Innovation drives FMCG in the UAE

Insight by Gama Compass 

DUBAI – 8th November 2017: The UAE continues to be a hotbed for investment in the FMCG sector, with new product development coming from both domestic and international firms eager to tap into new opportunities, especially in the UAE’s fast-growing food and drinks industries.

New product development trends highlight the importance of market-specific preferences and domestic innovation in the UAE, as well as a developing appetite for more international products, flavours and ideas.

According to Gama Compass insights, dairy, snacks and bakery are among the leading categories driving NPD growth in the Emirates. Dairy has represented just over 8% of all product launches since 2014, while snacks and bakery accounted for around 6% of the total respectively.

Local taste preferences, meanwhile, play a significant role in shaping the nature of products that are launched in the UAE: coffee flavoured with spices, soup made with oats and crisps featuring ‘Lebanese’ seasoning among the more interesting recent examples of locally-oriented product innovation.

On the flip-side, uniquely Middle Eastern ingredients and flavours are increasingly finding favour in overseas as well as domestic markets. In particular, camel milk is emerging as a viable and more gourmet alternative to traditional cow’s milk in a whole host of dairy categories, including butter, cheese and ice cream.

For manufacturers and retailers with an innovative mindset, the UAE’s dynamic food and drinks sector will continue to represent an attractive proposition, and an unique opportunity to drive growth in rapidly evolving consumer goods categories.

Read more in the next edition of Gama News.

Source: Gama Compass

 

About Gama Compass

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Developed with the industry’s leading names, Gama Compass offers powerful insights that allow you to unlock new opportunities and streamline your innovation pipeline.

 

About Gama

Gama is a global provider of business information and services specializing in product innovation and international trade. Through our worldwide network of over 100 experts in more than 46 countries, we offer high-quality news, research, analysis and partnering services. We deliver actionable insights, enabling you to make more informed decisions and supporting you to unlock new business opportunities.

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Notes to editors

Tom Warden, Gama editorial director, is available for comment. To arrange an interview please e-mail info@gamaconsumer.com.

 

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