Tomato Ketchup Market

Private Sector Investments Bear Fruits for Food Producers during COVID-19 Crisis

Qatar’s self-sufficiency efforts in food production have borne fruits amidst the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The agriculture sector in Qatar has remained unaffected due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, owing to extremely active vegetable and dairy production. This brings companies in the Qatar tomato ketchup market in the limelight, who are benefitting with the onset of new rules and regulations to support local farmer produce. Investments from the private sector are providing an impetus to the growth of the Qatar tomato ketchup market.

The growing demand for fresh vegetables and fruits has led to the demand for premium quality tomato ketchup products. Increased support for local products and production has created business opportunities for small tomato ketchup manufacturers who are boosting their sales via hypermarkets.

Hydroponic Farming and CEA Storm Qatar Tomato Ketchup Market

The Qatar tomato ketchup market is predicted to expand at a favorable CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. This signals that manufacturers are upgrading their technologies and tomato production activities. The concept of hydroponic farming and CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture) is storming the agricultural sector of Qatar. For instance, Agrico— a private local Qatari agricultural development company opened its Hydroponic Trail and Demonstration Center, which achieved a record tomato yield.

Tomato ketchup manufacturers in Qatar are adopting next-gen technologies and collaborating with professional agronomists to increase product uptake. The growing demand for organic vegetables and fruits has created lucrative business opportunities for food producers. Manufacturers are increasing their R&D in the best horticulture practices and greenhouse technologies to gain a competitive edge over other companies.

Limited Water Supply and Arable Land Act as Shortcomings in Tomato Cultivation

The revenue in the Qatar tomato ketchup market is estimated to be valued over US$ 24.6 Bn by the end of 2030. However, according to the World Resources Institute, farmers in Qatar face several challenges such as scarce water supply and limited amount of available arable land. Although hydroponic farming and CEA are easing problems of farmers, huge deficit in human resources, and expertise are inhibiting the growth of the Qatar tomato ketchup market. Hence, manufacturers are focusing on introducing training workshops and honing the skills of local expertise to tide over cultivation challenges.

Reformulation toward Positive Nutrition Involves Less Use of Salt and Sugar in Sauces

Marketing, sustainability, and people well-being have become key focus points of manufacturers in the Qatar tomato ketchup market. They are investing in technologies and production activities based on deep consumer insights. Manufacturers such as the U.S. food processing company Heinz are increasing efforts to identify key areas that require funding in order to improve bottom lines. Companies in the Qatar tomato ketchup market are taking cues from such manufacturers to increase spending in a strategic way.

Manufacturers are focusing on short term ROI (Return in Investment) and long-term priorities to gain market prominence. They are striking the right balance between renovating the existing portfolio and creating new taste profiles of reduced salt and sugar in sauces.

New Flavors in Ketchups Help Expand Product Portfolio

Gaining a strong research base about target customers and their preferences has become crucial for companies in the Qatar tomato ketchup market. The increased focus on quality and innovation is the key for expanding business. Companies in the Qatar tomato ketchup market are increasing their spending to establish internationally certified production facilities and innovation centers to gain market recognition.

Monitoring and control of the ketchup preparation process play a pivotal role in creating quality products. Manufacturers are investing in state-of-the-art facilities to increase the availability of premium products in retail outlets. As such, companies are experimenting with new flavors by introducing chili tomato sauce, curry powder ketchup, and sriracha ketchups, among others, to expand their product portfolio.

Analysts’ Viewpoint

Self-sufficiency in local production and new food security measures are helping manufacturers in the Qatar tomato ketchup market to tide over uncertainties in demand and supply. Hydroponic farming and CEA hold promising potentials to maximize tomato yields. However, Qatar’s agricultural industry is challenged with lack of skilled manpower to execute hydroponic farming and CEA. Hence, tomato ketchup manufacturers should introduce training workshops for farmers and workers to increase the availability of unmatched expertise in the Qatar agriculture industry. Monitoring and control of the ketchup preparation processes are important for the production of premium quality products. Companies should expand their product portfolio with new flavors such as balsamic vinegar ketchup and mango chutney ketchups to maximize sales.

