Qatar Foodservice Market

Qatar foodservice market, valued at USD 2 billion, is growing due to increasing tourism, expatriate population, and demand for convenient dining options like QSR and delivery.

Region:Middle East

Author(s):Geetanshi

Product Code:KRAC0095

Pages:98

Published On:August 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Qatar Foodservice Market Overview

  • The Qatar Foodservice Market is valued at USD 2 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer spending, a growing expatriate population, and a rising trend towards dining out. The market has seen a significant shift towards convenience and quality, with consumers increasingly favoring diverse culinary experiences, innovative dining options, and a heightened demand for healthier and sustainable food choices. The adoption of digital ordering platforms and delivery services has further accelerated market expansion, reflecting evolving consumer preferences for convenience and technology-driven solutions.
  • Key cities dominating the Qatar Foodservice Market include Doha, Al Rayyan, and Lusail. Doha, as the capital, serves as a cultural and economic hub, attracting both locals and tourists. Al Rayyan and Lusail are also experiencing rapid urban development, leading to increased demand for foodservice establishments, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Urbanization in Qatar is among the highest globally, with over 99% of the population residing in urban areas, further fueling demand for diverse foodservice offerings.
  • In 2023, the Qatari government implemented a new regulation aimed at enhancing food safety standards across the foodservice sector. This regulation mandates that all food establishments must comply with strict hygiene protocols and undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve public health and safety, particularly in light of recent global events hosted in Qatar, and aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for food safety and consumer protection.
Qatar Foodservice Market Size

Qatar Foodservice Market Segmentation

By Type:The foodservice market in Qatar is segmented into various types, including Full-Service Restaurants (FSR), Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Cafés and Coffee Shops, Catering Services, Food Trucks, Cloud Kitchens / Ghost Kitchens, Bars and Pubs, and Others (e.g., Bakeries, Juice Bars). Among these, Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) have emerged as the dominant segment, accounting for over 40% of the market share. This dominance is driven by the increasing demand for fast, convenient dining options among busy consumers, the popularity of international fast-food chains, and the rapid growth of online food delivery platforms. Cloud kitchens are also witnessing the fastest growth rate, propelled by the expansion of delivery services and changing consumer habits.

Qatar Foodservice Market segmentation by Type.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation of the foodservice market in Qatar includes Individual Consumers, Corporates & Business Institutions, Educational Institutions, Government Entities, Healthcare Facilities, Hospitality & Tourism (Hotels, Resorts), and Others. Individual Consumers represent the largest segment, accounting for half of the market share, driven by the growing trend of dining out, the increasing number of expatriates seeking diverse culinary experiences, and the rise in disposable income. Corporate and institutional demand is also significant, supported by the expansion of business districts and the hospitality sector.

Qatar Foodservice Market segmentation by End-User.

Qatar Foodservice Market Competitive Landscape

The Qatar Foodservice Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Qatar National Food Company (Qatar Foods Industries), Al Meera Consumer Goods Company, Gourmet Gulf, Qatar Food Company (QAFCO), M.H. Alshaya Co., Americana Group (KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee's Qatar), Azadea Group (Paul, Eataly, The Butcher Shop & Grill Qatar), Talabat Qatar, Carriage Qatar, McDonald's Qatar (Al Mana Restaurants & Food Co.), Starbucks Qatar (Alshaya Group), The Cheesecake Factory Qatar (Alshaya Group), Shake Shack Qatar (Alshaya Group), Nando's Qatar (Oryx Group for Food Services), Chili's Qatar (Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co.), PF Chang's Qatar (Alshaya Group), Texas Roadhouse Qatar (Alshaya Group), Applebee's Qatar (Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co.), Turkey Central Restaurant, Al Shami Home Restaurant contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Qatar National Food Company

1990

Doha, Qatar

Al Meera Consumer Goods Company

2005

Doha, Qatar

Gourmet Gulf

2006

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

M.H. Alshaya Co.

