The Brief / Startups A N A LY S I S
operators as well as alternative concepts like Airbnb and HomeAway, as our propositions are different. For example, with events such as Expo, there will be a definitive stress on business amenities and services, and this is something we will double-down on over the next few months. For large groups, such as national contingents, a hotel offers more flexibility and ease and a better network of suppliers for tours, meetings and leisure experiences. There will always be new players in the hospitality industry, and this is something we welcome as it keeps us constantly innovating. Although technology has taken hospitality out of the realm of hotels and introduced new players like Airbnb, it has also helped us streamline and tailor our services.
QR code menus are now popular at several F&B outlets
Lastly, what are the future trends set to reshape the regional hospitality landscape?
Technology will continue to impact the way we travel and stay in hotels. For guests, the brand proposition is as much about the booking experience, marketing, and app functionality, as it is about the hotel destination and hallmarks. For owners, our offering is as much about our ability to create revenue advantages through data and technology, as it is about our scale and expertise. In response to the challenges of Covid-19, we have used our investment in cloud-based technology to accelerate the rollout of digital enhancements that support safe and secure guest experiences and reduce unnecessary contact. This includes applying QR code menus in all our F&B establishments, the global rollout of mobile check in/check out and piloting other mobile-enabled improvements such as inroom dining orders and real-time Pay-With-Points.
A N A LY S I S
Growing fitter
The healthy snack market is gaining greater traction, writes Zainab Mansoor
H
ealth-conscious consumers are keen to make viable food choices, which in turn has influenced the snack market. A rise in challenges related to sedentary lifestyles and the recent Covid-19 pandemic have also raised awareness about the importance of healthy eating, incentivising people across the region to become more cognisant of what they consume. The UAE has been witnessing increasing demand for nutritious food and organic produce in recent years amid rising incidence rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a report by Alpen Capital revealed. “In 2019, consumption of natural food products in the country increased by approximately 10 per cent,
gulfbusiness.com
while consumption of organic products and free products (such as free-range eggs) increased by around 20 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.” Consumers scouring for healthy eating options has paved the way for F&B operators and entrepreneurs to unlock massive opportunities within this space. Dubai-based children’s healthy snack brand Koala Picks was launched in October 2019 to promote healthy lifestyle habits for families, with products ranging from healthy sweet and savoury snacks to breakfast and baking items. “We are parents and we were struggling to find healthy snacks for our children. A lot of the options that kids are surrounded with have high levels of
processed sugar, artificial preservatives and colours, which are all detrimental to their health,” notes Ahmed Mobasher, co-founder of Koala Picks. “Therefore, we decided to address the problem and launch a brand that makes accessible, innovative and delicious snacks from only natural ingredients. Furthermore, all our snacks are approved by our nutritionist to ensure proper nutritional balance between the ingredients.” While some consumers have started seeking out healthy options for their children, greater awareness is required among parents, explains Mobasher. “We are reaching out to both as our purpose is to inspire our entire community to embrace a healthy eating lifestyle.” The company recently raised Dhs1.5m in its first investment round to support its growth. “So far we are focused only on the UAE. The opportunities are plenty and they require focus, discipline, and execution. Eventually after exploring these options and putting more systems in place to support our growth, we will expand our presence into neighbouring countries,” adds Mobasher. With growing product offerings and greater consumer awareness, the healthy snack industry appears primed for a healthy growth path.
October 2021
11
