Food & Beverage

Announces New Targets For Development, Loyalty Membership, And Cloud Technology Targeting 50,000 restaurants by 2027; ushering in fastest period of growth in brand’s history Expanding one of the world’s largest loyalty programs from 150 million to 250 million 90-day active users by 2027 Connecting thousands of restaurants worldwide with Google Cloud technology to improve operations and customer & crew experience, beginning in 2024 Chicago, USA:   Today McDonald’s Corporation announces ambitious new growth targets to advance its Accelerating the Arches strategy. “As I’ve said before, there has never been a better time to be part of Brand McDonald’s. The McDonald’s System has demonstrated exceptional execution of our Accelerating the Arches strategy and is delivering tremendous results across our key growth pillars,” said McDonald’s President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski. “We have a clear trajectory for future growth as we continue to build on the brand strength, global footprint and digital ecosystem that have resulted in unparalleled competitive advantages and cemented McDonald’s as one of the world’s leading consumer-facing brands.” The Company continues to build relevance amongst customers through emotional connections and world class creative, which are central to the brand’s “Feel-Good Marketing” approach. Kantar recently named McDonald’s one of the world’s top five most valuable brands, driven by culturally relevant creativity that drives growth. It’s a recognition that speaks to the heart of McDonald’s iconic position as one of the world’s leading consumer-facing brands. The Raise Your Arches campaign demonstrated the brand’s efficiency and agility to create and scale award-winning campaigns that feed McDonald’s global fandom and inspire brand affinity. Originally developed in the U.K., the campaign was quickly picked up by more than 35 markets around the world. Another way in which McDonald’s connects with its customers is through personalized value and digital offers, like those available on the McDonald’s mobile app. McDonald’s is proud to be a destination of choice, and it continues to be recognized by customers with the number one position on Value and Affordability scores in the industry. Core menu items – like the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets and World-Famous Fries – are truly the core of this business, representing about 65% of Systemwide sales and driving profitable growth. Seventeen classic McDonald’s menu items are billion-dollar brands in their own right, beloved by customers around the world. Building on its historic strength with burgers, the Company continues to evolve and innovate around its longest-standing menu item with plans to deploy the Best Burger initiative to nearly all markets by 2026. All while the Company gains share in the rapidly growing chicken category, which it has highlighted as a significant opportunity. Today, the size of the Company’s chicken business is on par with beef, as the Company continues to aggressively expand through billion-dollar equities including McNuggets, McChicken, McCrispy and McSpicy. This includes plans to offer McCrispy in nearly all markets around the world by the end of 2025 and to expand McCrispy into wraps and tenders. These planned innovations and new menu offerings reflect the Company’s ability to test and scale quickly to serve customers. Double Down on the 4Ds: Digital, Delivery, Drive Thru and Development Digital With 150 million 90-day active users and over $20 billion in Systemwide sales to loyalty members, McDonald’s loyalty program is one of the largest in the world. Still, the Company plans to increase its active loyalty user base to 250 million 90-day active users and deliver $45 billion in annual Systemwide sales to loyalty members by 2027. Mobile ordering is a popular and growing choice for customers, with hundreds of millions of mobile orders recorded during the third quarter of 2023. To ensure McDonald’s restaurant teams are able to deliver the speed, convenience and freshness customers expect when they place a mobile order, the Company will expand its U.S. pilot of Ready On Arrival across its top six markets by 2025. This initiative enables crew members to begin assembling a customer’s mobile order prior to their arrival at the restaurant to expedite service and elevate customer satisfaction. Delivery With a massive global footprint and unmatched proximity to customers, McDonald’s has the industry’s largest delivery program globally – with 55,000 orders prepared and delivered to customers at any given moment. Customers can order delivery within the McDonald’s mobile app in five of the Company’s top markets and the Company is scaling this capability, expecting 30% of delivery orders to originate in its mobile app by 2027. Drive Thru McDonald’s is the largest drive thru player worldwide, with more than 27,000 drive thru locations. A first mover in locking down the best locations at attractive prices, McDonald’s network provides unmatched scale and convenience for customers. This competitive advantage in drive thru also presents significant