A Sweet Shift in the Middle East
The ice cream industry in the Middle East is undergoing a delicious transformation. Once dominated by mass-market imports and limited seasonal offerings, the region is now seeing a major shift toward premium, locally produced options that rival the best in the world. This evolution is not just about flavor — it’s about heritage, innovation, and quality.
In cities from Dubai to Riyadh and Amman to Baghdad, a new wave of artisanal and industrial ice cream makers is changing how people think about frozen desserts. And at the heart of this movement lies a growing consumer demand for authenticity, creativity, and excellence.
In the past, ice cream in the Middle East was mostly limited to traditional styles like Arabic mastic ice cream or imported Western brands. Today, the landscape is far more sophisticated. Local producers are developing gourmet products that blend Middle Eastern flavors with European techniques, offering a fresh perspective on what ice cream can be.
Key trends driving this shift include:
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Demand for cleaner ingredients: Consumers want ice cream with real dairy, fresh fruits, and fewer artificial additives.
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Flavors with cultural identity: Rosewater, cardamom, pistachio, saffron, Arabic coffee, and dates are being reimagined in modern ways.
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Higher production standards: Regional brands are investing in advanced machinery, ISO certifications, and automated lines to deliver consistent quality.
Why Local Brands Are Gaining Ground
Premium ice cream in the Middle East is no longer a niche. It’s a competitive category led by brands that are embracing the region’s rich culinary heritage while adopting international quality standards. Here's how they are redefining the market:
1. Cultural Relevance with a Modern Twist
Local brands are digging deep into their roots and bringing traditional flavors to life in new, premium formats. For example, a classic pistachio flavor may now be made with roasted nuts from Syria and blended with Italian-style gelato bases.
2. Innovation in Product Formats
Middle Eastern producers are not just sticking to cups and cones. We're seeing everything from ice cream sandwiches using local pastries to frozen desserts infused with herbal infusions, baklava bites, and tahini.
3. Export-Ready Quality
Many Middle Eastern ice cream brands are now exporting to Europe, Asia, and North America. This international ambition pushes them to adhere to global food safety and hygiene protocols — including ISO 22000, ISO 9001, and HACCP certifications.
Where Premium Ice Cream Is Thriving
Major cities like:
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Riyadh – A hub of dessert innovation, with growing demand for gourmet options.
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Amman – A cultural crossroad with a love for traditional ingredients reimagined.
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Dubai & Abu Dhabi – Luxury-focused markets with high interest in exclusive and imported-style frozen desserts.
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Baghdad – A revival of classic ice cream culture blended with modern production.
The regional climate, combined with high disposable income and a youthful population, makes the Middle East one of the most promising emerging markets for premium ice cream.
Who’s Leading the Charge?
Local family businesses, tech-driven food startups, and long-established manufacturers are all contributing to the new golden era of ice cream in the Middle East. These companies stand out by offering:
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High-end product lines at accessible prices
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Custom flavor development for events and hotels
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Collaborations with cafés, restaurants, and tourism destinations
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Eco-friendly packaging and reduced carbon production models
Among the pioneers of this movement is Al-Sabah Company, founded in Iraq in 1959 by Haj Sabah (Abu Khaled). With a mission to spread quality and innovation, the company helped establish ice cream factories across Iraq and Jordan starting in the 1980s — becoming one of the key players in shaping the Middle Eastern frozen dessert industry.
In 2021, the company expanded into Saudi Arabia with the launch of Al-Sabah Al-Dhahabiya under the brand name Bellato. Bellato brought the family’s legacy into a new era, featuring:
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Fully automated production lines
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A wide assortment of premium ice cream flavors
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Competitive pricing and international certifications (ISO 22000, ISO 9001, HACCP)
Bilato represents the perfect example of how heritage, quality, and technology can work together to elevate ice cream in the Middle East.
Conclusion: A Bright, Flavorful Future
From humble beginnings to global ambition, the Middle East’s ice cream scene is hotter — and cooler — than ever. With regional producers investing in top-tier flavors, premium experiences, and internationally compliant facilities, the frozen dessert sector is set to thrive for decades to come.
Whether you’re enjoying a saffron cone in Riyadh or a pistachio gelato in Amman, one thing is certain: ice cream in the Middle East has never tasted so good — or felt so local.
