I concluded that the market for plant-based products is much larger than expected

Study: 50% of consumers in the UAE turn to plant-based foods

The study indicated that less than a third of consumers of plant-based products are actually vegetarians.

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A recent study conducted by Toluna, a global company specialized in digital market research, which included the UAE and Saudi markets, revealed a boom in the Middle East towards increasing consumption of plant foods and beverages, especially during the past few years.

The study found that more than half of consumers in these two markets had either tried or switched to plant-based foods in the past six months, compared to just 9% who said they had started trying such products more than two years ago.

In addition, about 50% of vegetarian consumers expect an increase in the consumption of more of these products over the next two years, indicating a boom in the food and beverage industry, the company said in a statement yesterday.

The study showed that the increasing trend towards vegetarian foods and drinks is no longer confined to a specific category of vegetarian consumers, as was the prevailing belief, but that less than a third of consumers of these substances are actually vegetarians.

She indicated that in both the UAE and Saudi markets, three out of 10 consumers (30%) consider themselves flexible in consumption, meaning that they are mostly vegetarians, but eat animal products from time to time.

The study indicated that, accordingly, the market for plant-based products is much larger than expected, and thus brands can sell plant-based products in all types of markets and not only in specialized stores.

“The vegan food and beverage industry offers a huge amount of opportunities for brands that can be transparent with customers, and show them the long-term benefits of these foods on their health on the one hand and contribute to preserving On the other hand, the environment.

She added, "With the production of plant-based foodstuffs and drinks using local ingredients, adopting a sustainable method of production with the help of modern technologies, brands can replace the saying (high price) with (the product is worth its money) in the Middle East."

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