“shifting toward clean-label and minimally processed products”
- The nut ingredients market in the Middle East and Africa is shifting toward clean-label and minimally processed products. Consumers are looking for transparency in sourcing and production, pushing manufacturers to adopt ethical sourcing and organic certifications.
- Plant-based innovation is a strong trend. Food and beverage companies are leveraging nut-based products like almond milk, cashew cheese, and nut protein powders to meet vegan and lactose-intolerant consumer needs, particularly in urban centers.
- There is increased demand for functional snacking. Nut bars, protein mixes, and fortified granolas made with nut ingredients are trending due to rising awareness of fitness and balanced diets among young adults.
- E-commerce and online health stores are growing, allowing consumers to access niche nut ingredient products across different regions, especially in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
For instance
- In February 2024, UAE-based BAKEMART launched a new almond protein bread range to cater to rising keto and paleo diet trends in the Gulf, illustrating market responsiveness to global food trends.
