MEA Collagen Market Outlook to 2030

MEA Collagen Market Overview

• The MEA collagen market is valued at USD 261 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. The market is driven by rising consumer awareness about health and wellness, increasing demand for nutraceuticals, and a surge in applications across various industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages. Collagen is widely used for its functional properties, including its ability to improve skin health, joint mobility, and muscle recovery. Its versatility across different product forms like peptides, gelatin, and hydrolyzed collagen has further boosted its market growth.
• The MEA collagen market is dominated by countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt, which have advanced manufacturing capabilities and a high demand for collagen-based products. These countries lead the region due to their growing middle-class population, higher disposable incomes, and the increasing focus on beauty and health. The rise of wellness tourism, especially in the UAE, has also contributed to the dominance of these countries in the collagen market.
• Collagen imports in the MEA region are subject to varying tariffs, affecting the overall market dynamics. In 2023, the average tariff for importing collagen-based products into Saudi Arabia was 7%, according to the World Trade Organization. These tariffs influence both pricing and market competitiveness, making government trade policies a critical factor for businesses looking to expand in the region.

MEA Collagen Market Segmentation

• By Source: The MEA collagen market is segmented by source into bovine, porcine, marine, avian, and plant-based collagen. The bovine collagen sub-segment holds the dominant market share due to its wide availability, lower production cost, and high consumer preference for its proven efficacy in joint and bone health. Bovine collagen is also a preferred choice for its structural integrity, making it ideal for use in both nutraceuticals and cosmetics. Its relatively lower allergenic potential compared to porcine collagen has increased its adoption in the region, particularly in countries with dietary restrictions.

• By Application: The MEA collagen market is segmented by application into food & beverages, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, and medical devices. Nutraceuticals dominate the application segment due to the increasing demand for dietary supplements and protein-based products. Consumers in the region are becoming more health-conscious, which has driven the adoption of collagen supplements to improve skin elasticity, joint health, and muscle mass. Additionally, the growing ageing population and the increasing awareness of preventative healthcare are supporting the dominance of this sub-segment.

MEA Collagen Market Competitive Landscape

The MEA collagen market is dominated by a mix of global and regional players. These companies compete based on product innovation, sourcing practices, and their ability to meet the regulatory requirements of the region. The consolidation of the market is evident, with the top players holding a share due to their extensive distribution networks and long-term partnerships with key manufacturers in various industries.

MEA Collagen Market Analysis

MEA Collagen Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Demand in Nutraceuticals: The rising demand for collagen in the nutraceutical sector across the MEA region has been propelled by growing awareness about its health benefits, such as improved joint health and skin elasticity. According to the World Bank, the population in the Middle East and Africa is projected to reach over 640 million by 2025, leading to increased demand for nutraceutical products that promote healthy aging. Countries like Saudi Arabia and South Africa are witnessing growth in health supplement consumption due to their aging populations. As a result, collagen-based nutraceuticals are expected to become an integral part of dietary supplements.
• Expanding Application in Cosmetics & Personal Care: The cosmetics and personal care industries are driving collagen demand in the MEA market due to its well-known anti-aging and skin-repairing properties. Collagen-based beauty products, such as creams, serums, and facial masks, are increasingly popular in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. In 2023, the UAE beauty and personal care market surpassed $4 billion, with collagen-infused products holding a share. With a growing population of beauty-conscious consumers and an expanding middle class, the demand for collagen in the personal care sector is poised to increase further.
• Increasing Health Consciousness: Health consciousness in the MEA region is growing, as evidenced by the increasing interest in fitness and healthy eating habits. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, government initiatives under Vision 2030 are encouraging healthier lifestyles, driving demand for products that support skin, hair, and joint health, such as collagen supplements. A 2024 study by the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia indicated that 55% of the population is actively seeking ways to improve their health, leading to a surge in demand for collagen products.

MEA Collagen Market Challenges

• High Raw Material Costs: One of the major challenges in the MEA collagen market is the high cost of raw materials, especially for premium marine and bovine collagen. The region's reliance on imports for these materials leads to additional costs due to tariffs and logistical expenses. In 2024, the average import duty on collagen raw materials in the UAE was 5%, which increases the overall production costs. This cost burden is transferred to the end consumers, potentially limiting the market's growth.
• Limited Consumer Awareness: Despite the growing market, consumer awareness of collagens full benefits remains limited in certain regions of the MEA. A 2023 survey by the Egyptian Ministry of Health revealed that 40% of the population is unaware of the potential health benefits of collagen, particularly for joint health and skin elasticity. This lack of awareness poses a challenge, as many consumers do not actively seek out collagen-based products. Efforts to educate the public are required to overcome this barrier.

MEA Collagen Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the MEA collagen market is expected to witness steady growth driven by an increased focus on health and wellness, a growing demand for functional foods, and rising consumer awareness of the benefits of collagen in improving skin, joint, and muscle health. The expansion of the cosmetics and personal care industries in the region, coupled with technological advancements in collagen production, is also anticipated to propel the market forward. The regions favorable regulatory environment for the sourcing and production of collagen-based products will continue to attract investment and innovation in the market.

MEA Collagen Market Opportunities

• Growth in Marine Collagen Applications: Marine collagen is gaining traction due to its higher bioavailability and suitability for a wide range of applications, from cosmetics to nutraceuticals. In 2023, marine collagen accounted for a portion of collagen imports in the UAE and Oman, where fishery industries are strong. The demand for marine collagen in skincare products is particularly high due to its anti-aging benefits, and regional fisheries' outputs, which are projected to reach 500,000 tons annually, provide a sustainable source for this market.
• Rising Demand for Collagen Peptides: Collagen peptides are increasingly used in functional foods and beverages, particularly in the Middle East. In 2024, Dubai saw the launch of over 200 new food products containing collagen peptides, driven by growing consumer interest in food items that enhance skin and joint health. These peptides are favoured for their versatility and ease of integration into daily diets, making them a rapidly growing segment in the MEA region.