Middle East Freeze-Dried Fruit Products Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Middle East Freeze-Dried Fruit Products Market Outlook

The Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market size was valued USD 35.44 million in 2023. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of USD 62.27 million by 2032.

Key Takeaways:

• In 2021, dried grapes (raisins, sultanas, and currants) made up 35% of Middle Eastern dried fruit consumption (Nuts & Dried Fruits Yearbook 2022/23).

• In 2021, Turkey became the leading dried apricot exporter to the UAE, sending 1,019,400 kg, according to World Integrated Trade Solutions.

• Iran led global dried fruit production for five years, comprising 13%, followed by Saudi Arabia at 7%, per Nuts & Dried Fruits Yearbook 2022/23.

Freeze-dried fruit items are made from fruits that have been subjected to freeze-drying, resulting in a final product with minimal moisture content, lightweight, dry, and possessing a crispy texture. Freeze drying is a method of dehydration carried out at low temperatures, which eliminates moisture from the fruit while retaining its natural flavours and nutrients, thereby prolonging its shelf life.

Freeze-dried fruits are made from a huge variety of fruits such as strawberry, pineapple, raspberry, mango, lemon, apple, and others. These freeze-dried fruits find applications as ingredients in a wide range of bakery goods, confectioneries, desserts, and packaged foods.

To address the increasing demand for freeze-dried fruit, Middle Eastern nations are importing fresh and dried fruits from abroad. As per the Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market report, Turkey emerged as the primary exporter of dried apricots to the United Arab Emirates, as per data from the World Integrated Trade Solutions in 2021.

FRUIT, EDIBLE; APRICOTS, AND DRIED EXPORTS TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES IN 2021, IN KG

Key Trends and Developments

Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market growth is shaped by increasing health awareness of customers, dietary shifts, and government initiatives.

January 2024

NRGene founded Supree, an Israeli food-tech firm creating self-drying fruits and vegetables, maintaining nutrients, flavor, and quality by drying on the vine.

December 2023

Afghan goods, such as dried fruits, make their debut in an Oman exhibition, marking the first showcase of Afghan products there.

June 2023

Sunny Fruit, a Turkish organic snacks brand, expanded its functional dried fruits line, prioritizing entry into the Chinese market with innovative products.

Increasing health awareness

The trend towards fitness and improving health awareness is boosting the Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market growth. Freeze-dried fruits are rich in fibre and iron that are crucial for haemoglobin production, aiding in anaemia combat and bone strength.

Convenience and compactness

Freeze-dried fruits offer convenience and portability, ideal for busy individuals seeking healthy snacks on the move. They're easy to store, carry, and provide instant nutrition anywhere. For example, office workers often opt for freeze-dried fruits as quick, nutritious snacks during work breaks.

Dietary Shifts

With a growing demand for healthier options, freeze-dried fruits are commonly incorporated into smoothies, yogurts, cereals, and baked goods, accelerating the Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market expansion as consumers seek nutritious ingredients for their meals and snacks.

Extended Durability

Freeze-dried fruits' prolonged shelf life appeals to both consumers and retailers, reducing food wastage significantly. Unlike fresh fruits that spoil within days, freeze-dried varieties can be stored for months, offering practicality and sustainability in food management.

Middle East Freeze-Dried Fruit Products Market Trends

Consumers are favouring products with simple labels, and freeze-dried fruits meet this trend by containing no artificial additives. They offer convenient on-the-go consumption and are commonly included in various healthy snacks and smoothies.

Additionally, dried fruits boast higher fibre and antioxidant content compared to fresh fruits per ounce. Fiber aids in combating heart disease, obesity, and certain cancers, while plant phenols in dried fruits may reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, various cancers, and potentially degenerative brain diseases, positively impacting the freeze-dried fruit products market in Middle East.

Market Segmentation

Middle East Freeze-Dried Fruit Products Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Strawberry

• Pineapple

• Raspberry

• Mango

• Lemon

• Apple

• Orange

• Banana

• Others

Market Breakup by Form

• Slice

• Powder

• Cube

Market Breakup by End Use

• Direct Consumption

• Confectionery

• Ice Cream

• Bakery

• Snacks/RTE Products

• Baby Food Products

• Beverages

• Others

Market Breakup by Sales Channel

• B2B
• B2C
  • Supermarket and Hypermarket
  • Convenience Store
  • Exclusive Retail Store
  • Online Channel
  • Others

Market Breakup by Country

• Saudi Arabia

• Iran

• United Arab Emirates

• Kuwait

• Others

Based on type, strawberry dominates the Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market share due to its antioxidant benefits

Dried strawberries retain much of their original antioxidant properties, which play a vital role in neutralising harmful free radicals that can damage cells and tissues in the body. They provide a nutritious, low-calorie snack option or can be incorporated into cakes, cookies, and smoothies for added flavour and health benefits.

