Middle East Ovine Market Research Report Information by Meat Type (Mutton (Australian Mutton, New Zealand Mutton, Indian Mutton, Pakistani Mutton, South African Mutton, Other Mutton), Lamb (Australian Lamb, New Zealand Lamb, British Lamb, Spanish Lamb, French Lamb, Irish Lamb, Other Lamb), by Product Type (Fresh, Frozen), by Nature (Conventional, Free-Range, Specialty, Organic), by End-User (Residential/Retail, Commercial/HoReCa), by Distribution Channel (Store-Based (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Others),

Middle East Ovine Market Overview

The Middle East Ovine Market was valued at USD 813.6 Million in 2024. The Ovine Market industry is projected to grow from USD 847.8 Million in 2025 to USD 1,345.4 Million by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.68% during the forecast period (2025-2035).

The population growth and urbanization, expansion of retail & foodservice industry and improved cold storage & logistics are driving the growth of the Ovine market.

As per the Analyst at MRFR, the ovine market, which encompasses sheep and goat products, is increasingly significant within the food and beverages sector in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). This region has a rich history of sheep herding and consumption that dates back for centuries, making ovine products a staple in many local diets. Ovine livestock is not only pivotal for meat production but also plays a vital role in the dairy industry and wool production, especially in countries where agricultural practice has been tailored to the climatic conditions. 

In regions like the Middle East, traditional dishes often feature mutton and lamb, highlighting their cultural importance. Moreover, the rising population, coupled with increasing urbanization and income levels, has led to a growing demand for meat and meat products, including those derived from ovines. The market dynamics of the ovine segment in the Middle East are influenced by several factors, including consumer preferences, feeding practices, supply chain infrastructure, and trade policies. 

Consumer tastes in many Middle Eastern nations typically lean toward fresh, high-quality meat, making the ovine market particularly attractive to local farmers and producers. The tradition of consuming lamb during special occasions and religious festivities further enhances this demand.

 FIGURE 1: MIDDLE EAST OVINE MARKET VALUE (2019-2035) USD MILLION

 Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Middle East Ovine Market Opportunity

Rising Demand for Organic & Halal Meat

The Middle East’s ovine meat market is witnessing a transformative shift, driven by a growing demand for organic and halal-certified meat. As consumers become more health-conscious and seek ethically sourced food, the preference for organic meat—free from artificial additives, hormones, and antibiotics—has increased significantly. Furthermore, halal certification remains a fundamental aspect of meat consumption in the region, with strict adherence to Islamic dietary laws shaping purchasing decisions. 

This evolving consumer preference presents a substantial opportunity for ovine meat producers, both domestic and international, to expand their market presence, cater to premium segments, and drive innovation in sustainable meat production. The rising demand for organic and halal meat is expected to have a profound impact on the ovine meat industry during the forecast period (2025–2035) and beyond. 

Several factors, including higher disposable incomes, regulatory enforcement of halal standards, growing awareness of food safety, and the expansion of premium meat offerings in retail and foodservice, will continue to shape the market’s trajectory. In the long term, this demand will not only fuel growth in the traditional meat sector but also encourage investment in domestic livestock farming, sustainable production practices, and advanced supply chain technologies.

Middle East Ovine Market Segment Insights

Ovine by Meat Types Insights

By Meat Types, Ovine market was segmented into Mutton (Australian Mutton, New Zealand Mutton, Indian Mutton, Pakistani Mutton, South African Mutton, Other Mutton) and Lamb (Australian Lamb, New Zealand Lamb, British Lamb, Spanish Lamb, French Lamb, Irish Lamb, Other Lamb). The Mutton segment dominated the Middle East market in 2024, while the Lamb segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. 

Mutton comes from mature sheep, typically over one year old, and has a stronger flavor, firmer texture, and higher fat content compared to lamb. This robust taste makes it suitable for slow-cooked dishes, curries, and stews, where the meat can fully absorb spices and marinades. Mutton is widely consumed in Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, where it is preferred for traditional dishes such as Mandi, Kabsa, and slow-braised curries.

