The trend for food ‘gourmetisation’ and a quest for new experiences is credited with the rise of F&B in retail. (John Moore/Getty Images) The trend for food ‘gourmetisation’ and a quest for new experiences is credited with the rise of F&B in retail. (John Moore/Getty Images)

Over the last decade, F&B operators have increased the amount of floorspace they take up in shopping centres from 7% to 15%, according to new research from services and investment management company JLL.

The increase in 'gourmet' food trends and a quest for new experiences is credited with the rise of F&B in retail.

JLL also predicts there will be more demand for Asian food operators as malls increasingly cater to customers from China and other Asian markets, who have significantly expanded their overseas travel footprint.

Andrew Williamson, national director - head of retail, JLL MENA, said: “The UAE is expecting to add over 1,000 additional F&B outlets by 2018.

"This will offers an opportunity in the market for home-grown and unique concepts catering to the diverse nationalities that live here and tourists.

"Walk through the Ripe Market on a Friday morning in Zabeel Park or the food trucks at Kite Beach and you can see the F&B diversity that is gaining a foothold in the UAE”.

 Jonathan Doughty, MD of Coverpoint, JLL’s food consulting business, commented: “In a new online world, experience is king and gastronomy will be the social glue that will hold retail spaces of the future together.

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"The rise in online sales means that consumers are looking for leisure and culinary experiences from their shopping centre visits as this is something that is still impossible to do online. Well-configured and complementary dining and drinking provision can add real diversity and vitality to major city markets worldwide, and can often boost consumers’ shopping experience and dwell time, as well as giving consumers a reason to keep coming back. This is only set to rise.”

For investors, retailers and landlords alike, this presents opportunity, as Robert Bonwell, EMEA CEO of Retail at JLL, explained: “The retail narrative at the moment is physical versus online, however the growth of food and beverage highlights the opportunity that exists for restaurants and food offerings that can tap into new eating and leisure trends.”