Middle East Gelato Market Size To Reach $394.9 Million By 2033

December 2025 | Report Format: Electronic (PDF)

Middle East Gelato Market Growth & Trends

The Middle East gelato market is anticipated to reach USD 394.9 million by 2033 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. This growth is driven by rising consumer interest in premium frozen desserts and increasing exposure to authentic Italian-style gelato across urban centers. Demand is driven by a growing preference for artisanal products made with natural ingredients, rich textures, and authentic flavor profiles. Consumers across markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar view gelato as a premium alternative to traditional ice cream, associating it with quality, craftsmanship, and a more refined dessert experience. The expanding preference for healthier indulgence has further encouraged manufacturers to introduce vegan, dairy-free, and reduced-sugar offerings that meet the evolving expectations of health-conscious consumers.

Continuous product innovations and globally inspired flavors are strengthening market growth across the region. Manufacturers incorporate clean-label ingredients, natural sweeteners, and plant-based formulations like almond, oat, and coconut milk to address the rise of dietary preferences and intolerance-related choices. This growth is further fueled by the growing presence of international artisanal gelato brands in the region, which demonstrate a demand for authentic and visually distinctive dessert experiences. The growing presence of global artisanal gelato brands in the region has further strengthened demand for authentic and visually distinctive dessert experiences. For instance, in July 2024, the Italian gelato brand Amorino debuted its signature rose-shaped gelato at Souk Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE, reinforcing the premium artisanal dessert trend in the Middle East

The rapid growth of e-commerce platforms and delivery services is further accelerating market expansion, with consumers increasingly purchasing gelato through online channels that offer convenience and reliable cold-chain logistics. Leading brands such as Amorino, Gelatissimo, and regional boutique manufacturers are strengthening their presence across the Middle East through store expansions, franchise partnerships, and premium retail placements. With rising emphasis on authenticity, premium quality, and clean-label formulations, the Middle East gelato market is expected to maintain strong momentum throughout the forecast period.

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Middle East Gelato Market Report Highlights

The dairy-based segment dominated the Middle East gelato market in 2024 with market share of 91.4%, driven by strong consumer preference for traditional Italian-style gelato made with milk and cream, which delivers a rich, dense texture suited to premium dessert consumption trends in the region.
The plant-based segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR as consumers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar increasingly seek vegan, lactose-free, and allergen-friendly dessert options made with almond, oat, and coconut milk.
The vanilla segment held the largest flavor share in 2024, driven by strong demand for classic, universally accepted flavors across both family-oriented and premium artisanal outlets in the region.
The fruits and berries segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR, supported by rising interest in naturally flavored, lower-fat gelato options incorporating real fruit purees and clean-label ingredients.
The artisanal gelato segment led the market in 2024, backed by increasing consumer preference for handcrafted, premium-quality desserts and the growing popularity of boutique gelato cafes across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.
The industrial gelato segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR, driven by expanding retail distribution, consistent product quality, and strong penetration in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and foodservice channels across major Middle Eastern markets.
The take-home packaging segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024, supported by rising at-home consumption and the growing availability of family-sized gelato tubs in modern retail outlets.
The impulse packaging segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR, driven by increasing demand for single-serve, on-the-go gelato cups and sticks across high-traffic urban locations.
The retail distribution channel dominated the Middle East market in 2024, supported by expanding e-commerce platforms, rapid-delivery services, and improved cold-chain logistics in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The food service distribution channel is expected to witness significant growth, with consumers favoring in-store experiences that highlight freshness, authenticity, and premium presentation.
Key players operating in the Middle East gelato market include Amorino, Gelatissimo, Baskin-Robbins, G.S. Gelato & Desserts, Inc., Uli’s Gelato, and several regional artisanal brands expanding through franchise models.
In April 2025, Amorino announced its expansion across the UAE with upcoming store openings in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, demonstrating the brand’s continued focus on regional expansion beyond Dubai.