Middle East

Store cards remained non-existent in Israel in 2021. No retailers have expressed a strong interest in offering these types of financial cards. Moreover, there is currently no indication that store cards will emerge in the country at any point during…

The number of street stalls/kiosks outlets in Israel has significantly increased since 2021. , re:bar and B Fresh have enjoyed significant growth in recent years, due to the health and wellness trend, which received a notable boost from the…

The COVID-19 crisis had a very strong negative impact on the performance of street stalls/kiosks in Saudi Arabia. Both chained and independent street stalls/kiosks recorded big declines in foodservice value sales and the number of transactions as…

Street stalls/kiosks in the United Arab Emirates, severely impacted by the pandemic and related restrictions in 2020, continued to recover across all indicators in 2023. As the United Arab Emirates eased all COVID-19 restrictions in September 2022,…

The briefing explores structural drivers of inflation and their impact on the global economy and business environment. Factors such as demographics changes, globalisation reset, decarbonisation, AI revolution and higher debt levels would add to the…

Although there are many initiatives to reduce sugar consumption, demand for sugar and sweeteners continues to grow in the United Arab Emirates. Sweets and desserts are culturally important in the United Arab Emirates, as they are often associated…

Sugar confectionery is expected to see current value growth in 2024. In 2023, the price of sugar globally increased significantly. This inevitably had a direct impact on the sugar confectionery category, as one of the main ingredients in products in…

Sugar confectionery in Saudi Arabia continues to register healthy growth in retail volume and current value terms. In addition to economic factors, including an easing inflation rate and an increase in the rate of employment, sales are being driven…

Indulgence serves as the primary growth driver for sugar confectionery in the United Arab Emirates, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and lifestyles. Local consumers are inclined to treat themselves with confectionery that offers moments of…

Sun care recorded current value growth in 2023. While having tanned skin is considered desirable amongst local consumers, the increasing awareness of the negative effects of exposure to the sun on skin has led to growing demand for self-tanning…

There is limited demand for sun care in Saudi Arabia, with sun protection accounting for the bulk of retail volume sales. While the local climate is very hot and the sun is strong – the Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the Kingdom –…

Although demand for sun care in the United Arab Emirates continued to improve in 2023, the category’s overall penetration of the local market remained fairly low. This is due to the rise of the “skinification” trend, stemming from consumers' desire…

In 2024, travellers from China have fully resumed their activities due to the easing of restrictions in the country, including a return to the United Arab Emirates. This is helping to boost demand for luxury sunglasses in the United Arab Emirates, as…

Supermarkets in Israel saw greater value growth in 2023 compared to the previous year, which is partly attributed to shifts in the competitive landscape through the arrival of new players. For example, as discussed in discounters, we are seeing the…

Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are seeking healthier food options. Supermarkets in Saudi Arabia are looking to respond to this by offering a wider range of organic, natural, and locally sourced products. They are also providing more…

Numerous supermarket chains in the United Arab Emirates continued their expansion efforts in 2023, with notable contributions from LuLu Supermarket, Grandiose Supermarket, and Spar. LuLu Supermarket aims to strategically expand into smaller store…

Increased economic uncertainty, digitisation of business activities, the need to improve operational efficiency, and stricter regulations encourage companies to review their supply networks and fortify them against the potential risks in the future.…