United Arab Emirates

Thin wall plastic containers are the main pack type used in sweet spreads packaging and were also continuing to gain share in the overall category in 2022. This is because these containers are cost-effective to manufacture, making them an attractive…

Glass jars remained a major pack type in sauces, dips and condiments in 2022 for a number of reasons. Glass is an inert material that does not interact chemically with the product content, ensuring that the flavour and quality of the sauces, dips or…

Demand for home audio and cinema in the United Arab Emirates continues to experience notable trends that are impacting demand in 2023. One such trend is the increasing demand for smart and connected audio solutions, driven by the rise of smart homes…

The level of awareness regarding environmental issues associated with traditional fishing is growing in the United Arab Emirates. As a result, local consumers are seeking sustainably-sourced fish and seafood which ensures a stable and long-term…

Local consumers are becoming increasingly focused on health and wellness trends, resulting in an increase in demand for sauces with healthy claims. Health-conscious consumers are selecting alternatives to traditional high-calorie sauces, as well as…

Flexible aluminium/plastic was the dominant pack type in dry soup, which, given it is the biggest category in overall meals and soups, was therefore the dominant meals and soups packaging format. Flexible aluminium/plastic was also growing in 2022,…

Retail current value sales of fine wines/champagne and spirits grew by 2% in 2023 to AED807 million, as a result of a consumer desire for indulgence after the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Socialising at home and in the on-trade channel remains a…

In 2022, the price of fresh milk increased significantly, and this has continued into 2023. This growth is primarily being driven by pressures of inflation at various levels, which is being seen globally as an impact of the pandemic and other…

In 2022, supply chain problems were seen, as global disruptions drove up the costs of raw materials, logistics and fuel. Overall, the United Arab Emirates and the region overall were affected in terms of rising costs and inflation. Cost-push…

In the United Arab Emirates, there is wide knowledge of consumer health, due to the diverse make-up of the population. However, there are a significant number of parents who continue to be hesitant to give children over-the-counter medications due to…

In-car entertainment in the United Arab Emirates is experiencing fluctuations in demand in line with changing consumer behaviour in 2023. While demand for in-car speakers remains positive, the overall category continues to post declining retail…

Pre-paid cards in the United Arab Emirates is experiencing a surge in innovation and growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advances, and the increasing popularity of digital payments. Mobile reloading options, such as bank…

After the COVID-19 pandemic, not only did consumers in the United Arab Emirates increase their interest in organic tea and coffee, but they were also willing to pay more for such products. Consumers have become more educated, and they know that the…

Post-pandemic, discriminating consumers have developed a keen interest in their health, and are intent on adopting healthy eating to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing within the constraints of their family budget. Importantly, the messaging…

Metal food cans continue to be the leading pack type in shelf stable meat and seafood packaging. Metal food cans are excellent at preserving the freshness and quality of processed meat and seafood. They provide an effective barrier against light,…

Due to inflationary pressures arising from global supply chain issues, recent price increases in retail have impacted dairy categories, and butter and spreads is no exception. Moreover, due to rising health awareness, some consumers are also veering…

Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a strong emphasis on preventive health in the United Arab Emirates. This has been fuelling a surge in demand for herbal/traditional dietary supplements, including ginseng, garlic, echinacea, and…

Hair care, which is one of the biggest beauty and personal care categories in terms of packaging unit volume sales in the United Arab Emirates, continued to see relatively dynamic growth in 2022. This benefited the usage of HDPE bottles, the main…

Like many markets, consumers in the United Arab Emirates are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and wellness. As a result, the demand for processed meat that is lower in fat, salt, and additives or organic options that are free from…

Retail demand for sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks recovered to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. On the other hand, current value sales fully recovered the previous year, driven by rising unit…