Ramadan is biggest untapped opportunity for retailers

BB Foodservice Head of Marketing said millions in extra revenue is up for grabs for operators during this holiday.

BB foodservice (Bestway Wholesale) head of marketing Salih Sheikh said, “Christmas is the biggest event in the foodservice calendar – worth hundreds of millions of pounds to operators every year. And it’s far from alone. Easter, Pancake Day, and Mother’s Day are all key for pubs, restaurants and hotels. But the industry is behind when it comes to commercialising Ramadan. It’s the biggest untapped opportunity in foodservice.”

Muslims make up 4.8% of the population in England and Wales. The Muslim Council of Britain estimate the demographic is worth £20.5bn to retailers every year.

Sheikh added, “And judging by the spikes we see in Halal products during Ramadan – it’s not only Middle-Eastern, Asian, and North African restaurants that see extra demand. The fact is the modern British Muslim – and what they like to eat – has changed over the years, with 47% now UK-born]. As a result, Ramadan has quickly become a mainstream opportunity for operators.”