Middle East: A fast-growing Market
In 2010, the UAE imported 36,844 tons of chocolate representing a 21.53% increase from 2009 (30,316 tons).
Sugar confectionery imports into the UAE totalled 21,757 tons in 2010. In Saudi Arabia, chocolate confectionery sales were projected to grow by 5% in retail volume over 2010, while retail volume sales of chocolate confectionery in the Middle East and Africa are now predicted to grow by 20% over the 2010 - 2015 period.
The end result of expansions, innovations and investments in production facilities, in the region in recent years, is that Middle East has become one of the most dynamic and lucrative confectionery markets in the world.
A growth in demand for sweets and snacks noticed as healthy is remarkable. Due to rising health awareness consumers start focusing on sweet and savoury snacks with less carbohydrate, fat and sugar content and healthier extensions of incumbent successful brands existing in the market.
On the other side, chips/crisps are still the most popular products among consumers and this category is not only the largest in value and volume terms but it is also the fastest growing.
(Sources: Report for the National Confectioners Association, Euromonitor International)
