Consumer Foodservice in Middle East and Africa

Delivery

This report comes in PPT.

Key findings

Vision 2030 and return of Hajj pilgrim boosting growth in Saudi Arabia

Among the drivers of growth for consumer foodservice in Saudi Arabia in 2022 was the post-pandemic resumption of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Also boosting the performance of the general economy, including the foodservice industry, is the government’s Vision 2030 strategy.

Robots to the rescue for Israeli staff shortages

Staff shortages remained a major problem throughout consumer foodservice in Israel in 2022, with many former employees refusing to return to the industry post-pandemic. This has seen a number of players, including Oshi Oshi, piloting robot waiters to great success, with this trend expected to continue.

PayShap will speed up payments in South Africa

PayShap, South Africa’s Rapid Payments Programme, which was launched in 2023, will facilitate the ease of digital payments across income groups in the country, including the unbanked. Alongside the influx of affordable smartphones, PayShap will accelerate the integration of omnichannel models, with delivery and click-and-collect offerings becoming standard.

Inflation a concern heading into the forecast period

Most countries in the region have been afflicted by high inflation in the post-pandemic period. This is putting pressure on small and independent players as they find it hardest to avoid passing on at least some of these rising costs to their customers. The hope is that inflationary pressures will begin to ease over the course of 2023, going into the forecast period.