Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030)

Market Insights & Analysis: Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market (2025-30):

The Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market size is valued at around USD 37.19 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 89.12 million by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 19.10% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30. The market witnessed a notable growth in the past few years, backed by growing demand for gluten-free and plant-based foods, expansion in vegan & vegetarian lifestyles, climate resilient crop promotion, government & institutional trials for local production, and integration into the foodservice & hospitality sector etc.

The promotion of quinoa as a climate-resilient crop works as one of the significant drivers for the growth & expansion of the Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market. This is due to the quinoa’s natural tolerance to drought, heat, and saline soils, which allows it to be easily cultivated in arid climatic regions. With its adaptability to challenging climates, quinoa attracts several investments for its cultivation projects and pilot programs across various countries of the region, thereby boosting the overall market growth.

The growing integration of quinoa in cosmetics and personal care is one of the key trends in the Quinoa Industry of the Middle East and Africa. This is due to the nutrient-rich profile of quinoa, which makes it an ideal choice for skin repair, anti-aging, and hair nourishment in the cosmetics and personal care industry. However, the limited domestic production of quinoa poses as one of the major challenges, restraining the overall growth & development of the Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market.

Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market Scope:

Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market Driver:

Growing Demand for Gluten-Free & Specialty Diets – The increasing focus on gluten-free & specialty diets is driving the maximum demand for the regional quinoa market. This increasing demand is due to the growing prevalence of celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and diabetes, especially in the urban centers of the region, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, which shifts the consumer preferences towards healthier food alternatives, including quinoa. As of 2024, according to the International Diabetes Federation, in the MENA region, the number of individuals living with diabetes are accounting for more than 84.7 million and is expected to rise up to 126.6 million by 2050. This has created a robust consumer base seeking substitutes for traditional food grains, like wheat and barley, positioning quinoa as a naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and highly versatile option. This expanding health-driven approach of consumers is accelerating the overall demand in quinoa market of the Middle East & African region.

Middle East and Africa Market Challenge:

Lack of Local Production Hindering Market Growth – The insufficient domestic production capacity of quinoa has been showing some challenges for the growth & expansion of the Middle East & Africa Quinoa Market. This is primarily driven by the absence of agronomic knowledge among farmers, and the restricted availability of high-quality seed varieties tailored to local climates, which hampers the large-scale cultivation of quinoa in the region. As a result, the region remains heavily reliant on imports to fill the supply gap, leading to supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations. For instance, in 2024, to meet the rising demand, the MENA region imported around 4,000 tons of quinoa valued at over USD 10 million, with Israel accounting for approximately 1,600 tons, the UAE for over 1,000 tons, and Saudi Arabia for more than 500 tons, among other countries. Such reliance on external supply further reduces the quinoa’s competitiveness with other traditional dietary components, like wheat and rice, thereby restraining the overall growth & development of the quinoa market in the Middle East & African region.

Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market Trend:

Rising Shift Towards Non-Food Applications – The increasing incorporation of quinoa in cosmetics and personal care, emerged as one of the key trends in the Middle East and Africa Quinoa Industry. This is largely due to the nutrient-rich profile of quinoa, which includes high-quality proteins, vital amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Such properties make quinoa an ideal choice for skin repair, anti-aging, and hair nourishment in the cosmetics and personal care industry.

Moreover, there are several companies, such as MiiN Cosmetics, MBeauty GCC, Native Spa, Amina’s Natural Skincare, and Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, etc. actively offering quinoa-integrated cosmetics and personal care products. For instance, in 2024, MiiN Cosmetics launched Quinoa Protein Hair Treatment Mask, by utilizing quinoa, aiming to improve hair texture, leaving it softener and tangle-free. Thus, this rising adoption of quinoa in cosmetics and personal care is anticipated to augment the size & volume of the Quinoa Market in the Middle East & Africa during the forecasted period.

Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market (2025-30): Segmentation Analysis

The Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market study of MarkNtel Advisors evaluates & highlights the major trends and influencing factors in each segment. It includes predictions for the period 2025–2030 at the national level. Based on the analysis, the market has been further classified as:

Based on Product Type:

• White Quinoa
• Red Quinoa
• Black Quinoa
• Sports Simulation Processed Quinoa (Flakes, Flour, Pasta, Snacks)

The white quinoa holds the largest market share, more than 60% in the Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market. This dominance is largely influenced by the mild flavor along with its versatility in various culinary applications, which makes white quinoa a more preferred choice among a wider range of consumers. Unlike red and black quinoa, which consist of stronger & earthier tastes and limited availability, white quinoa has widespread accessibility through various import channels that making it more affordable and accessible.

Moreover, the short cooking duration and the ability to easily incorporate with traditional recipes further fueled its demand, especially among working professionals, seeking convenient meals during their busy schedules. Therefore, such a combination of factors makes white quinoa the most preferred product type, ultimately increasing its market demand.

Based on Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Health Food Stores & Specialty Stores
• Online Retail
• Convenience Stores
• Foodservice (Hotels, Restaurants, Catering)

Out of all these, the Supermarkets/Hypermarkets hold the largest market share, more than 50% in the Middle East and Africa Quinoa Industry. This is primarily driven by the presence of extensive product offerings and the diverse accessibility of supermarkets/hypermarkets in the region. Such retail formats are an all-in-one store that consists of high-visibility shelf spaces for quinoa in both packaged and bulk forms, attracting a large-scale health-conscious consumer base.

Moreover, there are several leading retail chains such as Spinneys, Lulu, Azizia Panda, Choithrams, and Carrefour etc., that are continuously expanding their footprints across the region, which further strengthens the dominance of supermarket/hypermarkets in the Middle East and Africa Region. For instance, in 2024, the LuLu Group opened 21 new supermarkets and hypermarkets, expanding its footprint to 250 stores in the MEA region. Therefore, supermarkets/hypermarkets are the most prominent distribution channel, accelerating the overall growth & expansion of the Middle East & African Quinoa Industry.

Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market (2025-30): Regional Projections

Geographically, the Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market expands across:

• The UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Oman
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• South Africa

Among all, the UAE holds the largest market share, more than 25% in the Middle East & Africa Quinoa Market. This dominance is primarily driven by the presence of robust retail infrastructure, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online grocery platforms, which ensures easy accessibility of quinoa products. Also, the growing number of wellness-focused consumers in the UAE further fuels the demand for gluten-free and plant-based foods, including quinoa.

Moreover, the UAE is also known as a regional hub for importing and distributing quinoa in the Middle East & African region. This is supported by the strategic geographic location, and the presence of active importers and distributors, like AI Dahra Agricultural Company, Volza, and Casinetto, etc., that are involved in the import and distribution of several food products, including quinoa, thus making the UAE the most prominent country in this regional industry, ultimately augmenting the size & volume of the regional quinoa market.

Middle East and Africa Quinoa Industry Recent Development:

• 2024: Al Ghurair Foods introduced quinoa-based pasta and snacks in the UAE market, catering to the growing consumer demand for healthy and nutritious food options.
• 2024: Natureland introduced an organic quinoa range in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the country's growing interest in healthy and sustainable food products.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market Report

1. Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps businesses gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
2. This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing businesses to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
3. Middle East and Africa Quinoa Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, businesses can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.

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