Size of the Opportunity
The food and beverage sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar & Oman) is experiencing rapid growth, presenting numerous opportunities for exporters.

In 2024, the GCC food and beverage market is projected to reach a value of $94.5 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. This growth is expected to continue between 2024 and 2029, with the market reaching $135.5 billion by 2029(a CAGR of 4.39%).


Market Saturation
Market saturation relates to the level a product has been ‘maximized’ in market (there is no room for growth within the category). Saudi Arabia (the GCC’s largest market) has significant room for growth across all of its categories in F&B. Market saturation remains very low, operating at 25% saturation across all consumer goods categories. Companies who are able to successfully navigate entry to Saudi Arabia are well positioned to leverage the opportunity of an ‘empty marketplace’.


First Mover Advantage
However, it is still difficult for companies to take first mover advantage, due to the difficult laws regarding registration and importation of products into the GCC markets. With Arabic labelling, often difficult to navigate government portals, GCC retailers have taken it upon themselves to assist companies in taking their first leap into the UAE market.


Utilizing Retailers Sourcing Arms
Retailers across the UAE and the wider GCC have developed sophisticated international supply chains that allow brands from all across the world to participate in some of the world’s fastest growing markets easily. Companies such as Lulu Group & Spinneys have overseas sourcing hubs located in the UK. This allows UK companies to easily transfer stock to their retail partners without having to sticker, ship or manage logistics. Therefore, making the GCC market more accessible to foreign brands.


Case Study
The BCB was approached by a company in North Cornwall looking to expand its beverage brand into the Middle East. The BCB arranged meetings with buyers in retail across the UAE. This company then worked with the local buyer located in the UK of the UAE based retail chain, Spinneys. After seven months of assistance with labelling and translation, they have now successfully launched in Spinneys across the UAE. This order led to repeat orders of hundreds of thousands of pounds in revenue.

Author – Tristan Hawkey