Broth is a savory liquid or powder is made by boiling meat, fish, vegetables, bones, and other ingredients including seasonings and flavors in water. The liquid broth is concentrated and canned or packed in cartons. The powdered broth is made by spray drying the liquid broth and packaged in pouches or formed into cubes. Broth is a rich source of protein and is usually consumed before or during meal. It has a unique flavor and aroma owing to which it is gaining popularity among consumers who are concerned about their health but don’t want to compromise on taste and flavor.
The style of broth packaging is undergoing notable changes with a shift in consumer preferences. Broth cartons in single-serve and larger reclosable sizes have replaced broth cans that were common in aisles at malls, supermarkets, etc. Bone broths are offered in boxes, cartons, spouted gusset pouches, glass containers, and K-cups. The pouches have pouring spouts that ease opening and pouring activities. Manufacturers are focusing on developing innovative packaging solutions to avoid leakages. Further, some brands have developed packaging methods that can help prolong broth shelf life by 0.5–2 years. Cartons are convenient to use and easy to recycle. They require lower space during transport and reduce the overall weight of a shipment. This type of packaging is creative and attractive and grabs the attention of consumers, especially the younger generations. Thus, innovations in packaging solutions are expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for companies operating in the Middle East broth market in the coming years.
Further, broth manufacturers are using recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials due to rising sustainability concerns among consumers. In September 2020, Nestle SA launched Maggi organic bouillon cubes in a recyclable paper wrapper. Such packaging initiatives by market players are expected to open new opportunities for the broth market in the Middle East during the forecast period.
The organized retail sector has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. The popularity of e-commerce has increased considerably due to a rise in the penetration of the internet and smartphones, easy access to emerging technologies, upsurge in the purchasing power of people, and its ability to transform the shopping experience of customers by proving convenient shopping from anywhere and anytime using online retail platforms. People prefer online retail platforms to buy these products owing to availability of detailed product descriptions, various products of many brands at affordable prices, home delivery services, and consumer ratings and reviews. Moreover, broth manufacturers prefer e-commerce platforms over physical stores to expand sales and gain a large customer reach with minimal investments. Thus, the growth of e-commerce platforms across the region fuels the Middle East broth market.
Based on category, the Middle East broth market is segmented into organic and conventional. In 2023, the conventional segment held the largest market share. Conventional products are grown using powerful chemicals to help manage fertility, prevent contamination by pests, and reduce the risks of diseases. Animals raised on conventional and grass-fed farms can be exposed to toxins from fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides sprayed on pastures. Furthermore, consumption of water and other products from nonorganic or conventional farms can result in lead toxicity, which causes headaches, impaired growth, behavioral problems, lack of energy, and learning difficulties. The broth is free of toxins and helps treat specific health ailments such as autoimmunity and allergies. Further, the processing of conventional broth is simpler than organic broth. It is easily available and more affordable. These factors are boosting the demand for conventional broth, which is driving the segment growth.
A few primary and secondary sources referred to while preparing this report on the Middle East broth market are paid databases (Factiva), publications, hoovers, investor presentations, newsletters, sec archives, annual reports, and other information available in the public domain. Major companies operating in the Middle East broth market listed in the report are Paarman Foods (Pty) Ltd, Podravka Inc, Basamh Marketing Co, Sottolestelle SRL, The Manischewitz Co, Campbell Soup Co, Kettle & Fire Inc, Brite Start LLC, Nestle SA, and Unilever Plc.