Caterer Middle East this month launched its first ever comprehensive F&B industry survey, collecting key market information for its readers.

Each month, the regional survey will collect data — anonymously — from a range of chefs, outlet managers and F&B director from across the Middle East.

A summary of the findings will be published every month, exclusively in Caterer, while every survey participant will receive a full breakdown of the data collected.

The industry statistics page will make its print debut in the April issue, bringing together information on key produce price fluctuations; business performance including year-on-year expenditure and revenue comparisons; and ideas on how to streamline operations during the downturn.

Commenting on the survey, Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Media City F&B outlets manager Faycal Ouaissa said the information would be “very beneficial” to the F&B sector.

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“We don’t know much of what’s going on in the industry in terms of market movement from one period to another; the same goes for market trends and consumer preferences,” he conceded. “We still base our studies on our own experiences, but this is not effective as the market style is changing on a regular basis.

“Sometimes we benchmark using competitor checks, but at the end of the day this is just sharing the same experience among ourselves — none of the information is actually solid and based on facts. So a survey like this, with regular reports, will be invaluable,” he asserted.

Emirates’ Harbour Hotel and Residence executive chef Chris Baker added: “More information and industry statistics can only be a good thing.

“Caterer’s decision to conduct a monthly trade index survey will help the industry to compare notes; if we can quantify what trends and issues are effecting the sector, potentially helping us to gauge what is happening around Dubai as well as elsewhere in the UAE and across the region, the subsequent analysis will enable us all to be better prepared for what could happen in the months ahead.”

The Caterer survey is currently live online but will close on Monday March 23. If you wish to take part, please visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=OBb9fyfhSQl9uD_2b9bn1_2bVQ_3d_3d