Key Insights
The Middle East & Africa prebiotic ingredient market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing awareness of gut health and its link to overall well-being. The rising prevalence of digestive disorders, coupled with growing consumer demand for functional foods and dietary supplements, fuels this expansion. A CAGR of 6.10% from 2019 to 2024 suggests a significant market trajectory, projected to continue into the forecast period (2025-2033). Key segments within this market include infant formula, where prebiotics are crucial for infant gut development, and fortified food and beverages, tapping into the growing health-conscious consumer base. Dietary supplements, catering to specific health needs, also contribute significantly. While the precise market size for 2025 is unavailable, we can extrapolate from the CAGR and available data to estimate a substantial value in millions of dollars. This estimation considers the continuous growth trend observed in similar markets globally, taking into account the region's unique demographic and economic factors. Growth is further bolstered by the increasing availability of prebiotic ingredients such as FOS, GOS, and other functional fibers from key manufacturers like Baolingbao Biology Co Ltd, Olygose, Sensus, Fonterra, and Ingredion Incorporated, enhancing supply chain robustness. However, regulatory hurdles and price sensitivity in some market segments may pose challenges.
Growth within the Middle East & Africa region is particularly influenced by factors unique to the area. Countries like the UAE, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia show considerable market potential due to their relatively high disposable incomes and increased focus on health and wellness. The expanding middle class, alongside rising health awareness campaigns, is driving adoption of prebiotic-enriched products. The potential for further growth is notable, considering the still-developing nature of the market in several MEA countries, presenting ample opportunities for market expansion and entry for both established and emerging players. The increasing demand for organic and natural products also presents a promising avenue for future growth within this sector. However, challenges such as distribution infrastructure and cultural preferences need to be addressed by companies aiming to tap into the full market potential. Furthermore, advancements in prebiotic research and the development of novel ingredients are poised to further stimulate market growth over the next decade.

Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry: A Comprehensive Market Report (2019-2033)
This dynamic report provides a detailed analysis of the Middle East & Africa prebiotic ingredient industry, offering invaluable insights for businesses, investors, and stakeholders. Leveraging extensive market research and data analysis spanning the period 2019-2033, this report unveils key trends, growth drivers, challenges, and opportunities within this rapidly evolving sector. The report forecasts a market valued at xx Million by 2025, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx% from 2025 to 2033.
Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Market Structure & Competitive Landscape
The Middle East & Africa prebiotic ingredient market exhibits a moderately concentrated structure, with a few key players holding significant market share. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for 2025 is estimated at xx, indicating a moderately competitive landscape. Innovation in prebiotic ingredient formulations, particularly focusing on enhanced efficacy and targeted applications, is a primary driver of market growth. Regulatory frameworks, particularly those concerning food safety and labeling, significantly impact market dynamics. Product substitutes, such as synthetic prebiotics and other functional fibers, present competitive pressures. The market is segmented by end-user application and ingredient type, catering to diverse consumer and industry needs. Recent years have witnessed a moderate level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, with approximately xx M&A deals completed between 2019 and 2024, primarily driven by consolidation and expansion strategies among industry players.
- Market Concentration: HHI of xx in 2025.
- Innovation Drivers: Enhanced efficacy, targeted applications, novel delivery systems.
- Regulatory Impacts: Food safety regulations, labeling requirements, import/export restrictions.
- Product Substitutes: Synthetic prebiotics, other functional fibers.
- End-User Segmentation: Infant formula, fortified food and beverages, dietary supplements, animal feed.
- M&A Trends: Approximately xx M&A deals between 2019 and 2024.
Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Market Trends & Opportunities
The Middle East & Africa prebiotic ingredient market is experiencing robust growth, fueled by increasing consumer awareness of gut health and the associated benefits of prebiotics. The market size is projected to reach xx Million by 2033, driven by a CAGR of xx%. Technological advancements, including novel extraction and processing techniques, are enhancing the quality and efficiency of prebiotic production. Consumer preferences are shifting towards natural and clean-label products, creating demand for prebiotic ingredients with transparent sourcing and minimal processing. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with established players and emerging companies vying for market share. Market penetration rates for prebiotics in various applications vary significantly, with higher penetration in infant formula and dietary supplements compared to other applications. Opportunities exist in expanding into untapped markets, developing innovative product formulations, and collaborating with food and beverage manufacturers to integrate prebiotics into a wider range of products.

Dominant Markets & Segments in Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry
Within the Middle East & Africa region, xx country currently holds the dominant market position in prebiotic ingredient consumption, driven by factors such as increasing disposable incomes, growing health consciousness, and a favorable regulatory environment. The GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharide) segment holds the largest market share by type, followed by FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharide) and other ingredients. The infant formula application segment dominates market demand due to the recognized health benefits of prebiotics for infants’ gut development.
- Key Growth Drivers in xx Country:
- Rising disposable incomes and health awareness.
- Expanding retail infrastructure for health food products.
- Government support for infant nutrition and food fortification programs.
- Dominant Segment (By Type): GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharide)
- Dominant Segment (By Application): Infant Formula
Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Product Analysis
Product innovation is a key driver in the prebiotic ingredient market. Advancements in extraction and processing technologies are leading to higher-quality, more cost-effective products. New applications are continually emerging, expanding beyond traditional uses in infant formula to include fortified foods, dietary supplements, and animal feed. Competitive advantages are derived from superior product quality, consistent supply, strong distribution networks, and innovative marketing strategies that effectively communicate the health benefits of prebiotic ingredients.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry
Key Drivers: Growing consumer awareness of gut health benefits, increasing demand for functional foods and dietary supplements, technological advancements in prebiotic production, and favorable government regulations promoting food fortification are driving market growth.
Challenges: Fluctuations in raw material prices, regulatory complexities in different countries, and intense competition from both established players and emerging businesses pose significant challenges to market expansion. Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical factors can impact the availability and cost of prebiotic ingredients. Furthermore, consumer education on prebiotic benefits remains a crucial factor influencing market growth. The lack of standardized quality control measures across the region also creates barriers for market growth.
Growth Drivers in the Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Market
The market is primarily driven by the rising awareness of gut health, coupled with increasing disposable incomes and the resulting demand for premium functional foods. Technological advancements in prebiotic production processes, combined with supportive government policies, are further accelerating market expansion. The burgeoning demand for infant formula and other health-focused food products also contributes significantly to the market's growth trajectory.
Challenges Impacting Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Growth
Significant challenges include supply chain vulnerabilities in certain regions, regulatory complexities that vary across countries, and intense competition among established brands and new entrants. The price volatility of raw materials and the lack of standardized quality control processes also hinder market expansion. These issues impact market growth by influencing product availability, pricing, and overall market stability.
Key Players Shaping the Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Market
Significant Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Industry Milestones
- 2020: Increased investment in research and development for novel prebiotic ingredients.
- 2021: Launch of several new prebiotic-enhanced products in the region.
- 2022: Government initiatives to promote the use of prebiotics in infant formula.
- 2023: Expansion of distribution networks by key players.
- 2024: Several mergers and acquisitions impacting market share.
Future Outlook for Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Market
The Middle East & Africa prebiotic ingredient market exhibits substantial growth potential over the forecast period. Continued consumer awareness of gut health, coupled with rising demand for functional foods and increasing investments in research and development for innovative prebiotic formulations, will fuel market expansion. Strategic partnerships between ingredient suppliers and food manufacturers will drive product diversification and market penetration across various application segments. The market presents a significant opportunity for companies that can effectively navigate regulatory complexities and establish robust supply chains to meet the growing demand.
Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Segmentation
-
1. Type
- 1.1. Insulin
- 1.2. FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharide)
- 1.3. GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharide)
- 1.4. Other In
-
2. Application
- 2.1. Infant Formula
- 2.2. Fortified Food and Beverage
- 2.3. Dietary Supplements
- 2.4. Animal Feed
- 2.5. Other Applications
-
3. Geography
- 3.1. South Africa
- 3.2. Saudi Arabia
- 3.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa
Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Segmentation By Geography
- 1. South Africa
- 2. Saudi Arabia
- 3. Rest of Middle East

Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 6.10% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increasing Demand for Protein Rich Food and Supplements; Increasing Application of Collagen in Personal Care Products
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Protein
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Acquisitive Demand of Prebiotics for Animal Feed
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 5.1.1. Insulin
- 5.1.2. FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharide)
- 5.1.3. GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharide)
- 5.1.4. Other In
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.2.1. Infant Formula
- 5.2.2. Fortified Food and Beverage
- 5.2.3. Dietary Supplements
- 5.2.4. Animal Feed
- 5.2.5. Other Applications
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.3.1. South Africa
- 5.3.2. Saudi Arabia
- 5.3.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.4.1. South Africa
- 5.4.2. Saudi Arabia
- 5.4.3. Rest of Middle East
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 6. South Africa Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 6.1.1. Insulin
- 6.1.2. FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharide)
- 6.1.3. GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharide)
- 6.1.4. Other In
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.2.1. Infant Formula
- 6.2.2. Fortified Food and Beverage
- 6.2.3. Dietary Supplements
- 6.2.4. Animal Feed
- 6.2.5. Other Applications
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.3.1. South Africa
- 6.3.2. Saudi Arabia
- 6.3.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 7. Saudi Arabia Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 7.1.1. Insulin
- 7.1.2. FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharide)
- 7.1.3. GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharide)
- 7.1.4. Other In
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.2.1. Infant Formula
- 7.2.2. Fortified Food and Beverage
- 7.2.3. Dietary Supplements
- 7.2.4. Animal Feed
- 7.2.5. Other Applications
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.3.1. South Africa
- 7.3.2. Saudi Arabia
- 7.3.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 8. Rest of Middle East Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 8.1.1. Insulin
- 8.1.2. FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharide)
- 8.1.3. GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharide)
- 8.1.4. Other In
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.2.1. Infant Formula
- 8.2.2. Fortified Food and Beverage
- 8.2.3. Dietary Supplements
- 8.2.4. Animal Feed
- 8.2.5. Other Applications
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.3.1. South Africa
- 8.3.2. Saudi Arabia
- 8.3.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 9. UAE Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10. South Africa Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Saudi Arabia Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Rest of MEA Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Competitive Analysis
- 13.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 13.2. Company Profiles
- 13.2.1 Baolingbao Biology Co Ltd
- 13.2.1.1. Overview
- 13.2.1.2. Products
- 13.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.2 Olygose*List Not Exhaustive
- 13.2.2.1. Overview
- 13.2.2.2. Products
- 13.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.3 Sensus
- 13.2.3.1. Overview
- 13.2.3.2. Products
- 13.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.4 Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
- 13.2.4.1. Overview
- 13.2.4.2. Products
- 13.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.5 Ingredion Incorporated
- 13.2.5.1. Overview
- 13.2.5.2. Products
- 13.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.1 Baolingbao Biology Co Ltd
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: UAE Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: UAE Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume (K Units) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: South Africa Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: South Africa Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume (K Units) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Saudi Arabia Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Saudi Arabia Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume (K Units) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Rest of MEA Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Rest of MEA Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume (K Units) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 43: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 44: Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry Volume K Units Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry?
The projected CAGR is approximately 6.10%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry?
Key companies in the market include Baolingbao Biology Co Ltd, Olygose*List Not Exhaustive, Sensus, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Ingredion Incorporated.
3. What are the main segments of the Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry?
The market segments include Type, Application, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increasing Demand for Protein Rich Food and Supplements; Increasing Application of Collagen in Personal Care Products.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Acquisitive Demand of Prebiotics for Animal Feed.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Protein.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
N/A
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 4950, and USD 6800 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million and volume, measured in K Units.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Middle East & Africa Prebiotic Ingredient Industry, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence