BREAK THROUGH INTO THE MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East is a promising market for F&B, thanks to the diverse and affluent population keen to try out new products.

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Konstantinos Apostolou

Foodservice Management

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MARKET ENTRY

MARKET EXPANSION

INNOVATION

Unique Characteristics

Middle East

A diverse and growing consumer base of locals and expats, with fast-growing disposable income

Import

80-90% of food is imported

Increased government support

Improved food security, safety, sustainability, and infrastructure

Rich food traditions

In tandem with growing interest in modern formats and experiences

Challenges of the Middle East

Complex market which needs a strong understanding of consumers, social norms, and local cultures

Language can be a barrier, despite English being the standard language for business

Finding a local sponsor or partner

The GourmetPro Difference

Discover the Flavor of Opportunity

Home to some of the wealthiest countries, the Middle East is a fascinating and promising market for food and drink businesses, especially since the region is heavily dependent on food imports and has a diverse population keen to try out new products. Across the region, governments are looking at increasing self-reliance on food through modernization and tech-forward innovations, opening up several opportunities for different types of F&B players.

Savor Success with GourmetPro Experts

Experience and local expertise are invaluable in these situations. That's where our GourmetPro Collective of experts comes in. Each of our local experts has decades of experience spanning every aspect of the food and beverage industry, just to help you craft an effective growth strategy for market entry, expansion, or innovation in each step of your journey.

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Sascha Dutta

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Markets:

Sascha is a Marketing & Social Media Strategy Consultant with a wealth of experience managing marketing projects in the UK and internationally.

Previously at:

PepsiCo, Terry's Chocolate Orange, Shell International, High Wycombe, Henkel, AB World Foods Ltd.

Ryan Varga-Clark

Operations / Supply Chain

Markets:

Ryan is a highly skilled leader with extensive experience in multi-billion-dollar businesses on a global platform. With over ten years in the international arena, he has launched and managed multi-national projects across the MENA markets, Turkey, UK, Kazakhstan, and Russia. As the Business Head at Emirates Group, Ryan transformed the Hospitality and Catering Business Unit from a negative 30% to profit in six months. Previously, as the Director of Strategic Procurement, Culinary, and Manufacturing at Americana Group, he managed over 2,000 restaurants, established NPD and culinary functions, and oversaw teams across four production sites. Ryan is a valuable asset for companies aiming to boost commercial and operational activities in the GCC region.

Previously at:

Pickl., Transguard Group, Kilcoy Global Foods, Americana Group , Alghanim Industries, M. H. Alshaya Co.

Jim White

Commercial

Markets:

Jim has extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development in international F&B markets.

Previously at:

Merchant 138, SAMBAZON, Future Farm, MONIN, IFFCO, McCormick & Company

Konstantinos Apostolou

PR / Media

Market Intelligence

Markets:

Konstantinos, an accomplished executive, excels in end-to-end marketing and high-profile budget management, consistently improving market share.

Previously at:

WB Technologies, IKEA, Al Sayer Franchising Company, M. H. Alshaya Co.

Denis Boursier

Commercial

Market Intelligence

Product Innovation

Markets:

With three decades in the food and beverage industry, Denis has consistently driven organizational transformation and performance excellence. His strategic leadership has led to customer-centric growth, market expansion, and successful brand introductions in competitive landscapes. Denis is renowned for his expertise in strategic planning, marketing innovation, and business development, evident in his successful setup of sales and marketing operations in Paris, Hong Kong, and New York. Beyond his consultancy, Denis indulges in flying as a private pilot, showcasing his penchant for detailed planning and precise execution.

Previously at:

Denis Boursier Conseil, FRUITS UNION SAS, STORCK, SARA LEE H&BC, Les vergers Boiron

Lorenzo Livi

Commercial

Market Intelligence

Markets:

Lorenzo is an accomplished Senior Executive with a proven track record in leading profitable businesses globally. He brings strategic vision and exemplary leadership honed through roles at multinational firms like Ferrero, Danone, Lactalis, and Nestlé. With expertise spanning marketing, export strategy, retail, wholesalers, business development, trade marketing, and consultancy, Lorenzo thrives in international environments, driving forward business development initiatives with a results-oriented approach. His comprehensive skill set includes Global Brand Management, Controlling, Innovation Development, Marketing Mix Optimization, Advertising Strategy, Market Research, Multimedia Communication, Brand/Range Rationalization, P&L Optimization, Export, and Operational Planning, reflecting my profound understanding of the FMCG sector.

Previously at:

Ferrero, Danone, LACTALIS, Nestle, Solico-Kalleh Group

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