Demand in the UAE's FandB sector to gain momentum.

Demand within the UAE's food and beverage sector is expected to gain momentum over the next three years, supported by the country's fast-growing population, rising number of tourists, and expanding halal food market, according to new analysis from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The analysis, based on recent data from Euromonitor International, projected fresh food sales in the UAE to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3 percent over the 2018-2021 period. Pineapples strawberries, bananas and tomatoes were identified as high-potential categories with these products expected to see CAGRs of 10.6 percent, 9.4 percent, 8.3 percent and 7.1 percent, respectively. Tea products were forecast to see a CAGR of 9.3 percent between 2018 and 2021, while a CAGR of 2.6 percent was predicted for coffee products over the same period.

Hassan Al Hashemi, vice president of International Relations at Dubai Chamber, noted that strong demand within the UAE's food and beverage sector is reflected in the number of growing number of companies that...