Middle East

Middle East

Market Overview

  • The Middle East is rich in natural resources, including oil and gas, promising on-going economic expansion and maintaining region as strong economic block
  • Majority of population is young, more modern in its approach to life than previous generations, shows interest in westernization, welcoming of international food products and health-conscious
  • Imports of different food products on the rise. According to World Bank, market will exceed U.S. $1 trillion by 2030
  • Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon are also important markets in the region. Currently, 35 importers in the region (31 for egg products and four for table eggs)

Table Eggs

  • UAE most important destination in region and eighth largest U.S. table egg export market in 2014
  • Table eggs sourced from Oman, Poland, Ukraine, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Germany
  • Many countries in region, including Jordan, Qatar, Oman, Egypt and Saudi Arabia produce and distribute eggs to wholesalers and HRI

Egg Products

  • Majority (75%) of U.S. eggs and products go to foodservice
  • Significant competition for all types of eggs and products from Brazil, EU, Ukraine, Australia, and the local market (mainly Lebanon, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia), among others, including Argentina and India
  • Middle East also an important route to exports beyond the region, such as Iraq and eventually Iran, as well as former Soviet Republics, such as Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Turkic Republics
  • Frozen whole eggs largest U.S. egg product export to Middle East
  • Frozen egg yolks second most important export
  • Sales of frozen egg whites have seen largest percentage growth
  • India one of largest suppliers of egg products to Middle East
  • UAE and Egypt working on local egg product production. While of mediocre quality and currently limited to only chilled, liquid egg products, products are being purchased by growing foodservice sector and confectionery products and snacks
  • U.S. egg products used in food processing, such as confectioneries/bakeries, mayonnaise and noodle production factories
  • UAE and Egypt use egg products in pre-made meals and vanilla filling
  • Middle East retail outlets carry U.S. eggs and egg products; however, U.S. eggs are inconsistent

Market Opportunity

  • Limited trade loyalty to U.S. eggs and egg products
  • Consumers unaware of availability of U.S. egg products, as well as lack of understanding on ease of use in different applications
  • Maintain, enhance and initiate trade relationships between U.S. egg industry and local importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers
  • Introduce and expand imports and use of U.S. processed eggs to all six Gulf Council Cooperation (GCC) markets
  • Target food industries such as bakery, confectionery, ice cream, mayonnaise, soup mix, etc. to incorporate U.S. egg products in their applications