1890

Kuwait City, Kuwait

Americana Group

1964

Kuwait City, Kuwait

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Revenue (USD Million, Latest Fiscal Year)

Revenue Growth Rate (CAGR %)

Number of Outlets in Qatar

Market Share (%)

Average Order Value (QAR)

Qatar Foodservice Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Tourism and Hospitality Sector:Qatar's tourism sector is projected to welcome over 6 million visitors in future, driven by events like the FIFA World Cup and ongoing investments in hospitality infrastructure. The government aims to increase tourism's contribution to GDP from approximately 7% to 12% in future. This influx of tourists significantly boosts demand for foodservice establishments, creating opportunities for restaurants and catering services to thrive in a competitive market.
  • Rising Disposable Income:The average disposable income in Qatar is expected to reach QAR 11,000 per month in future, reflecting a moderate increase from previous periods. This rise in income allows consumers to spend more on dining out and premium food options. As a result, foodservice providers can capitalize on this trend by offering diverse and high-quality dining experiences that cater to the evolving preferences of the affluent population.
  • Expansion of Delivery and Takeaway Services:The food delivery market in Qatar is projected to grow to QAR 1.2 billion in future, driven by the increasing popularity of convenience among consumers. With over 55% of the population preferring takeaway options, foodservice providers are investing in technology and partnerships with delivery platforms. This trend not only enhances customer reach but also aligns with the fast-paced lifestyle of urban dwellers, creating a lucrative segment within the foodservice industry.

Market Challenges

  • High Competition Among Foodservice Providers:The Qatar foodservice market is characterized by intense competition, with over 1,200 registered foodservice establishments in future. This saturation leads to price wars and challenges in maintaining profit margins. New entrants must differentiate themselves through unique offerings and exceptional service to capture market share, making it difficult for smaller players to survive in this competitive landscape.
  • Fluctuating Food Prices:Food prices in Qatar have seen an increase of approximately 8% in future due to global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. This volatility poses a significant challenge for foodservice operators, as rising costs can erode profit margins. Establishments must implement effective cost management strategies and explore local sourcing options to mitigate the impact of fluctuating prices on their operations and pricing strategies.

Qatar Foodservice Market Future Outlook

The Qatar foodservice market is poised for significant transformation, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. As health-conscious dining becomes more prevalent, establishments are likely to adapt their menus to include nutritious options. Additionally, the integration of technology in ordering and payment systems will enhance customer experiences, making dining more convenient. The focus on sustainability will also shape future developments, with businesses increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices to meet consumer demand for responsible dining.

Market Opportunities

  • Growth of Health-Conscious Dining Options:With approximately 40% of consumers in Qatar prioritizing healthy eating, foodservice providers have a unique opportunity to develop menus that cater to this demand. Offering organic, low-calorie, and plant-based options can attract health-conscious diners, enhancing customer loyalty and driving sales in a competitive market.
  • Development of Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions:As sustainability becomes a priority, the demand for eco-friendly packaging is expected to rise. The market for sustainable packaging in Qatar is estimated to be valued at approximately QAR 250 million in future. Foodservice businesses that adopt biodegradable and recyclable packaging can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Full-Service Restaurants (FSR)

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)

Cafés and Coffee Shops

Catering Services

Food Trucks

Cloud Kitchens / Ghost Kitchens

Bars and Pubs

Others (e.g., Bakeries, Juice Bars)

By End-User

Individual Consumers

Corporates & Business Institutions

Educational Institutions

Government Entities

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitality & Tourism (Hotels, Resorts)

Others

By Service Style

Dine-In

Takeaway

Delivery

Drive-Thru

Others (e.g., Curbside Pickup)

By Cuisine Type

Middle Eastern/Arabian

Asian (Indian, Chinese, Japanese, etc.)

Western (American, European, etc.)

Fast Food

Others (e.g., Fusion, African)

By Price Range

Budget

Mid-Range

Premium

Luxury

Others

By Location

Urban Areas

Suburban Areas

Rural Areas

Tourist Areas

Commercial Districts

Others

By Distribution Channel

Direct Sales (On-Premise)

Online Platforms (Own App/Website)

Third-Party Delivery Services (e.g., Talabat, Carriage, Deliveroo)

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Tourism Authority)

Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Foodservice Equipment Suppliers

Hospitality Management Companies

Food Distributors and Wholesalers

Franchise Operators

Real Estate Developers in Hospitality Sector

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Qatar National Food Company (Qatar Foods Industries)

Al Meera Consumer Goods Company

Gourmet Gulf

Qatar Food Company (QAFCO)

M.H. Alshaya Co.

Americana Group (KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee's Qatar)

Azadea Group (Paul, Eataly, The Butcher Shop & Grill Qatar)

Talabat Qatar

Carriage Qatar

McDonald's Qatar (Al Mana Restaurants & Food Co.)