India, Pakistan, and Sudan are the primary suppliers of frozen mutton to the Middle East, providing an affordable and reliable source for large-scale consumption. Unlike lamb, which is favored for its tenderness, mutton is often used in bulk catering, community feasts, and institutional food services due to its affordability and strong flavor profile.

Ovine by Product Types Insights

By Product Types, Ovine market was segmented into Fresh and Frozen. The Fresh segment dominated the Middle East market in 2024, while the Fresh segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Fresh or chilled ovine meat refers to lamb or mutton that has been slaughtered, processed, and stored at controlled temperatures between 0°C and 4°C without undergoing freezing. 

This method of preservation ensures that the meat retains its natural texture, tenderness, and juiciness, making it the preferred choice for premium consumers, fine dining establishments, and high-end supermarkets. Chilled ovine meat is typically transported via air freight or refrigerated shipments, which helps maintain its freshness but also significantly increases its cost compared to frozen alternatives.

Ovine by Nature Insights

By Nature, Ovine market was segmented into Conventional, Free-Range, Specialty, Organic. The Conventional segment dominated the Middle East market in 2024, while the Organic segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Conventional ovine meat refers to lamb or mutton produced through intensive and semi-intensive farming methods, where livestock is raised in controlled environments with access to formulated feed, veterinary care, and systematic breeding programs. This type of meat production is characterized by high stocking densities, where sheep and lambs are often reared in feedlots, enclosed pastures, or large-scale farms, ensuring consistent supply and cost efficiency. 

In the Middle East, conventional ovine meat dominates the market, as it provides affordable, halal-certified meat that meets the demands of both mass consumers and institutional buyers. The primary sources of conventional ovine meat in the Middle East include imports from Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sudan, and Brazil, as well as domestically farmed livestock in countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Qatar. 

These nations have established large-scale sheep farming operations that prioritize high-yield breeds such as Dorper, Awassi, and Merino, known for their fast growth rates and meat quality. Conventional lamb and mutton are widely used in wholesale markets, supermarkets, butcher shops, and foodservice chains, where consumers prioritize affordability and availability over niche farming methods.

Ovine by End-User Insights

By End-User, Ovine market was segmented into Residential/Retail and Commercial/HoReCa. The Commercial/HoReCa segment dominated the Middle East market in 2024, while the Residential/Retail segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. The commercial and HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) sector for ovine meat in the Middle East is a major contributor to the overall market, characterized by bulk purchasing, large-scale food preparation, and high-demand volumes. 

The HORECA industry includes fine dining establishments, luxury hotels, catering services, and fast-food chains, all of which require consistent, high-quality supplies of lamb and mutton to meet the needs of their diverse clientele. Ovine meat in this segment is typically purchased in bulk quantities, including carcasses, whole legs, ribs, and specialized cuts, for use in a variety of culinary applications. The demand for lamb and mutton in the HORECA sector is heavily influenced by local culinary traditions, tourism, and the rise of luxury dining in the region. 

Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait are known for their luxurious dining scenes, where lamb is often featured in grilled, roasted, or slow-cooked preparations, such as mashwi (grilled lamb), lamb shawarma, and lamb kofta. As a result, lamb and mutton are consistently in high demand for high-end restaurants, buffets, and banquet-style events, especially during major cultural and religious occasions like Eid al-Adha, which sees an explosive increase in lamb consumption for feasts and gatherings.

FIGURE 2: MIDDLE EAST OVINE MARKET SHARE BY END-USER 2024 AND 2035 (USD MILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Ovine by Distribution Channel Insights

By Distribution Channel, Ovine market was segmented into Store-Based (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Others), Non-Store-Based. The Non-Store-Based segment dominated the Middle East market in 2024, while the Non-Store-Based segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. E-commerce platforms have revolutionized retail across the Middle East, offering consumers convenience and a broader range of products. 

In the context of the ovine market, e-commerce facilitates the sale of various sheep-derived products, including meat, wool, and dairy items. Specialized online marketplaces enable producers to reach a wider audience beyond their immediate geographic locations. For instance, platforms like BuyGro.com serve as B2B marketplaces connecting vendors to trade institutions, thereby expanding the reach of ovine products. The growth trajectory of e-commerce in the Middle East is noteworthy.

