Page 50 - May2021

SPECIAL FEATURE: F&B LATEST CONCEPTS AND TRENDS

Back On The

Right Course

Like multiple industries around the world, the food and beverage (F&B) sector has

been hit very hard by Covid-19 and the global consequences the pandemic has caused.
Despite this, the industry looks to have turned a corner as restrictions begin to ease
in locations around the world and here, RLI takes a look at some of the new concepts

launching in the new reality everyone finds themselves in.

Time Out Market, Dubai, UAE

hile many industries have been decimated by the A creator of these F-hubs is Mercato Metropolitano (you can learn
devastating effects of the coronavirus, few have more about the company in their lead interview in this issue on pages
felt it worse than the F&B industry. In the last 12 28-29), who in 2015 began their story that focuses on being an operator
Wmonths they have had to deal with lockdowns on a of sustainable and inclusive community markets that at their core
global scale, all at different times in different places. Not only this, but are food-based, but also include such elements as cinemas, cookery
when places have reopened, old and new F&B operators have had to schools, educational and social activities for local and neighbouring
combine creating an exceptional and unique user experience whilst site-residents along with the exceptional retail and dining offer. An
making sure feel customers feel safe through new and improved safety upcoming project for Mercato Metropolitano is Mercato Potsdamer
measures to continue battling the virus. in Berlin, which is due to launch in 2022 within the Arkaden retail
The whole F&B industry is evolving, and the world of foodhalls is no complex, which is currently undergoing a total refurbishment.
exception. P-Three’s report entitled ‘F-Hubs: The New Generation of Other such concepts include a well-known one in the industry that
Foodhalls’ explains that the alluring simplicity of the foodhall concept just keeps on continuing to grow, Time Out Market. This concept
made it an instant hit with landlords, operators and consumers alike. launched back in 2014 and has most recently opened its Dubai site.
But like everything else, it had had to evolve due to Covid-19 and Spread across 43,000sq ft, the curated dining destination encompasses
grow to be something else, something more. So, a new phase has been 17 eateries, three bars, a sweeping outdoor terrace and so much more
entered where venues focus on not only food, but act and have the into one space that brings together the best food, drinks and culture
flexibility to respond to local demand for other uses, be that as cultural that Dubai has to offer. Guests to the new Time Out Market will be
or sporting use. The report from P-Three calls these venues F-hubs. truly digging into the city’s most delicious dishes, cooked by the most
The report calculates that there is potential for around 173 F-hubs exciting talent in town.
across the UK (53 flagship and 120 community) totalling 2.9 million Manifesto Market in the Czech Republic is a new generation brand
square feet. If this is extrapolated across Europe and further afield, the creating food, drink and cultural experiences at the intersection of
potential for these locations is huge. food & beverage, real estate and technology, in tech-enabled hubs for

50 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL MAY 2021