Qatar Tomato Ketchup Market: Overview

• Qatar tomato ketchup market is estimated to value at US$ 14.1 Bn in 2020, finds Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a recent study. According to the report, the market is expected to exceed US$ 24.6 Bn by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.7%.
• Qatar tomato ketchup market is benefitting from the increasing per capita expenditure on food products across the country. Qatar has the highest per capita GDP in the GCC region, which has further increases the spending power of the consumers across the country. This is also implying the higher expenditure on food products, which is subsequently making a positive impact on the Qatar tomato ketchup market. Since the Qatar agri-food industry is heavily import oriented, the more tomato ketchup manufacturers from other countries are increasing the product offering in the Qatar. Thus, rising interest from food and beverage manufacturers from across the world is also supporting the growth of the Qatar tomato ketchup market.
• Since Qatar has a multi-ethnic population, there is a steady demand for tomato ketchup that carter to specific tastes and help in maintaining the health. Due to such multi-ethnic composition of society in Qatar, consumers are exposed to cuisines of various regions and countries, and may want to try such cuisines themselves by preparing them at home. This will positively impact the growth of tomato ketchup market in the country.

Qatar Tomato Ketchup: Market Frontrunners

• Normal/regular tomato ketchup continues to dominate the product type segment in the Qatar tomato ketchup market accounting for a prominent market share of more than 70% in 2020 due to increasing consumption of tomato ketchup in quick service restaurants, cafes, and households
• Based on packaging size, the 5kg packaged tomato ketchup segment is expected to hold the highest market share of nearly 40% in 2020. The key contributing factor is the higher demand for 5kg packaging size across the foodservice industry in the country.
• In terms of end use, the HoReCa segment is likely to expand at a substantial growth rate of over 5% during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the significant presence of foodservice restaurants across major cities of Qatar, including Doha.
• The consumer buying pattern of tomato ketchup in Qatar has intensified with hypermarkets/supermarkets accounting for more than 40% of market share in 2020 under the business to consumer sub-segment of the distribution channel segment

Qatar Tomato Ketchup Market: Trends

• Healthy lifestyle and healthy diet: Trend of adopting a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet is gaining ground. Even though this trend is currently exhibiting itself within a limited percentage of population, it is likely to grow extensively over the years to come. Consumers are becoming conscious about their calorie intake, and hence are inclining toward natural products. In tandem with such a trend, the growing high street in the country and upcoming FIFI World Cup in the country anticipate higher market growth. In addition, the trend of healthy cooking is also gaining foothold in the country, with people moving away from traditional food and experimenting with the kind of contemporary dishes that are advocated as healthy. All these factors have a positive influence on the tomato ketchup market in the country.
• Trending Ready-to-Eat Food and Significance of Quick Service Restaurant: Due to the trend of “ready-to-eat food”, such as snacks and baked foods, substantial growth avenues prevail for tomato ketchup, as it is used as taste enhancer. In addition, natural tomato ketchup is expected to gain wide acceptance, as its processing is carried out without the use of chemicals, which enhances its image as a natural, chemical-free product.

The Increasing penetration of McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Subway, and various others eating places due to speed of service and affordability than usual dining restaurants, is also driving the market in the country. Tomato ketchup is a key condiment used by quick service restaurants, as it is the most preferable sauce in food items such as burgers, chicken wings, pizza, and others. Consumers of fast food mostly favor tomato ketchup with their food. This has further increased the consumption of tomato ketchup in the country.

Qatar Tomato Ketchup Market: Strategies

• Manufacturers are focused on marketing tomato ketchup to wholesale, cooperative and small grocery customers, convenience stores through their own distribution stores and through independent dealers, agents and distributors. Moreover, manufacturers have started developing natural products. Manufacturers are significantly investing toward enhancement of portfolio with more natural offerings  
• For instance, in 2019, Heinz Tomato Ketchup launched its new NEW HEINZ Tomato Ketchup with a Blend of Veggies, made with added carrots and butternut squash

Qatar Tomato Ketchup Market: Players

• Some of the key actors, including producers, cultivators, and brands operating in the Qatar tomato ketchup market, as profiled in the study, are
  • Natureland Organics
  • Organic Tattva
  • Lobia, Elworld
  • BRS‐Tumucumaque
  • BRS‐Xiquexique
  • BRS‐Aracê
  • Ancient Wisdom