Middle East

Kuwait’s hot climate, fast pace of life and unpotable drinking water present strong opportunities for soft drinks players. However, the health and wellness trend, and particularly rising concern over the country’s rates of obesity and diabetes, have…

2023 saw pressure on demand for soft drinks ease as the re-dollarisation of the Lebanese pound, rising remittances and buoyant inbound arrivals, spurred by returning expatriates, pushed volume growth. On-trade growth was especially strong as the…

In 2023, soft drinks in Oman have shown resilience post COVID-19. Soft drinks, including bottled water and juices, have rebounded positively, aligning with the resurgence of social events. Health and wellness trends continue to shape preferences,…

In 2023, demand for soft drinks in Qatar was fuelled by the constant stream of high profile events, which drove on- and off-trade sales. However, there was a dip in demand, following strong off-trade increases and the rebound in on-trade sales in…

Sales of soft drinks have continued to see healthy growth in retail volume and value terms in 2023, with sales benefiting from a booming economy. Furthermore, the country’s hot climate means there is a constant demand for soft drinks. Saudi Arabia…

Demand for soft drinks in the United Arab Emirates (in both off-trade and on-trade channels) is growing in 2023, despite global economic challenges. The purchasing power of most local consumers remains high, as a major proportion of the population…

The introduction of the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Saudi Arabia, which came into force on 1 December 2019, has had a notable influence on beverage companies' packaging strategies, particularly evident in the sizes of packs utilised by…

Sustainability is becoming a key focus for both manufacturers and consumers in soft drinks in the United Arab Emirates. Recycled bottles and reduced waste are core topics within the industry. Following global trends, players have started to launch…

Within spectacles in the United Arab Emirates, spectacle lenses remains the strongest performer. Progressive lenses are increasingly sought after for their smooth transition between vision zones, addressing diverse visual needs. Single vision lenses…

Spirits saw a slight rise in volume sales in Israel in 2023. The locally produced spirits market has been growing in recent years. Milk & Honey (M&H) whisky won an international award in the World Whiskies Awards 2023 for having the World's Best…

For the first time since 2020 at the height of the pandemic, off-trade outpaced on-trade within spirits in the United Arab Emirates, both in terms of volume and value growth. The channel was supported by the easier process of obtaining an alcohol…

The tax on all sweetened beverages was withdrawn at the end of March 2023 and the Ministry of Health required retailers to lower prices within three days of the tax being removed. The removal of the tax, which was marketed as lowering the cost of…

The Saudi government is focusing on promoting sports across the Kingdom with it aiming to encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles through its Quality of Life programme, which is one of its Vision 2030 initiatives. It is paying great attention…

Sports drinks in the United Arab Emirates remains a young category with further high growth potential following its dynamic performance in 2022 and 2023. The concept of fitness, increasingly integrated into consumers’ lifestyles, has only emerged…