Indian cuisine was one of the cuisine types within other retail channels, along with Arab and Middle Eastern cuisines, according to GlobalData’s menu intelligence database. In its menu analysis of other retail in UAE report, GlobalData analyses 4,775 menu items across other retail outlets and provides an overview of various foodservice channels in UAE. According to GlobalData, other retail makes up 1% of all restaurant types in UAE. Buy the report here.

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Vegetables was found to be the most-used ingredient in other retail establishments, featuring in 13% of menu items, followed by fruit and cheese. Herbs, Spices & Seasonings and chicken were also significant ingredients. An analysis of menu categories reveals that salads & sides, soft drinks, pasta & pizza, meal deals and combinations and sandwiches & wraps were most popular within the other retail format.

An analysis of the annual price change between 2023 and H1 2024 indicates that the average menu prices in UAE other retail channel have flat growth. Considering all channels (including other retail) the average price change was 0%. As on-premises dining gains momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic, the other retail segment in UAE is expected to experience overall growth. Moreover, the introduction of new menu items that emphasize health and wellness generates interest in those seeking nutritious menu options and greater variety.

Different restaurant types exhibited mixed price movements within UAE foodservice market between 2023 and H1 2024. Of all the restaurant types, venue exhibited highest price hike, while other retail experienced a price decrease.

An in-depth analysis of other retail price trends by location reveals consumption trends of each region. The graph below represents the change in other retail menu prices between 2023 and H1 2024 across the top five locations. As seen below, other retail menu items in Ajman became more affordable as compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

While consumers become more price conscious, operators look for ways to optimize their costs to retain margin and market share. In the UAE market, other retail operators rely on innovation as a crucial tactic to appeal to customers as well as optimize costs. As increasing number of consumers seek novel experiences, foodservice operators must continuously innovate their menu choices, providing superior taste and quality along with a diverse selection of dishes. Operators should highlight the distinctive tastes and flavors of their food and beverage offerings in a convenient format to enhance customer engagement.

To further understand and explore GlobalData’s insight into UAE other retail menu, buy the full report here.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article. 

GlobalData’s Online Menu Intelligence is a database of cost and profit foodservice operators on menus within Foodservice Intelligence Center. The tool’s several search options, such as cuisine, category, menu item, ingredient, and restaurant, help users to conduct focused searches in terms of price analysis (average price and change in prices), menu item claims, popular categories, cuisine/ingredient penetration levels, etc.