Qatar cooking oil market report size, share, growth drivers, trends, opportunities & forecast 2025–2030

Qatar Cooking Oil Market Overview

• The Qatar Cooking Oil Market is valued at USD 670 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for healthy cooking oils, rising awareness of nutrition, and the expansion of the food service industry. The market has seen a shift towards healthier options, such as olive and canola oils, as consumers become more health-conscious. The expansion of fast-food restaurants, cafés, and quick-service restaurants (QSRs) is a significant growth driver, with demand further boosted by the popularity of high-heat stable oils and the adoption of healthier alternatives in both home and commercial kitchens .
• Key demand centers in this market include Doha, Al Rayyan, and Al Khor, which dominate due to their strategic locations, robust distribution networks, and a growing population that drives demand for cooking oils. Urbanization and lifestyle changes in these cities have led to an increase in the consumption of processed and packaged foods, further boosting the market. The rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes are shifting consumer preferences toward convenience foods and premium edible oils .
• In 2023, the Qatari government implemented the "Healthy Food Initiative for Food Establishments, 2023" issued by the Ministry of Public Health. This regulation mandates that restaurants and food service outlets must offer at least two types of healthy oils, such as olive and canola oil, to encourage healthier eating habits among consumers. The regulation covers all licensed food establishments, requiring compliance with minimum standards for oil quality and menu transparency .

Qatar Cooking Oil Market Segmentation

By Type:The cooking oil market is segmented into various types, including sunflower oil, olive oil, palm oil, canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, coconut oil, and others. Among these, sunflower oil and olive oil are the most popular due to their health benefits and versatility in cooking. The demand for olive oil has surged as consumers seek healthier alternatives, while sunflower oil remains a staple in many households and food service outlets. Palm oil and canola oil are also widely used in commercial food preparation due to their stability and cost-effectiveness. The market reflects a growing preference for oils with lower saturated fat and higher nutritional value .

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes households, food service outlets (restaurants, cafés, QSRs), industrial (food processing), and others. The household segment dominates the market as cooking oil is a staple in every kitchen. However, the food service sector is rapidly growing due to the increasing number of restaurants and cafés, which are adopting healthier cooking practices and offering diverse menus. Industrial users, including food processors, are also increasing their consumption of specialty and bulk oils to meet rising demand for packaged and processed foods .

Qatar Cooking Oil Market Competitive Landscape

The Qatar Cooking Oil Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as QatarFry, Golden Harvest Oils, Al Watania Agriculture, Al-Ahli Foods, Al-Mana Group, Qatar National Food Company, Al-Faisal Group, Al-Mansoori Group, Al-Jazeera Foods, United Foods Company, Al-Mahhar Group, Savola Group, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company, Qatar Food Industries, IFFCO Group contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Qatar Cooking Oil Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Health Consciousness:The demand for healthier cooking oils is surging in Qatar, driven by a growing awareness of health issues related to diet. In future, the health food market in Qatar is projected to reach approximately QAR 1.5 billion, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year. This trend is supported by government health campaigns promoting balanced diets, which encourage consumers to opt for oils with lower saturated fats and higher omega-3 content, thus boosting the cooking oil sector.
• Rising Population and Urbanization:Qatar's population is expected to grow to around 2.8 million in future, up from approximately 2.7 million in the previous year. This demographic shift, coupled with rapid urbanization, is increasing the demand for cooking oils as more households adopt modern cooking practices. Urban areas are witnessing a rise in food consumption, with the food service industry projected to contribute QAR 10 billion to the economy, further driving the need for diverse cooking oil options.
• Expansion of Food Service Industry:The food service sector in Qatar is anticipated to grow significantly, with revenues expected to reach QAR 15 billion in future. This expansion is fueled by an increase in tourism and the hosting of international events, such as the FIFA World Cup. As restaurants and catering services proliferate, the demand for various cooking oils will rise, creating opportunities for local producers to meet the needs of this burgeoning market.

Market Challenges

• Fluctuating Raw Material Prices:The cooking oil market in Qatar faces challenges due to the volatility of raw material prices, particularly for palm and soybean oils. In future, global prices for these commodities are projected to fluctuate between QAR 3,000 and QAR 3,500 per ton, influenced by climatic conditions and geopolitical factors. This unpredictability can significantly impact production costs and profit margins for local manufacturers, posing a challenge to market stability.
• Intense Competition from Imports:The Qatar cooking oil market is increasingly competitive, with imports accounting for over 80% of total consumption in future. Major suppliers from countries like Malaysia and Indonesia offer lower-priced products, making it difficult for local producers to compete. This reliance on imports not only affects market share but also poses challenges in maintaining quality standards and consumer trust in domestic brands.

Qatar Cooking Oil Market Future Outlook

The Qatar cooking oil market is poised for significant transformation, driven by evolving consumer preferences and regulatory changes. As health consciousness continues to rise, the demand for organic and healthier oil options is expected to increase. Additionally, the government's support for local production and sustainability initiatives will likely enhance the competitive landscape. Innovations in packaging and digital marketing strategies will further shape consumer engagement, creating a dynamic environment for both established and emerging brands in the sector.

Market Opportunities

• Growth in E-commerce for Food Products:The e-commerce sector in Qatar is projected to reach QAR 2 billion in future, providing a significant opportunity for cooking oil brands to expand their reach. Online platforms enable consumers to access a wider variety of products, including specialty oils, thus enhancing market penetration and sales potential for local producers.
• Development of Organic Cooking Oils:With the organic food market in Qatar expected to grow to QAR 500 million in future, there is a substantial opportunity for the introduction of organic cooking oils. This trend aligns with consumer preferences for healthier, environmentally friendly products, allowing local producers to differentiate themselves and capture a niche market segment.