Dried apples offer abundant fibre, supporting digestive regularity and stabilising blood sugar levels. They're rich in vitamins B-6 and B-5, enhancing cognitive function. Dried pineapple, also high in fibre, aids digestion, promotes satiety, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Freeze-dried raspberries, mangoes, lemons, apples, oranges, bananas, and various other fruits are popular choices for nutritional snacking and are commonly incorporated into cakes, confectionery, smoothies, yogurt, and other food products for added flavour and health benefits.

Cube form hold a significant share in the Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market, primarily for their convenience and effectiveness in preserving freshness

Dried fruit concentrates its benefits and vitamins into a smaller size cube, enhancing its nutritional value compared to fresh fruit. Convenient to consume, dried fruit is commonly added to yogurt, ice cream, dough for cookies, cakes, and various confectionery products.

As per the Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market report, dried fruit slices serve multiple purposes as snacks, decorations, or drink garnishes, even finding use in potpourri and gift wrapping. Fruit powders, packed with nutrition and convenience, elevate ice creams, desserts, sauces, and smoothies, providing a natural flavouring alternative for various foods.

Freeze-dried fruit is considerably used in direct consumption

Freeze-dried fruits offer a flavourful and nutritious addition to breakfast staples like porridges, mueslis, smoothies, and crunchies. They provide numerous benefits that can energise the body and offer a nutrient boost to jumpstart metabolism.

Dried fruits enhance the flavour and healthfulness of baked goods like cakes, bread, muffins, and cookies. Fruits such as strawberries and raspberries contribute natural sweetness and vibrant colour, melting into syrup when baked, which is contributing significantly to the Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market growth. Bananas serve as a traditional baking staple, offering a great sugar and egg substitute.

Freeze-dried fruits elevate the taste and nutritional profile of confectionery, ice cream, snacks, baby food, and beverages, offering healthier alternatives rich in flavour and nutrients.

Online channel is obtaining increasing share within the distribution channel

The Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market share, based on distribution channels is divided into hypermarkets and supermarkets, convenience stores, exclusive retail stores, online channels, and others. These channels enable consumers to compare products and prices from various companies, aiding informed purchase decisions.

Conventional channels offer manufacturers opportunities to establish secure connections, nurture enduring partnerships, and enhance brand visibility. Furthermore, the online distribution sector is burgeoning, with platforms ensuring same-day deliveries, hastening its rapid growth.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape is characterized by increasing health awareness, increased shelf life, dietary shifts, government and business initiatives, and a focus on improving customer satisfaction in the Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market.

Jungle Powders, established and based in Estonia, stands as a prominent manufacturer specializing in premium freeze-dried products made from all-natural ingredients. Their diverse range comprises items such as freeze-dried cloudberry powder, blueberry powder, banana powder, and black currant powder. These vegan-friendly products are derived from organically cultivated plants, ensuring high quality and purity throughout the freeze-drying process.

Valley Food Storage was established in 2005, is based in the United States, and is dedicated to offering top-notch emergency survival food solutions with a sustainable approach. Their extensive range encompasses survival food, freeze-dried meals and proteins, bulk food, freeze-dried fruit, and long-term food storage options. Valley Food Storage emphasizes the use of clean ingredients to ensure the production of premium-quality food products.

Expedition Foods Ltd was established in 2009 and based in the United Kingdom, it has emerged as a premier producer of freeze-dried food items. Catering to a wide range of adventurers including explorers, sailors, athletes, and mountaineers, the company specializes in offering freeze-dried meals tailored to meet varying caloric needs. Their product lineup extends to include freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, sports drinks, and snacks, ensuring sustenance for individuals across diverse activities and pursuits.

Brandstorm INC (Natierra) is based in Canada and provides distinctive and inventive superfoods while upholding a firm commitment to promoting social advancement and sustainable business practices through organic methodologies. Additionally, the company actively contributes to addressing hunger through its Natierra® Feed a Soul Project, ensuring that those in need receive nourishment and support.

Other key players in the Middle East freeze-dried fruit products market are Augason Farms, and Kanegrade Limited, among others.

Middle East Freeze-Dried Fruit Products Market Analysis by Country

The United Arab Emirates stands out as a significant area, primarily due to the diversified consumer base and growing health awareness among the population.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the food processing industry in the United Arab Emirates is experiencing growth driven by substantial investments from both the public and private sectors. This expansion is further supported by favorable regional tariffs and the country's advantageous geographic location, complemented by top-notch infrastructure.

According to the Nuts & Dried Fruits Statistical Yearbook 2022/23, dried grapes (including raisins, Sultanas, and currants) constituted 35% of dried fruit consumption in the Middle East in 2021. Iran held the top position in global dried fruit production for the last five years, with a share of 13%, followed by Saudi Arabia at 7%. In 2021, Kuwait imported 17,322 metric tons of dates.

Key Highlights of the Report

Middle East Freeze-Dried Fruit Products Market Report Snapshots

Middle East Freeze-Dried Fruit Products Market Size

Middle East Freeze-Dried Fruit Products Market Trends

Middle East Freeze-Dried Fruit Products Companies

Middle East Freeze-Dried Fruit Products Market Regional Analysis