Bon Appétit! The Most Influential Trends Shaping The F&B Sector

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) From neighbourhood cafés to supermarket shelves, the way we eat and drink is evolving at a remarkable speed. Changing lifestyles built around convenience, rising health awareness, and a renewed love for social dining are redefining the food and beverage landscape across the UAE and beyond.

Here is a closer look at the trends transforming the F&B landscape and how we, at the Food & Beverage Division of Galadari Brothers, are adapting and evolving alongside them.

Eat healthy, live healthy

Across the planet, more and more people are paying attention to what they eat and drink. Lower sugar, reduced fat, and high-protein options are becoming increasingly easier to find in everyday cafés and restaurants. Don't be surprised to find a“Low Carb Chicken Wrap” in our Halla Shawarma stores, the fastest-growing shawarma concept within the region.

Balanced choices still need to deliver on flavour and satisfaction. Consumers still want food that feels indulgent and satisfying. As a result, brands are offering“better-for-you” versions of popular favourites, from vegan desserts to plant-based meat and food, and refreshing drinks designed to boost energy or hydration.

Social dining cafés

Cafés have become much more than places to grab just a coffee. They are social hubs, workspaces, and meeting points. Aesthetic interiors, comfortable seating, and inviting ambience are now as important as what's on the menu. We recently launched“Cool Mood Café” in the UAE, our latest offering within our homegrown café concept.

Specialty coffee continues to grow in popularity, with customers showing greater interest in how their coffee is sourced and brewed. At the same time, dessert cafés and all-day dining concepts are thriving, especially among younger consumers.

Think global, act local

Traditional and local ingredients are enjoying a modern revival. Trendy“wildly inventive” flavours and limited-edition releases are used to stimulate interest and social sharing. Within the Middle Eastern region, dates, cardamom, saffron, tahini, and rose are appearing in creative new ways, from drinks and desserts to bakery items and packaged foods.

Rather than replacing international cuisine, these flavours are being blended with global ideas, offering familiar tastes with a fresh twist. For example, at our Baskin-Robbins stores last year, we launched“Baklawa” flavoured ice cream during the Holy month of Ramadan. This renewed appreciation for local ingredients reflects a growing sense of regional pride.

Convenience ruling the roost

Today's consumers are seeking fast, easy and reliable methods to order food. Ordering food online is now second nature for many households. Mobile apps, numerous delivery platforms, the rapid growth of cloud kitchens, takeaway and drive-through options and contactless payments have made dining more convenient than ever. In the post-COVID era, brands like Baskin-Robbins rapidly scaled their home delivery sales. Previously, ice cream was never even considered a delivery-friendly product.

Restaurants are also using technology behind the scenes to manage menus, reduce food waste, and improve service. For customers, this means smoother experiences, faster service, and more personalised offers.

Digital transformation and technology integration

Technology isn't just a buzzword; it's reshaping every part of the F&B value chain.

Digital transformation is no longer optional. It is now fundamental to how the industry operates. Artificial intelligence now supports everything from demand forecasting and inventory management to culinary innovation and personalised/geo-targeted marketing campaigns. Blockchain and IoT technological advancements are being used for traceability, food safety, and supply-chain transparency.

Restaurants and foodservice operators are also leveraging data to tailor menus to local tastes and manage labour more efficiently. Contactless ordering, AI-assisted kitchens, and smart logistics systems are optimising operations in a landscape marked by tight margins and labour shortages. Self-ordering kiosks are in vogue. Most recently, at the Food & Beverage Division of Galadari Brothers, we have invested heavily in digital transformation to stay ahead of the curve and transform our business interests.

Premiumisation and affordable indulgence coexist

Economic pressures have made consumers more value-sensitive, but they are still willing to spend on perceived quality. This has created a paradox: shoppers are stepping back from indulgent splurges in some categories yet increasingly opting for affordable luxuries – premium products that elevate everyday moments without breaking the bank. Baskin-Robbins launched various ice cream products (sundaes, sticks, cakes and shakes), under the“Dubai Chocolate” edition at very affordable price points, which became a major hit among consumers.

The result? Growth in premium ready-to-drink beverages, gourmet convenience foods, and elevated home cooking solutions that rival restaurant-quality experiences.

Sustainability – emerging focus area

Awareness around sustainability is growing steadily across the region. Brands are working to reduce food waste, use recyclable packaging, and support local producers. Keeping“sustainability” as a priority, Baskin-Robbins has shifted to glass bottles (from plastic cups) to deliver their signature milk shakes.

Consumers may not always use the word“sustainability,” but they increasingly appreciate businesses that act responsibly and transparently.

The way forward

The F&B sector is and will be defined by consumers who are well-travelled and digitally connected yet deeply rooted in cultural identity. It means more choice, better quality, and dining experiences that fit modern lifestyles. For brands, success will lie in striking the right balance: offering food that feels both wholesome and indulgent, blending local relevance with global standards, delivering convenience without compromising on experience, and using technology to enhance rather than replace human connection.

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