Middle East And Africa Fast Food Market

Middle East and Africa Fast Food Market Size (2024 to 2029)

The fast food market size in the Middle East and Africa is estimated to be worth USD 44.52 billion by 2029 from USD 39.54 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 2.92% from 2024 to 2029.

Fast food alludes to food that is effectively and immediately prepared; however, it refers to food that is set up from precooked or preheated parts and then packed and sold in stores or eateries. Fast food is bulk-delivered food and any food that is set up in less time is called fast food. Fast food is renowned in view of its lower costs, comfort and tastes. In any case, fast food is made with fewer quality items, which makes them undesirable and less nutritious.

The changing consumer tastes, an increase in the number of fast-food restaurants, and the presence of variety of international cuisines across the Middle East and Africa are some of the factors promoting the fast food market growth in MEA. According to studies, the number of fast food outlets in the Middle East is expected to see a surge of 4.3% annually in the next 5 years timeline. The growing working population in the Middle East and Africa is promoting the demand for convenient and quick meal options, which is propelling the growth of the MEA fast food market. For instance, as per the statistics published by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the working-age population in the Middle East and Africa is expected to reach 1.5 billion by 2025.

The growing population in urban areas who are seeking quick meal options is another major factor fuelling the growth rate of the Middle East and Africa fast food market. The lifestyles and tastes and preferences of people across the Middle East and African region have been changing over the last few years. The expansion of popular food chains in the MEA region is contributing to this trend and propelling the regional market growth. For instance, as per Ernst & Young's report, the Middle East and Africa experienced an investment of USD 2.6 billion in the F&B sector. The growing awareness of health among consumers and rising preference for healthier yet tasty food options are favoring regional market expansion.

On the other hand, the side effects associated with the consumption of fast food are hindering the growth of the fast food market in the Middle East and Africa. Concerns about the health effects of fast food, such as overweight and obesity have been causing some people to switch to healthier alternatives and this shift is affecting the regional market growth. In addition, high operating costs and rising health consciousness among consumers are further impeding the growth rate of the fast food market in the Middle East and Africa.

This research report on the Middle East and Africa Market fast food market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on the following categories.

Middle East and Fast Food Market - By Type:

• Burgers & Sandwiches
• Pizzas & Pasta
• Asian/Latin American Food
• Chicken/Seafood

Of these, the pizza/pasta segment is foreseen to hold the major share of the Middle East and Africa fast food market during the forecast period.

Nevertheless, the burger/sandwich segment is anticipated to account for a noteworthy share of the MEA fast food market during the forecast period.

Middle East and Fast Food Market - By Distribution Platform:

• Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)
• Street Vendors
• Food Delivery Services
• Online Food Delivery

Middle East and Fast Food Market - By Country:

• KSA
• UAE
• Israel
• rest of GCC countries
• South Africa
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Egypt
• Sudan
• rest of MEA

Among these, the Middle East holds the major share of the Middle East and African fast food market during the forecast period owing to the presence of a population with busy lifestyles, rising preference for convenient food options, and the availability of healthier menu options in fast-food restaurants. On the other hand, Africa is anticipated to register a healthy CAGR in the MEA fast food market during the forecast period. Factors such as favorable demographics, increased urbanization, and widespread adoption of Western culture in Africa are boosting the African fast food market growth.

The fast food market is thriving in Saudi Arabia. The growing youth population, rapid urbanization, and increasing disposable incomes are major contributors to the growth of the Saudi Arabian market.

South Africa is expected to showcase a healthy CAGR in the MEA market during the forecast period. The rising preference for fast food from urban dwellers and working professionals and the presence of global food chains and local brands to address the various tastes and preferences of consumers are driving the South African fast food market.

The UAE is considered as a hub for fast food chains. The presence of multicultural population and high expatriate are contributing to the growing consumption of fast food items in the UAE and propelling the UAE market expansion.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS:

Companies playing a key role in the Middle East and Africa fast food market include Domino's Pizza, Burger King, KFC, Subway, Dunkin' Donuts, McDonald's, Hardee's, Pizza Hut, Firehouse Subs and Auntie Anne's.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET:

• In July 2018, Pizza Hut implemented another robot server called a dilly plate. A robot server serves coffee shop pizzas to the clients at pizza cabins.
• In August 2018, Auntie Anne's Pumpkin Spice Pretzel is returning because of an expansion sought after for the Pumpkin Pretzel Nuggets.