opportunities for growth. Enhancements, such as improving the physical layout of the drive thru with additional lanes, creates additional capacity, which improves speed and efficiency and ultimately leads to sales growth and strong returns. Development As the Company previously announced, it will accelerate the pace of restaurant openings to fully capture the increased demand being driven through the M-C-D growth pillars. Today the Company announced it will continue to build on its industry-leading development progress by targeting expansion to 50,000 restaurants by the end of 2027. This will mark the fastest period of growth in Company history, with an expected run rate of 1,000 gross openings across the U.S. and International Operated Markets in 2027. Advancing Tech-Driven Solutions The Company’s technology strategy aims to leverage scale and unlock greater speed and efficiency for customers, restaurant teams, and employees. Today, McDonald’s and Google Cloud announced a strategic partnership to connect the latest cloud technology and apply generative AI solutions across its restaurants worldwide. This will help accelerate automation innovation from equipment manufacturers and allow restaurant general managers to quickly spot and enact solutions to reduce business disruptions. Overall, this will also reduce complexity for crew and lead to customer benefits such as hotter, fresher food. “We’re focused on making AI more helpful for everyone,

Mohamed Al Zain, CEO of Barns Café,KSA Dubai:   In a bold and visionary statement, Mohamed Al Zain, the CEO of Barns Coffee, has stated Saudi Arabia as the “Coffee Capital of the Middle East.” This proclamation comes as a testament to the rapid evolution of coffee culture within the Kingdom, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Mohamedl Al Zain was addressing the Barns Café annual Franchise Meeting in Jeddah, marking a significant event that brought together franchisees from across the country. This two-day event was filled with engaging presentations, insightful panel discussions, notable guest speakers, and valuable networking opportunities, underscoring the brand’s commitment to its franchise system. The meeting commenced with an exclusive factory visit, offering franchisees a unique opportunity to delve into the coffee production process. This educational tour covered everything from roasting and grinding beans to packaging, highlighting the diverse range of coffee beans and their contribution to the myriad flavors and aromas that Barns Café is known for. Day two of the event was equally engaging, featuring discussions led by Barns’ Leadership team on the state of the company. Franchisees received comprehensive insights from department leaders who shared relevant data and initiatives making significant impacts. The agenda also included guest speakers addressing timely industry topics, fostering an environment of learning and growth. A major highlight of the meeting was the Barns Franchisee Awards ceremony, which celebrated outstanding franchise operators in various categories. These awards recognized the exceptional achievements and contributions of franchisees to the Barns Café brand, further motivating the entire network. The Awakening of Saudi Arabia’s Coffee Culture Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a remarkable awakening of its coffee culture. With an increasing number of specialty coffee shops, a burgeoning interest in artisanal coffee, and a growing community of coffee enthusiasts, the Kingdom has undeniably become a central player in the global coffee industry. According to Mr. Al Zain, this transformation can be attributed to several key factors, all of which have contributed to Saudi Arabia’s newfound status as the “Coffee Capital” of the Middle East.   Coffee in Saudi Culture: A Timeless Tradition One of the fundamental reasons behind this transformation is the deeply rooted appreciation for coffee within Saudi Arabian culture. Coffee has played an integral role in Saudi hospitality for centuries. The traditional Arabic coffee ritual, involving the preparation and serving of Arabic coffee, serves as a symbol of warmth, generosity, and tradition. It is an essential part of welcoming guests and forging connections, reflecting the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian coffee, also known as “Gahwa,” is prepared by boiling ground coffee beans on the stove and adding some spices such as cloves and cardamom. It is served in a golden dallah (a traditional Arabian coffee pot) and poured into small handle-less cups. The host continues pouring the coffee as long as the guest desires. The Saudi people’s love for coffee is evident in their daily lives, from the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through homes to the bustling coffeehouses where friends and colleagues gather for conversations over a cup of the rich, aromatic brew. Coffee, in its various forms, has become a cherished aspect of Saudi culture, and this cultural connection has significantly contributed to the Kingdom’s emergence as a coffee powerhouse. