Market Trends of Middle-East and Africa Paper Cups Industry
Quick Service Restaurants to Witness the Growth
- The fast food and quick service restaurant business in the Middle East is expected to expand significantly over the forecast period. The market's expansion is primarily fueled by shifting consumer preferences as well as an increase in the number of working populations. Eating out is a relatively common activity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where there are often few entertainment options.
- More than a third of mall patrons come just for the food, not to shop. Most quick-service restaurants use disposable paper cups for hot and cold beverages. Therefore, there is a rapid demand for paper cups across the region. New roads and airports, malls, parks, and entertainment centers across the Middle East also allow numerous food and beverage chains to open. Also, frequent travel on the road spikes the demand for fast and ready-to-eat food and beverages.
- Notably, international companies with significant operating revenues in the area include Domino's Pizza Inc., McDonald's Corp., and KFC Inc. For instance, in December 2022, AlamarFoods, the franchisee for Domino's across the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, Egypt, and Morocco, successfully established its 600th location in Dubai. With the rising demand for quick-service restaurants, the proportional demand for beverages would increase the need for paper cups in the region.
- Numerous cafes and restaurants have focused more on curbside pickup or carryout only. Some stores reduced their in-store capacity and established inventive delivery options to ensure food delivery during the lockdowns. The food and beverage industry is anticipated to significantly increase demand for paper cup solutions. This is mainly because of the growing need for hygiene products that have made the paper a viable packaging material.
- The region's café and tea shop industry appears poised for expansion. Traditional tea shops have been around for a while, but young Middle Eastern urbanites and foreigners seek more cafés with a Western aesthetic. Cafés are places where one can hang out with friends or work on a computer while using free Wi-Fi, just like full-service restaurants and fast-food restaurants.
Saudi Arabia to Hold Major Market Share
- The paper cup market in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow significantly due to increased travel. The rising use of social media has exposed a significant proportion of Saudi society to Western culture. Technology and increasingly relaxed social norms are leading to emerging freedom of choice. This benefits food service by expanding the consumer base, boosting sales, and driving transaction volume growth.
- The airline industry's increased demand for prepared foods and beverages, labor camps, the military, hospitals, universities, schools, Umrah/Hajj, and catering for weddings and other celebrations are key factors. Demand for packaged foods and beverages is growing, and more multinational companies are entering the market.
- Local consumers are becoming increasingly selective in their desire for more unique experiences. The increased focus on experience is shifting from Fast Food to Fast Casual formats as consumers attach increased weight to a quality experience rather than just convenience.
- The market is expected to grow due to the high demand for home delivery. It is increasingly common for food to be delivered to workplaces across Saudi Arabia. Also, as the range of entertainment and sporting venues increases in line with the aims of Vision 2030, so will the demand for food delivery to those attending events in public spaces.