Manufacturers need to work to meet the growing demand for sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the next four years.
The Euromonitor Digest, the online publication of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Management Bureau, said fruit and nut bars was the fastest-growing category with the expansion being driven by the health and wellness trend, as consumers look for more nutritious snacking options.
The report said manufacturers are thus enhancing the capacity of fruit and nut bars to take advantage of the health and wellness trend by claiming that such products are healthier than other snack bars because they have less or no artificial sugar.
“Growing from a low base and driven by its compatibility with prevailing demand trends and growing manufacturer investment, fruit and nut bars is expected to maintain strong growth during the forecast period,” it said.
Domestic and international manufacturers saw relatively stable value share performances in 2019.
“However, international manufacturers and their brands have a greater presence as they have higher levels of recognition and trust among consumers,” the Euromonitor Digest said.
The report said sweet biscuit companies also ensured that they offer the popular pack sizes of single serving and bulk packs, which encourage consumers to have the mindset to serve sweet biscuits on a tray for the office, or at home.
But while sweet biscuits are often regarded as a healthier snacking option than other categories, it struggled to maintain its popularity in light of the growing pressure on consumers to prioritize the purchase of staple food items over snacks, it added. – Press release
May 17, 2024
