MARKET SNAPSHOT
- The food industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region offers strong potential for growth in chilled food products, mainly due to a high average population growth (2%), a large youth population base, a large expatriate population in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, increasing per capita income, and high consumer expenditure on food. Furthermore, increasing westernization and changing lifestyles, including a growing number of women entering the workforce, are accelerating the region's demand for ready-to-eat food and fast food restaurants.
- Restaurants are the major source of entertainment for families in this market. Consequently, the food franchise business has grown in the MENA region, particularly in Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia.
