Report Overview

Increasing urbanization and changing lifestyles of consumers driving the demand for convenient and easy-to-prepare food products, the affordable pricing of instant noodles driving their consumption among low-income households and the availability of a wide range of flavors and varieties are propelling the growth of the Middle East and Africa Instant Noodles Market.

Middle East and Africa Instant Noodles Market – Industry Trends & Forecast, 2029

The Middle East and Africa instant noodles market was estimated at USD 55.01 billion in 2022. During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% reaching a value of USD 84.93 billion by 2029. The market growth is expected to be driven by the increasing urbanization and changing lifestyle of consumers are driving the demand for convenient and easy-to-prepare food products. Also, the affordable pricing of instant noodles is driving their consumption among low-income households. The market is also benefiting from the increasing availability of various flavors and packaging options, including cups and packets. Further, the expansion of distribution channels such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online stores, is contributing to the growth of the market. The rising number of working individuals and students is fueling the demand for quick and easy-to-prepare meals, which is further boosting the growth of the market. Companies are also focusing on introducing innovative products to cater to the evolving consumer preferences. For instance, Nestle introduced a new line of Maggi vegetable-infused instant noodles in Saudi Arabia to meet the growing demand for healthier and more nutritious options. These factors are expected to continue driving the growth of the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market.

Middle East and Africa Instant Noodles Market - Overview

Instant noodles are a type of precooked and dried noodle block that can be prepared quickly by adding hot water. They are a popular convenience food around the world and are commonly consumed as a snack or a quick meal. Instant noodles were first introduced in Japan in the 1950s, and since then, they have become a staple food in many countries. Instant noodles are available in a variety of flavors and packaging options, including cups, packets, and bowls. They can be either fried or non-fried and are often sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, online stores, and other retail channels. Despite their popularity, there are concerns about the health effects of consuming instant noodles, as they are often high in sodium and saturated fats. However, some manufacturers have started producing healthier versions of instant noodles, such as those made with whole-grain noodles and low-sodium seasoning packets. The Middle East and Africa instant noodles market has been experiencing steady growth in recent years, driven by factors such as rising urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increasing demand for convenience foods. The market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with manufacturers introducing new flavors and packaging options to meet the changing demands of consumers.

Growth Drivers

Increasing Urbanization and Changing Lifestyle of Consumers

The fast-paced lifestyle of people in urban areas has led to a rise in demand for convenient and easy-to-prepare food products such as instant noodles. The convenience factor and ease of preparation are the key factors driving the demand for instant noodles in the region. In addition, the increasing disposable income of consumers in the region is also contributing to the growth of the instant noodles market. As consumers become more affluent, they are willing to spend more on convenience food products that can save them time and effort. Furthermore, the popularity of instant noodles is also driven by the availability of a variety of flavors and packaging options, which cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of consumers in the region. Companies in the Middle East and Africa Instant Noodles Market are launching new and innovative flavors and packaging formats to attract customers and stay ahead of the competition. The increasing urbanization and changing lifestyle of consumers, along with the availability of a wide range of flavors and packaging options, are driving the growth of the Middle East and Africa Instant Noodles Market.

Restraints

Negative Perception of Instant Noodles as A Low-Nutrition and Unhealthy Food Option

Despite being a convenient and affordable food option, the negative perception of instant noodles among health-conscious consumers has led to a decline in demand for these products. This perception is due to the high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives present in instant noodles, which can lead to various health issues. To combat this negative perception, some companies are introducing healthier versions of instant noodles by reducing the sodium content and adding more nutritious ingredients. For instance, Nestle Middle East launched MAGGI Healthy Soups, which are low in sodium and made with natural ingredients. Another example is PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk, which launched its Indomie Real Meat Mi Goreng noodles that contain real meat and are free from preservatives. Companies are also promoting their instant noodles as a quick meal option for emergencies, such as natural disasters and humanitarian crises. For instance, Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd. donated over 17 million servings of its Cup Noodles to support disaster relief efforts in various countries, including Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. While the negative perception of instant noodles as a low-nutrition and unhealthy food option is a significant growth restraint in the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market, companies are taking steps to address these concerns and promote their products as a convenient and nutritious food option for consumers.