Ovine Regional Insights

Based on Country, the Middle East Ovine Market is Segmented into UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Rest of Middle East. The UAE dominated the Middle East market in 2024, while the Iran is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. In 2024, the UAE's ovine market is expected to generate USD 248 million, with a market volume of 35,208 tons. The UAE is one of the largest consumers of lamb and mutton in the Middle East, with a high demand for quality meat in both residential and HORECA (hotel, restaurant, and catering) sectors. 

The CAGR of 4.50% from 2024 to 2035 signifies continued market growth, reaching USD 402.5 million by 2035 and 56,628 tons by 2035. The growth of the ovine market in the UAE can be attributed to several factors: Cultural Importance: Lamb and mutton are central to UAE cuisine, particularly during festivals like Eid al-Adha, which boost consumption significantly. Increasing Disposable Income: As the UAE continues to be a high-income country with a significant expatriate population, demand for premium and ethically sourced lamb has grown.

Tourism Growth: The rise of tourism in Dubai and Abu Dhabi has spurred the growth of the HORECA sector, where lamb is a key menu item.

FIGURE 2: MIDDLE EAST OVINE MARKET SHARE BY COUNTRY 2024 AND 2035 (USD MILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Middle East Ovine Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Many Middle East, regional, and local vendors characterize the Ovine Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.

The major competitors in the market are Masar Meat Trading L.L.C., Fresco, Golden Meat Company Ltd, ALMASHIA Farm Freight Ltd, Sustainable Intensive Sheep Production Alliance (SISPA), VERTICROFT Holdings, AGROLIFE Group, Al-Kabeer, Thomas Foods International among others. The Middle East Ovine Market is a consolidated market due to increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers and other strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.

Key Companies in the Middle East Ovine Market include

• Masar Meat Trading L.L.C.
• Fresco, Golden Meat Company Ltd
• ALMASHIA Farm Freight Ltd
• Sustainable Intensive Sheep Production Alliance (SISPA)
• VERTICROFT Holdings
• AGROLIFE Group
• Al-Kabeer
• Thomas Foods International

Middle East Ovine Market Segmentation

Ovine by Meat Type Outlook

• Mutton
  • Australian Mutton
  • New Zealand Mutton
  • Indian Mutton
  • Pakistani Mutton
  • South African Mutton
  • Other Mutton
• Lamb
  • Australian Lamb
  • New Zealand Lamb
  • British Lamb
  • Spanish Lamb
  • French Lamb
  • Irish Lamb
  • Other Lamb

Ovine by Product Type Outlook

• Fresh
• Frozen

Ovine by Nature Outlook

• Conventional
• Free-Range
• Specialty
• Organic

Ovine by End-User Outlook

• Residential/Retail
• Commercial/HORECA

Ovine by Distribution Channel Outlook

• Store-Based
  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Specialty Stores
  • Others
• Non-Store-Based

Ovine Regional Outlook

• Middle East
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Jordan
  • Iraq
  • Iran
  • Rest of Middle East

Report Attribute/Metric	Details
Market Size 2024	USD 813.6 Million
Market Size 2025	USD 847.8 Million
Market Size 2035	USD 1,345.4 Million
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)	4.68% (2025-2035)
Base Year	2024
Forecast Period	2025-2035
Historical Data	2019-2023
Forecast Units	Value, Volume (USD Million, Tons)
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Segments Covered	By Meat Type, Product Type, Nature, End-User, Distribution Channel
Geographies Covered	Middle East
Countries Covered	The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Rest of Middle East
Key Companies Profiled	Masar Meat Trading L.L.C., Fresco, Golden Meat Company Ltd, ALMASHIA Farm Freight Ltd, Sustainable Intensive Sheep Production Alliance (SISPA), VERTICROFT Holdings, AGROLIFE Group, Al-Kabeer, Thomas Foods International
Key Market Opportunities	·         Rising Demand for Organic & Halal Meat
Key Market Dynamics	·         Population growth and urbanization ·         Expansion of Retail & Foodservice Industry