Bahrain&339;s food consumption may rise 26pc

FOOD consumption in Bahrain is likely to increase by 25.5 per cent in the next four years with total volumes of food trade reaching a record BD172 million ($456.5 million), a new Business Monitor International (BMI) report said. London - based BMI forecast also said Bahrain has replaced the UAE at the top of the regional Food and Drink Business Environment Ratings. "Despite its small population, Bahrain provides investors with one of the Gulf region's most upbeat per capita food consumption growth outlook and an attractive investor-friendly regulatory environment," the report said. "While the global downturn has affected the near-term outlook of many multinational food companies, resilient and brand loyal consumers across the Gulf region have provided respite to companies like Fonterra and Kraft Food," it said. Although Bahrain does not provide the "premium" potential of the UAE, Kuwait or Qatar, or the volume potential of Saudi Arabia, BMI said its encouraging food consumption growth forecast should ensure it continues to attract the attention of major players. Earlier, in June, it was announced investors from Thailand and the Philippines were being invited to set up food processing plants and related industries in Bahrain.jordan Release Dates