Yanni XU, currently the Leader of Freshippo Export Department, has previously served as Executive Assistant to the CEO, PMO, and the Leader of Global Sourcing Business. Prior to these roles, she worked at Alibaba, The Carlyle Group, and Bain & Company. With a focus on international business and operation management in internet companies, she also brings extensive experience in management consulting and investment sectors.
The Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, is attracting increasing attention from international brands due to its diverse culture and thriving consumer market. From 2024 to 2028, the region's food market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 4.39%. This year, market revenue is expected to reach $135.5 billion, with the largest segment being candies and snacks, projected to reach $23.1 billion. The retail market in the Middle East is rapidly developing, primarily consisting of large supermarket chains and convenience stores, showcasing a unique channel landscape. For food and beverage brands looking to enter this market, understanding the layout and operational modes of these retail channels is crucial.
1.Major Retail Channels and Their Characteristics: Introduce key retailers in the Middle East market, including large supermarkets like BinDawood, Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Spinneys, and analyze their market coverage and consumer demographics. Explore the advantages of convenience store chains in the region (such as 7-Eleven and Al Meera) and understand their roles in the fast-moving consumer goods market.
2. Localization and Market Adaptation Strategies: How should brands adjust their strategies based on consumer preferences in different countries (like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, etc.)? How do varying demands for halal certification and localized products influence the choice of retail channels? Discuss the necessity and challenges of collaborating with local distributors, and how brands can enhance market adaptability through local partners.
3.The Rise of E-commerce and Omnichannel Retail: What impact does the rise of e-commerce platforms in the Middle East (like Noon and Amazon.sa) have on traditional retail channels? How can online retail effectively complement brand market expansion? Explore the importance of omnichannel strategies in the Middle East market and how to combine online and offline advantages for broader market coverage.
4.Logistics and Supply Chain Considerations: What logistics and supply chain challenges do brands face when expanding in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE? How can they address food storage and distribution issues in the high-temperature environment of the Middle East? Discuss optimizing supply chains through localized warehousing and logistics networks to ensure product timeliness and quality.
5.Case Study: Analyze the channel selection strategies of some international brands (such as Nestlé and Coca-Cola) in the Middle East market and discuss how they achieved market share growth in the region.