Consumer Foodservice in the Gulf Cooperation Council: Is the Sky the Limit?

A region too big to be ignored

The states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have become, in aggregate, significant regional economic players, with a combined 2012 GDP of over US$1.5 trillion, more than Australia, Spain or Turkey.

The place to be for chains

The presence of chained restaurant operators as a percentage of overall sales is already very high, on a par with Japan and surpassing the UK, and far ahead of emerging markets such as Mexico or Brazil.

Centres of wealth

While cities such as Abu Dhabi or Dubai may lag megacities such as Tokyo or New York City in absolute numbers of high net worth households, in percentage terms they rank very high indeed.

A young, family-centric region

Though differences exist across the region, on the whole the GCC is a region with a significant population of young people and families, with a significant impact on the development of the foodservice industry.

Localisation vital

Effective localisation is important in every region, yet it is essential in the GCC, where local norms place clear barriers on what can and cannot be served, above all in conservative Saudi Arabia.

Highly interconnected business environment creates opportunity

Largest franchise operators in the GCC combine interests in retail, food processing, logistics, real estate, chemicals and other industries. Offers the potential for powerful synergies in terms of sourcing, distribution and expansion.

Value expansion to roll on

Foodservice spending growth in constant terms in the GCC is nevertheless expected to remain strong over 2012-2017.

What this report includes

• Top-level strategic analysis of how major consumer trends will influence global markets
• Consumer insight
• Impact across all relevant consumer markets
• Unique graphics and case studies
• Key market snapshots
• Accompanying presentation to synthesise main findings

Why buy this report

• Identify factors driving change now and in the future
• Understand motivation
• Forward-looking outlook
• Briefings and presentation should provoke lively discussion at senior level
• Take a step back from micro trends
• Get up to date estimates and comment