Kuwait’s food service market set to hit $4.88 billion mark by 2029, powered by bloggers’ influence
According to Scotts International Research, Kuwait’s food service market generated approximately $3.25 billion in 2024, with forecasts projecting $4.88 billion by 2029, supported by an annual growth rate of 8.4 percent. Verified Markets further estimates that Kuwait’s broader food and beverage industry—including restaurants, cafés, and cloud kitchens—could expand to $38 billion by 2032, driven by 10 percent annual growth and rising tourism revenues.
Kuwait is rapidly strengthening its position as a leading food and hospitality hub in the region, fueled by world-class restaurants, elevated service standards, and the rising influence of digital food bloggers.
Restaurant bloggers have played a decisive role in shaping Kuwait’s vibrant culinary landscape. What began as a hobby has evolved into a professional digital media sector, where high-quality reviews and social media exposure directly influence consumer choices, brand reputation, and restaurant revenues. Studies confirm that customers in Kuwait increasingly rely on bloggers’ evaluations, compelling restaurants to raise standards to avoid reputational and financial setbacks.
According to Scotts International Research, Kuwait’s food service market generated approximately $3.25 billion in 2024, with forecasts projecting $4.88 billion by 2029, supported by an annual growth rate of 8.4 percent. Verified Markets further estimates that Kuwait’s broader food and beverage industry—including restaurants, cafés, and cloud kitchens—could expand to $38 billion by 2032, driven by 10 percent annual growth and rising tourism revenues.
The Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) also reported that the tourism sector is on track to nearly double in just four years, growing from $522 million in 2021 to around $1.13 billion by the end of 2025. These projections highlight the strategic importance of food tourism and hospitality in Kuwait’s broader economic diversification goals.
Still, challenges remain for the blogging industry. With the growth of paid collaborations, food bloggers face increasing pressure to maintain credibility. Many are calling for clear professional standards that emphasize full disclosure of partnerships and objective evaluation frameworks to preserve public trust.
Prominent voices in the field echoed these concerns. Blogger Abdulrahman Al-Qwaiee described the evolution of blogging from a pastime to a profession that now shapes public taste and safeguards Kuwait’s culinary identity. He highlighted the enduring appeal of local Kuwaiti restaurants that celebrate and preserve authentic flavors.
Similarly, blogger Abdulaziz Al-Najjar traced his journey from sharing health-focused tips to popularizing the concept of an “open meal” for athletes, underscoring how Kuwait’s diverse tastes drive restaurants to excel. Blogger Moath Adnan added that his spontaneous reviews had a direct impact on restaurant sales, stressing the importance of rejecting non-genuine promotions and calling for a professional framework to sustain credibility.
As Kuwait’s culinary sector continues to expand, the synergy between innovative restaurants and credible digital food reviewers is proving vital. Together, they are not only elevating the dining experience but also positioning Kuwait as a premier destination for food enthusiasts across the region.
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