Middle East

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the potential market strategies for companies in Sub-Saharan Africa amidst the current cost of living crisis. It details how companies can leverage affordability, technology, and values to cater to the…

Rising costs of living pose challenges globally, but companies can find opportunities in several categories, essential and discretionary, especially in underpenetrated fast-growing markets. By considering category adjacencies and focusing on value,…

At the end of 2021, a new law went into effect requiring a deposit of ILS0.3 for all bottles of 1.5 litres and above. This had a direct impact on prices of water in 2022, as 1.5 litres is a very popular size for water bottles. After the tax on…

Bottled water remains by far the largest category of soft drinks in Saudi Arabia with increasing numbers of consumers switching to bottled water. Although tap water in the Kingdom is said to be safe to drink many people prefer to use bottled water,…

Bottled water makes up over two-thirds of the soft drinks market in the Middle East and Africa and will continue to dominate over the foreseeable future. Demand is high due to a scarcity of clean water, particularly in rural areas, with bulk buying…

With the emerging inflation and competitive landscape being reshaped, private label is starting to regain shelf space in many categories, including bottled water. Since water is considered a basic and affordable product in consumers’ minds, private…

The tax on all sweetened beverages was removed at the end of March 2023, as a result of opposition from the ultra-Orthodox community. The Ministry of Health required retailers to lower prices within three days of the tax being removed, with the…

The hot weather in Saudi Arabia continues to support sales of carbonates, with sales also benefiting from the large number of consumers aged under 30, who are a key target audience for these products. Despite this, consumers in Saudi Arabia continue…

Across carbonates, reduced sugar options are gaining popularity in the United Arab Emirates. This trend is being widely supported by advertising and promotions. Hypermarkets and forecourt retailers are introducing floor and shelf banners advertising…

The briefing introduces the Cities Households Necessities Spending Index. The index ranks 1,075 cities by household expenditure on non-discretionary items, namely food, housing, and clothing and footwear. This analysis focuses on 160 major cities.…

The tax on all sweetened beverages was removed at the end of March 2023, with the Ministry of Health requiring retailers to lower prices within three days of the tax being removed. The removal of the tax led to the lowering of prices in the…

Vimto (from Aujan Industries Co Ltd) continues to lead liquid concentrates and concentrates overall in Saudi Arabia. The brand saw the launch of Vimto Cordial Zero in 2022, which is sugar-free and contains zero calories, alongside containing no…

Demand for both powder concentrates and liquid concentrates has been declining in the United Arab Emirates for several years. General health awareness and concerns around sugar consumption are discouraging local consumers from purchasing these…

Prime energy drink entered the Israeli market in 2023. Due to its popularity on TikTok, the drink has been very popular from the start. The strong role of social media in the brand’s expansion – and, indeed, its development, in which the YouTube…

Sales of energy drinks continue to decline in off-trade volume terms. Energy drinks incur a 100% “sin tax” in Saudi Arabia, while there are also other initiatives and restrictions aimed at discouraging the consumption of such products with the…

Energy drinks in the United Arab Emirates are often marketed using images depicting young adult consumers as enthusiastic, fit, smart and adventurous. This type of advertising can attract children and teenagers, who are becoming increasingly…

Slower growth, surging inflation, rising geopolitical risks and an accelerating deglobalisation trend are factors shaping the global economic, financial and trade landscape in 2022 and beyond. Despite the challenges, there are opportunities for…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. In 2023, global inflation is expected to ease from its peak in 2022, but remaining significantly above-trend. Geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market are…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. Global inflation is reaching a peak, although geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market remain key risks. The impact varies between countries, with…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…