Impact of COVID–19 on the Middle East and Africa Instant Noodles Market

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market by shifting consumer preferences toward healthier and more nutritious options. With the increased awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and boosting immunity, consumers are now looking for instant noodles that are made from natural ingredients and have added nutritional value. Various companies in the market have responded to this shift by launching new product lines that cater to this demand. For example, Nestle SA introduced a new range of instant noodles made with whole grain and fortified with vitamins and minerals, marketed as a healthier and more nutritious option. Similarly, PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk launched a line of instant noodles made with natural ingredients and free from artificial preservatives. In addition to changing consumer preferences, the COVID-19 pandemic also disrupted supply chains and logistics, leading to temporary shortages and price hikes for certain raw materials and packaging materials. Companies in the market had to adapt to these challenges by finding alternative suppliers and adjusting their production processes to accommodate the changing availability of materials. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market, leading to shifts in consumer preferences and disruptions in the supply chain. Companies in the market have had to adapt to these changes to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

Middle East and Africa Instant Noodles Market – By Packaging

On the basis of packaging, the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market is split into cups and packets segments. The cup segment has gained more popularity due to its flexibility and convenience. The waterproof polyester material used in cup production enables users to directly microwave the noodles, making it a more convenient option for consumers. Thus, the segment is expected to experience more growth in the coming years. One company that has capitalized on the cup packaging trend is Nestle SA. The company offers Maggi 2-Minute Noodles in a cup format, which is convenient for on-the-go consumption. The cups come with seasoning and oil sachets, making them easy to prepare, and the packaging is safe for transportation and storage. Other prominent players in the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market, such as Nissin Foods Holdings Co., and Indofood CBP, also offer cup packaging options for their instant noodle products. As consumers in the region continue to prioritize convenience and ease of preparation, the cup packaging segment is likely to see continued growth.

Middle East and Africa Instant Noodles Market – By Sales Channel

By sales channel, the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, online stores, and others. The emergence of mass merchandisers like supermarkets and hypermarkets and the growth of e-commerce have played a significant role in driving the sales of instant noodles in the Middle East and Africa markets. Supermarkets and hypermarkets provide a platform for manufacturers to showcase their products and offer a convenient shopping experience for consumers. Also, they provide a wider product range and attractive offers, which helps to attract more customers. Similarly, the growth of e-commerce has allowed manufacturers to reach a broader customer base, especially in remote and underserved areas. For example, Nestle has leveraged e-commerce platforms to expand its presence in the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market. The company has partnered with online retailers like Jumia, Souq, and Carrefour to make its products easily accessible to consumers. This has helped Nestle to tap into the growing trend of online shopping and increase its sales in the region. Furthermore, companies like PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk have also been expanding their distribution network by partnering with mass merchandisers like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Lulu Hypermarket. Such partnerships enable these companies to increase their visibility and reach a wider audience, which helps to boost their sales in the region.

Middle East and Africa Instant Noodles Market – By Region       

The in-depth research report on the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market covers country-specific markets in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, and Rest of MEA. During the period in analysis, the market is expected to witness significant growth in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, this can be attributed to the growing youth segment and rising purchasing power of the consumers in these countries. Companies such as Nestle SA and PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk have a significant presence in the Saudi Arabian market, offering a variety of instant noodle products to consumers. These companies are focusing on expanding their product portfolios, adopting innovative marketing strategies, and improving their distribution channels to tap into the growing demand for instant noodles in the region. In the UAE, companies such as Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd., and Uni-President Enterprises Corporation have established a strong foothold in the instant noodles market. These companies are offering a range of flavors and packaging options to cater to the diverse consumer preferences in the region.

Competitive Landscape

The key players operating in the Middle East and Africa instant noodles market include Nestle SA, Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd., PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk, Acecook Vietnam Joint Stock Company, Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd., Ottogi Corporation, Samyang Foods Co., Ltd., Uni-President Enterprises Corporation, Mamee-Double Decker (M) Sdn Bhd, KOKA Pte Ltd, Master Kong (Tingyi) Food and Beverage Group Ltd., Nongshim Co., Ltd., Vina Acecook Co., Ltd., Ting Hsin International Group, and Capital Foods Pvt. Ltd. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In April 2021 - Nestle SA announced its plans to invest USD 17.7 million in a new plant in Ghana to produce locally made noodles, including the popular Maggi brand, for the West African market.

• In March 2021 - Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd. launched a new instant noodle product in South Africa called Cup Noodles Stir Fry, which comes in three flavors and is marketed as a healthier option with no added MSG or preservatives.

• In February 2021 - Acecook Vietnam Joint Stock Company introduced two new instant noodle products in the UAE market, targeting the growing demand for healthier and more nutritious options.

• In January 2021 - PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk, one of the largest instant noodle manufacturers in Indonesia, announced plans to expand its production capacity in Africa to meet the increasing demand for its Indomie brand.

Scope of the Report

By Type:

• Fried

• Non-fried

By Packaging:

• Cups

• Packets

By Sales Channel:

• Supermarket/Hypermarket

• Convenience Stores

• Online Stores

• Others

By Country

• Saudi Arabia

• UAE

• Qatar

• Kuwait

• South Africa

• Nigeria

• Algeria

• Rest of MEA