Our industry has never been more connected: Mert Askin, AZADEA Group

Asked to summarise the state of the food service industry in a word, here’s what Mert Askin, President of Food & Beverage arm of regional retail conglomerate AZADEA Group said, “In today’s restaurant industry, connectivity is paramount. Even before the pandemic, this vibrant sector thrived on community and collaboration. However, the unprecedented challenges of recent times have united us like never before.

“Instead of mere competition, operators now focus on collectively reshaping the future of dining. It’s a testament to our resilience and adaptability, illustrating how adversity fostered innovation and solidarity within our culinary landscape,” he added.

AZADEA Group F&B at a Glance

• The F&B arm of AZADEA Group currently has 150 outlets across 9 countries in the Middle East and Africa.

For any business to stay on top of their game, constant innovation is non-negotiable. Askin agreed and shared food, talent, tech and ESG innovation that AZADEA Group’s F&B arm is planning to implement 2024.

“This year, we are excited to continue working on elevating our various tools that drive efficiency, while supporting our efforts on sustainability. The initiative integrates advanced technology to minimise food waste while enhancing customer experience. By leveraging data analytics and predictive modelling, we aim to optimise inventory management, ensuring fresher ingredients and reducing environmental impact. This innovation underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional culinary experiences. We strongly believe that it’s not just about what’s on the plate, but also how it’s sourced and served, and we continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of our operation.”

With six months to go towards 2025, asked about challenges that the regional food service industry must navigate to eventually leverage on the opportunities, Askin observed, “One of the main challenges facing the restaurant industry is navigating the persistent impact of inflation on consumer behaviour. Balancing the delicate equilibrium between maintaining margins and meeting evolving customer needs amidst escalating procurement and logistics costs continues to be of primary importance. We recognise that as inflation shapes consumer sentiments and spending habits, it’s imperative for us to remain agile and innovative. By prioritising operational efficiency, leveraging technology and continuously refining our offerings to resonate with changing consumer preferences, we are poised to not only weather the challenges but also seize the opportunities presented in this dynamic landscape.”

Pick up the May edition of IMAGES RetailME to read the “Vision & Views” of 30+ leaders from the regional F&B landscape.