Consumer surveys on dining habits in the country gained more appetite in the run-up to the Gulf a la Carte - the first trade exhibition in Abu Dhabi dedicated to those who create and manage restaurants, clubs and cafes.

According to survey results released this week by Table Talk, the bi-weekly industry newsletter of Gulf a la Carte; 78% of UAE residents eat out up to twice a week.

Of 592 respondents based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, nearly 75% said they usually eat out up to twice a week for social and family gatherings and 3% said they eat out daily. The results of the Table Talk survey demonstrate that eating out has become an everyday part of our lives because it is convenient, affordable and gives an opportunity to spend quality time with friends. It is no longer reserved solely for special occasions," said Maggie Moore, Event Director, Gulf a la Carte.

Scheduled from 21 to 23 November 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), Gulf a la Carte has been termed as the event for everyone involved in creating and managing restaurants, clubs and cafes.

"As eating out is becoming increasingly popular in the UAE, the food and beverage service sector can look forward to increased ROI," Moore said, adding that UAE is currently host to some 11,000 stand alone restaurants, and this figure is expected to increase by over 500 per year. In addition, there are 216 hotels due to be developed in the UAE over the next few years. These hotels alone will add another 650 - 700 food and beverage outlets.

Good food and beverage is the most popular reason behind choosing at an outlet, 49.5% of respondents were influenced by taste and quality of the food. Good value for money was rated higher than good service; with nearly 27% of respondents opting for restaurants that offer food worth the price paid.

According to Stefan Breg, CEO of food and beverage creative agency Tribes, "The food and beverage sector needs to keep up with the way people are using social media today, so that they don’t miss out on related revenue." The fact that only 6.8% of respondents to the Table Talk survey were influenced in their choice of new restaurants by social media would support Berg’s claim. Gulf a la Carte will be hosting Sales and Marketing clinics to address these issues in detail.

"The food and beverage service sector has the potential for exponential growth going forward as the consumer base expands with population increase, the rise in the number of tourists in the region and consumers generally choosing to eat out more frequently as well", concluded Moore.

 

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