The Plant-Based Revolution in the Middle East: Local and Global Efforts

The Middle East is experiencing a significant shift towards plant-based diets, driven by both local initiatives and the entry of global brands. This movement, which began gaining momentum around 2021, is transforming the food landscape in the region. From local companies launching innovative plant-based products to international brands setting up manufacturing facilities, the plant-based revolution is well underway. This article explores the key developments and the factors driving this change.

Local Industry Takes Lead

The movement began around 2021 when UAE-based halal food producer Al Islami introduced its first plant-based product—a burger made from sunflower protein, fava beans, and peas. That same year, Americana, a major player in the regional food industry, launched Nabati, a line of five plant-based beef and chicken products, including nuggets, meatballs, and patties. In Egypt, Juhayna Food Industries, one of the country’s oldest dairy and juice companies, debuted a full range of plant-based milk, becoming the first Egyptian company to do so.

The positive trend continued into 2023. UAE-based IFFCO opened the region’s first plant-based meat factory at Dubai Industrial City, producing items like meat-free koftas, shish tawook, and chicken burgers under the Thryve brand. Shortly after, Switch Foods, an Abu Dhabi-based plant-based meat brand, launched a 20,000-square-foot factory to produce soy-free and vegan kebabs, kofta, sujuk, minced meat, and burger patties.

Switch Foods’ plant-based meat

Global Brands Head to the Region

As the Middle East’s plant-based market continues to grow, international brands are increasingly setting up local manufacturing facilities. One such company is Eat Just, a US-based alternative protein startup. They are partnering with Doha Venture Capital and Qatar Free Zones Authority to build the region’s first cultivated meat facility and plan to add a processing plant in Qatar for their plant-based egg products.

Change Foods, a US-Australian food tech startup specializing in animal-free dairy products, is preparing to construct a 1.2-million-liter manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi, expected to be operational by late 2025. They are also establishing their first commercial facility in the UAE under the NextGenFDI initiative to supply the global market and reduce costs.

Breaking the Cost Barrier

Local production can significantly reduce the cost of plant-based products by eliminating shipping expenses. It also enhances the availability of these options, as companies won’t rely on overseas shipments.

Nabati sources most of its ingredients, like soy and wheat protein, from third-party suppliers and manufactures the final product locally. In contrast, IFFCO’s Thryve imports about half of its ingredients and sources the rest locally.

Health Motivation

Despite the traditionally meat-heavy diets in Arab households, the market for plant-based alternatives in the region is rapidly expanding. According to Triton Market Research, the Middle East and Africa’s plant-based food and beverage market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.35% from 2021 to 2028. This growth rate is close to the global plant-based food market’s projected CAGR of 12.11% over the next decade, as estimated by IMARC.

In contrast to Western markets, where the demand is driven by concerns for animal welfare and environmental sustainability, the Middle East’s trend is mainly driven by increasing health awareness.

In Conclusion

The plant-based food industry in the Middle East is on a promising trajectory, fueled by local production, international investments, and growing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food options. As local manufacturers continue to innovate and global brands establish their presence, the availability and affordability of plant-based products are set to improve. With strong government support and a focus on market-relevant solutions, the region is poised to become a significant player in the global plant-based food market. The future looks bright for plant-based foods in the Middle East, offering a sustainable and health-conscious alternative to traditional diets.