Starbucks Qatar (Alshaya Group)

The Cheesecake Factory Qatar (Alshaya Group)

Shake Shack Qatar (Alshaya Group)

Nando's Qatar (Oryx Group for Food Services)

Chili's Qatar (Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co.)

PF Chang's Qatar (Alshaya Group)

Texas Roadhouse Qatar (Alshaya Group)

Applebee's Qatar (Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co.)

Turkey Central Restaurant

Al Shami Home Restaurant

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Qatar Foodservice Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Qatar Foodservice Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Qatar Foodservice Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Tourism and Hospitality Sector
3.1.2 Rising Disposable Income
3.1.3 Growing Demand for Diverse Cuisines
3.1.4 Expansion of Delivery and Takeaway Services

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 High Competition Among Foodservice Providers
3.2.2 Fluctuating Food Prices
3.2.3 Regulatory Compliance Costs
3.2.4 Limited Availability of Local Ingredients

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Growth of Health-Conscious Dining Options
3.3.2 Expansion of Food Trucks and Street Food
3.3.3 Increasing Popularity of Online Food Ordering
3.3.4 Development of Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Rise of Plant-Based Menus
3.4.2 Integration of Technology in Ordering Systems
3.4.3 Focus on Sustainability and Local Sourcing
3.4.4 Emergence of Ghost Kitchens

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Food Safety Standards and Regulations
3.5.2 Licensing and Permitting Requirements
3.5.3 Health and Hygiene Regulations
3.5.4 Import Regulations for Food Products

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Qatar Foodservice Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Qatar Foodservice Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Full-Service Restaurants (FSR)
8.1.2 Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)
8.1.3 Cafés and Coffee Shops
8.1.4 Catering Services
8.1.5 Food Trucks
8.1.6 Cloud Kitchens / Ghost Kitchens
8.1.7 Bars and Pubs
8.1.8 Others (e.g., Bakeries, Juice Bars)

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 Individual Consumers
8.2.2 Corporates & Business Institutions
8.2.3 Educational Institutions
8.2.4 Government Entities
8.2.5 Healthcare Facilities
8.2.6 Hospitality & Tourism (Hotels, Resorts)
8.2.7 Others

8.3 By Service Style

8.3.1 Dine-In
8.3.2 Takeaway
8.3.3 Delivery
8.3.4 Drive-Thru
8.3.5 Others (e.g., Curbside Pickup)

8.4 By Cuisine Type

8.4.1 Middle Eastern/Arabian
8.4.2 Asian (Indian, Chinese, Japanese, etc.)
8.4.3 Western (American, European, etc.)
8.4.4 Fast Food
8.4.5 Others (e.g., Fusion, African)

8.5 By Price Range

8.5.1 Budget
8.5.2 Mid-Range
8.5.3 Premium
8.5.4 Luxury
8.5.5 Others

8.6 By Location

8.6.1 Urban Areas
8.6.2 Suburban Areas
8.6.3 Rural Areas
8.6.4 Tourist Areas
8.6.5 Commercial Districts
8.6.6 Others

8.7 By Distribution Channel

8.7.1 Direct Sales (On-Premise)
8.7.2 Online Platforms (Own App/Website)
8.7.3 Third-Party Delivery Services (e.g., Talabat, Carriage, Deliveroo)
8.7.4 Others

9. Qatar Foodservice Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players(Micro, Small, Medium, Large Enterprises)

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Revenue (USD Million, Latest Fiscal Year)
9.2.4 Revenue Growth Rate (CAGR %)
9.2.5 Number of Outlets in Qatar
9.2.6 Market Share (%)
9.2.7 Average Order Value (QAR)
9.2.8 Customer Retention Rate (%)
9.2.9 Delivery Coverage (Geographic Reach/Number of Cities)
9.2.10 Digital Engagement (App Downloads, Online Orders %)
9.2.11 Service Quality Index (Customer Ratings/Reviews)
9.2.12 Brand Recognition Score
9.2.13 Operational Efficiency Ratio

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis(By Class and Payload)

