion of modern retail channels in combination with a rising trend of health-conscious and ready-to-eat protein. The development of this segment is also supported by the creative launches of products, such as organic and preservative-free cold cuts, which attract the country's increasingly sophisticated ​‍​‌‍​‍‌consumers.

Middle East and Africa Cold Cuts Market COVID-19 Impact Analysis:

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ COVID-19 pandemic had a chain reaction of effects on the consumer behavior and supply chain of the Middle East and Africa cold cuts market. Production and distribution were heavily impacted due to the lockdowns and restrictions on movement that were imposed during the first wave of the pandemic. This led to the temporary shortages of processed meat products that were witnessed in different countries. As a result, consumers started to prefer products that would last them longer, and thus there was an increasing focus on packaged and ready-to-eat products, which led to the rise in demand for vacuum-sealed and preservative-laden cold cuts. Meanwhile, the increase in health consciousness among consumers led to the preference for protein-rich, low-fat, and preservative-free products, which in turn opened up the market for clean-label and organic products. Retail channels have undergone a swift change as online grocery platforms and home delivery services have become the most important distribution channels, especially in cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Johannesburg. The pandemic also exposed the weaknesses of cold chain logistics, which is why manufacturers have taken steps to upgrade storage and transportation facilities that are more durable and can thus guarantee supply continuity. As in many sectors, the industry had to deal with setbacks at the beginning of the pandemic, but eventually, the situation led to an acceleration in the modernization and innovation of the industry. Many brands have introduced fortified, immune-supporting products to attract health-conscious consumers whose preferences have changed. In general, COVID-19 was the source of the disruption but also a catalytic agent that made stakeholders in the Middle East and Africa cold cuts market reassess their strategies, strengthen their operational resilience, and adjust their product portfolios to the changed demand patterns in the post-pandemic ​‍​‌‍​‍‌world.
 

Latest Market News:

• In February 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kenya finalized a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to bolster bilateral trade and economic collaboration. This agreement encompasses various sectors, including food production, logistics, and technology. In 2023, non-oil trade between the two nations grew by 26.4% to $3.1 billion. The CEPA is expected to further stimulate trade and investment, enhancing the development of national capabilities in both countries.

Latest Trends and Developments:

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Middle East and Africa cold cuts market is experiencing a substantial change in growth, which is mainly attributed to consumer preferences and regional developments. A consumer trend towards healthier products is leading to a higher demand for products that are low in sodium, nitrate-free, and have a clean label; thus, producers are prompted to reformulate their products to be in line with such requirements. Besides, innovations in product packaging, such as modified atmosphere packaging, and the use of eco-friendly materials, are making the products not only fresher but also sustainable. The distribution channels are also getting diversified as convenience stores and specialty retailers are supplementing the traditional supermarkets and hypermarkets. One of the reasons for the increased demand in the Middle East is urbanization, along with a rising expatriate population, whereas in Africa, the increased urban populations and the growing middle class are creating new opportunities/projects despite the existing infrastructural challenges. On top of that, the geopolitical factors are influencing the behavior of consumers; thus, companies are encouraged to localize their offerings and adopt strategies that are in line with regional preferences. In general, the market is transitioning to healthier, more convenient, and sustainably packaged cold cuts; thus, it offers huge potential to those companies that are able to respond and innovate ​‍​‌‍​‍‌effectively.

Key Players in the Market:

1. Boar's Head
2. Hormel Foods
3. Kraft Heinz
4. Seaboard
5. Tyson Foods
6. Blue Grass Quality Meats
7. Bryan Foods
8. Smithfield Foods
9. Frick's Quality Meats
10. Bar-S Foods