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched Saudi Coffee Company in May 2022 – which is investing $319 million over the next ten years to support the growth of the national coffee industry – from production to consumption. The government is especially focused on developing arabica coffee production in the southern Jazan region, aiming to boost annual yields from 800 to 2,500 tonnes. Coffee from Saudi Arabia shares similar attributes with the highly-regarded Yemeni coffee, which is located on the other side of the border. The Specialty Coffee Revolution A pivotal factor in Saudi Arabia’s rise as a coffee capital is the Specialty Coffee Revolution. The Kingdom has witnessed a surge in specialty coffee shops and roasteries, introducing a diverse range of flavors and brewing methods to coffee enthusiasts. These establishments focus on quality, sourcing premium coffee beans from around the world, and roasting them to perfection. The Specialty Coffee Revolution in Saudi Arabia has not only elevated the standards of coffee but has also attracted global attention. Coffee professionals and entrepreneurs from various corners of the world are increasingly drawn to the Kingdom, recognizing the immense potential and growing demand for exceptional coffee experiences. The Role of Barns Coffee Barns Coffee, a prominent player in the Saudi coffee industry, has been a catalyst in this coffee revolution. Founded on a commitment to providing premium coffee products and fostering a thriving coffee culture, Barns Coffee has played an instrumental role in reshaping the coffee landscape in Saudi Arabia. Under the visionary leadership of Mohamed Al Zain, CEO of Barns Coffee, the company has set high standards in coffee sourcing, roasting, and education. Barns Coffee’s dedication to sourcing the finest coffee beans from renowned coffee-growing regions, combined with its state-of-the-art roasting facilities, has positioned it as a leading name in the industry. Barns Coffee stands out not only for its exceptional coffee products but also for its commitment to educating the public about the art and science of coffee. The company conducts workshops, seminars, and events that aim to raise awareness about coffee quality, brewing techniques, and the overall coffee experience. Saudi Arabian Halal coffee chain Barn has announced international expansion plans and is targeting 1,000 stores globally by 2030. Founded in 1992 by the Al Amjaad Group, Barn’s currently operates more than 550 stores across Saudi Arabia.   The Jeddah-based company is planning to focus on drive-thru stores and smaller format sites, with initial international expansion likely to target fellow Middle East and Global markets. Al Amjaad Group CEO Mohamed Al-Zain also revealed that Barn’s would be planning to launch an initial public offering (IPO) this year, which would enable

Plans 100 outlets across MENA in the next 5 years  In a bold move that signifies its growing success in Riyadh’s culinary cuisine, Shrimplus, a beloved seafood restaurant which has opened in 2015 has 7 outlets, and has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its presence across the MENA region to open 100 outlets in next 5 years. This expansion not only demonstrates the resilience and innovation of the restaurant industry but also reflects the increasing appetite for high-quality seafood dining experiences in the Middle East and North Africa. Let’s dive into the exciting journey of Shrimplus as it sets its sights on a wider horizon. Shrimplus: A Riyadh Culinary Gem: Shrimplus has earned its reputation as a culinary gem in the heart of Riyadh. Established in 2015, this seafood restaurant has been delighting diners with its delectable array of shrimp dishes, fresh seafood, and a warm, inviting ambience. The restaurant’s commitment to quality, flavour, and innovation has garnered a loyal customer base and critical acclaim. The MENA Expansion Vision: With a successful establishment in Riyadh, Shrimplus is now poised for regional expansion. The restaurant’s management envisions bringing its mouthwatering seafood offerings to diners across the North Africa and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. This expansion is not just about increasing the number of outlets but also about introducing the rich flavors and experiences of Shrimplus to a wider audience. The MENA region, known for its diverse culinary landscape, offers an excellent market for seafood lovers looking for unique and delightful dining experiences.   A Focus on Quality and Sustainability: Shrimplus’s success is grounded in its commitment to sourcing the freshest ingredients and sustainable seafood. The restaurant prides itself on serving dishes prepared with the finest quality shrimp and seafood, ensuring that every bite is a delightful journey of flavors. In a region where sustainability and ethical sourcing are increasingly important to consumers, Shrimplus’s dedication to responsible seafood practices sets it apart. Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptation: Expanding a restaurant brand across different Gulf and North Africa countries requires cultural sensitivity and adaptation. Shrimplus acknowledges the importance of understanding local tastes, preferences, and customs. While the core menu will feature signature dishes that have won the hearts of Riyadh diners, the restaurant also plans to incorporate regional specialties and flavors to cater to the diverse palate of Gulf and North Africa residents. Creating Job Opportunities: The Gulf and North Africa expansion of Shrimplus is not only about offering a unique culinary experience but also about creating job opportunities in the hospitality sector. The restaurant plans to hire local talent and collaborate with the local workforce in each country of operation, contributing to the growth and development of the region. Shrimplus’s decision to embark on Gulf and North Africa expansion journey is an exciting development in the MENA’s culinary landscape. It reflects the resilience and innovation of the restaurant industry and highlights the growing demand for high-quality seafood dining experiences in the Gulf and North Africa region. “Our rapid expansion is a testament not only to the value our products and services offer to customers but also to their appeal as a promising business opportunity for those looking to make a mark in the world of investments.” Said Haitham Altammami ,CEO of Shrimplus As Shrimplus expands its footprint, it remains committed to its core values of quality, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity. This ambitious venture not only promises to introduce the Gulf and North Africa to an array of delightful seafood dishes but also to create job opportunities and contribute to the region’s culinary diversity. Seafood aficionados across the Gulf and North Africa can now look forward to savouring the exceptional flavors of Shrimplus, as it sets sail on this exciting gastronomic journey that started across the Arabian Peninsula.  

 Vanessa Bayma, a skilled chef based in Dubai, is leading the charge for Toss & Co.’s expansion into fresh markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The objective is to establish 25 new outlets throughout the region. Expressing her enthusiasm, Bayma remarked, “It’s a true pleasure to collaborate with Toss & Co. in realizing their culinary vision not only in Dubai but also across the GCC.” With a rich background encompassing two decades in the culinary domain, Bayma has played a pivotal role in propelling Toss & Co. to success, assuming the position of the brand’s executive chef. Mona Bhojwani, the founder of Toss & Co., highlighted, “Chef Bayma deeply resonates with Toss & Co.’s culinary philosophy, which revolves around highlighting the beauty of fresh, natural ingredients. This ethos is combined with an aim to make nutritious eating appealing and accessible to everyone.” Bhojwani further stated, “Chef Bayma’s contributions have been indispensable in fostering the growth of our homegrown brand here in Dubai. We are elated that she is accompanying us on our next venture, expanding into new markets within the GCC.” At Toss & Co.’s Dubai location, Chef Bayma has curated menus featuring an array of delectable options such as vegetable bowls, soups, smoothies, and wraps. These offerings extend to accommodate specific dietary preferences including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices. Bayma emphasized, “Just because you have particular dietary needs doesn’t mean you should forego flavorful cuisine that leaves you feeling content. Crafting dishes tailored to specific dietary requirements truly ignites my creative prowess in the kitchen.” Reflecting on her involvement with Toss & Co., Bayma said: “I get a real sense of fulfilment from working with Mona and the Toss & Co. team and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting journey as the brand expands, bringing its signature flair to Gulf countries with special focus on Saudi Arabia and Oman.” Reflecting on her involvement with Toss & Co., Bayma said: “I get a real sense of fulfilment from working with Mona and the Toss & Co. team and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting journey as the brand expands, bringing its signature flair to Gulf countries with special focus on Saudi Arabia and Oman.” “Owning a franchise of our healthy cafe comes with a multitude of advantages, including an ever-expanding menu that’s in high demand, streamlined preparation on-site cooking, synergistic menu choices that attract consistent foot traffic throughout the day, and robust support systems to ensure your success”. Says Mona The Toss&Co Franchise System has meticulously designed a support framework to guide every franchisee using a well-established business model. Our entry criteria are stringent, yet we firmly believe that meeting these criteria leads our franchisees to achieve enhanced outcomes. The rising consumption of Healthy food made from natural ingredients over inorganic food products has open up new chances for the Middle East & Africa healthy food market, whereas high competition among market players may create a challenge for the market’s growth.Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the Middle East & Africa health and healthy food market will grow at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029.