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Qatar National Food Company (Qatar Foods Industries)
9.5.2 Al Meera Consumer Goods Company
9.5.3 Gourmet Gulf
9.5.4 Qatar Food Company (QAFCO)
9.5.5 M.H. Alshaya Co.
9.5.6 Americana Group (KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee's Qatar)
9.5.7 Azadea Group (Paul, Eataly, The Butcher Shop & Grill Qatar)
9.5.8 Talabat Qatar
9.5.9 Carriage Qatar
9.5.10 McDonald's Qatar (Al Mana Restaurants & Food Co.)
9.5.11 Starbucks Qatar (Alshaya Group)
9.5.12 The Cheesecake Factory Qatar (Alshaya Group)
9.5.13 Shake Shack Qatar (Alshaya Group)
9.5.14 Nando's Qatar (Oryx Group for Food Services)
9.5.15 Chili's Qatar (Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co.)
9.5.16 PF Chang's Qatar (Alshaya Group)
9.5.17 Texas Roadhouse Qatar (Alshaya Group)
9.5.18 Applebee's Qatar (Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co.)
9.5.19 Turkey Central Restaurant
9.5.20 Al Shami Home Restaurant

10. Qatar Foodservice Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Ministry of Public Health
10.1.2 Ministry of Education
10.1.3 Ministry of Municipality and Environment
10.1.4 Ministry of Commerce and Industry

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Corporate Dining Services
10.2.2 Catering for Events
10.2.3 Employee Meal Programs

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Quality of Food
10.3.2 Delivery Timeliness
10.3.3 Pricing Concerns
10.3.4 Variety of Options

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Technology Adoption in Ordering
10.4.2 Acceptance of New Cuisines
10.4.3 Interest in Health-Conscious Options

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Customer Feedback Mechanisms
10.5.2 Repeat Business Metrics
10.5.3 Expansion into New Markets

11. Qatar Foodservice Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Business Model Framework

1.3 Value Proposition Development

1.4 Competitive Landscape Analysis

1.5 Customer Segmentation

1.6 Revenue Streams

1.7 Cost Structure


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs

2.3 Target Audience Identification

2.4 Marketing Channels

2.5 Promotional Strategies


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-Ups

3.3 Online Distribution Channels

3.4 Partnerships with Local Businesses


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands Analysis

4.3 Competitor Pricing Strategies

4.4 Consumer Price Sensitivity


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments

5.3 Emerging Trends

5.4 Feedback from Market Surveys


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-Sales Service

6.3 Customer Engagement Strategies

6.4 Feedback Mechanisms


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability Initiatives

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains

7.3 Unique Selling Points

7.4 Customer-Centric Approaches


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding Efforts

8.3 Distribution Setup

8.4 Training and Development


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix
9.1.2 Pricing Band
9.1.3 Packaging Strategies

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines for Implementation


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships

12.2 Risk Management Strategies


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-Term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 Joint Ventures

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone Planning
15.2.2 Activity Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of industry reports from local and international foodservice associations
  • Review of government publications and economic reports related to Qatar's foodservice sector
  • Examination of market trends and consumer behavior studies published by research firms

Primary Research

  • Interviews with key stakeholders including restaurant owners and foodservice operators
  • Surveys conducted with consumers to gauge dining preferences and spending habits
  • Focus group discussions with foodservice industry experts and culinary professionals

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings through multiple data sources including trade publications and market surveys
  • Triangulation of qualitative insights from interviews with quantitative data from surveys
  • Sanity checks performed by consulting with a panel of industry experts

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total foodservice market size based on national GDP contribution from the hospitality sector
  • Segmentation of the market by type of foodservice (e.g., full-service, quick-service, catering)
  • Incorporation of tourism data to assess the impact on foodservice demand

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of sales data from a representative sample of foodservice establishments
  • Estimation of average transaction values and customer footfall across different segments
  • Calculation of market size based on aggregated data from individual operators

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Utilization of historical growth rates to project future market trends through 2030
  • Scenario analysis based on potential economic shifts and changes in consumer behavior
  • Development of best-case, worst-case, and most-likely scenarios for market growth

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Full-Service Restaurants60Owners, Managers, Head Chefs
Quick-Service Restaurants50Franchise Owners, Operations Managers
Catering Services40Catering Managers, Event Coordinators
Food Trucks and Street Vendors40Food Truck Owners, Street Vendor Operators
Consumer Dining Preferences100General Public, Frequent Diners

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Qatar Foodservice Market?

The Qatar Foodservice Market is valued at approximately USD 2 billion, reflecting a significant growth driven by increasing consumer spending, a growing expatriate population, and a rising trend towards dining out.

What factors are driving growth in the Qatar Foodservice Market?

Which cities are the main hubs for the Qatar Foodservice Market?

What are the main segments of the Qatar Foodservice Market?

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