Understanding Food & Beverage Service. In the UAE, food and beverage service is a huge industry. The country has a population of 9.6 million people and high per capita income, which means there is a huge demand for food. This industry includes street food, restaurants, and large and small hotels. According to Euro monitor International, the demand for fresh food is projected to grow by 8.3% between 2016 and 2020.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The job description for the Food and Beverage Service Director includes several responsibilities. It includes maintaining market awareness and attending daily operations meetings. The manager is also responsible for ensuring that all staff members report on time. The supervisor also monitors the financial performance of the restaurant. The supervisor ensures that the budget is within the prescribed limit and that the expenditures are in line with the established per stocks. He or she will also oversee the storage and use of the operating equipment and supplies, and ensures that the outlets are kept in hygienic condition.
Job description for food and beverage service in Dubai, UAE, shows that a person in this position is responsible for anticipating the needs of guests and ensuring that they are satisfied with their services. Throughout the day, the job holder will be responsible for providing food and beverage service, as well as other service functions.
The Director of Food and Beverage is responsible for the overall management of the Food and Beverage outlets at a hotel or a resort. He is also responsible for training the team, ensuring that the strategy for the department is adhered to and that customers are treated with outstanding service. A Director of Food and Beverage will be responsible for ensuring that monthly revenue forecasts are met, while also ensuring that day-to-day operations are run efficiently. The Director of Food and Beverage will also be responsible for developing the menu with the help of the other members of the Food and Beverage department.
A Food and Beverage Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire Food and Beverage operation at a hotel, resort, or museum. He or she must be hands-on with customers, and constantly look for ways to improve the quality of the food and beverage that the establishment offers. The Food and Beverage Manager should also have a thorough knowledge of international cuisine and cooking methods. He or she should also be a team player and be very close to the employees.
DEMAND FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICES:
Demand for food and beverage services in the UAE will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9 per cent over the period 2019-2022. Rising health awareness and preference for quality food and beverages will be key growth drivers. Sales of baked items and dairy products are also expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% during this period.
The food and beverage industry is one of the most lucrative and fastest-growing sectors in the UAE. The UAE is home to a diverse population, making it a desirable place for regional and international companies to enter the market. It is estimated that food and beverage expenditure in the UAE will reach US$ 44.5 billion by 2023. This is primarily driven by rising health awareness and the increasing importance of product differentiation in the market. Online food ordering platforms have also contributed to the growth of this industry, since they offer a more convenient service.
Growing disposable income, urban living, and evolving consumer preferences are all contributing factors to the growth of the food and beverage industry in the UAE. In addition, a lack of recreational options in the UAE has also created a market opportunity for the food and beverage sector. Emiratis are increasingly visiting foodservice channels to spend quality time with their families. The UAE offers a wide range of international cuisines and there are many food trucks and food stalls available in the country.
COMPETITIVENESS OF THE INDUSTRY:
Due to high disposable incomes and an urban lifestyle, the UAE food and beverage service industry has seen strong growth in recent years. However, the market has also remained competitive and difficult for new entrants to thrive. Some of the challenges include high rents, high staff turnover, and price-sensitive consumers. This has resulted in a highly saturated market.
According to a recent report by KPMG, the food and beverage service industry in the UAE is experiencing a significant amount of competition. In 2018, there were 11,813 restaurants in Dubai, which was a 9.7 percent increase over the previous year. Another challenge for traditional restaurants is the rising popularity of food delivery. This segment helps restaurants reach a wider customer base and offers discounts and offers. While this segment is growing rapidly, it is also hurting smaller restaurants in major cities.
In order to stay competitive, the food and beverage service industry in the UAE must be dynamic and meet the needs of discerning consumers. In recent years, some companies have shut down underperforming outlets and exited struggling brands. At the same time, restauranteurs have improved various aspects of their operations. Among these aspects, organizational agility, market relevance, efficiency, and financial monitoring are some of the key factors that must be considered to stay competitive.
The UAE has a growing population and per capita income, and as a result, there has been an increase in demand for food and beverage products. There are several opportunities in the market, including halal meat, green tea, organic food, and coffee. The food industry in the UAE is expected to grow by 4.6 percent this year and by 6.2 percent over the next five years.
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ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:
Mrs. Francine Noronha
HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT TRAINER
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Mumbai University.
Seasoned Hospitality professional, working in UAE for the last 10years.