
Bisleri Partners with Apparel Group to Expand Beverage Footprint in Middle East and Africa
The new partnership aims to deepen that foothold with local manufacturing and broader distribution, capitalizing on Apparel Group's retail scale and expertise
You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.
Bisleri International, India's leading premium beverage company, has announced a major strategic partnership with Dubai-based retail giant Apparel Group to manufacture, market, and distribute its full portfolio across the Middle East and Africa, beginning with a UAE rollout in 2025.
The alliance signals Bisleri's most significant international expansion to date, aiming to tap into a high-growth region with a large Indian diaspora and increasing demand for premium beverages. With a legacy spanning over five decades, Bisleri brings a product lineup that includes its flagship packaged drinking water, Bisleri Vedica Himalayan spring water, and a range of carbonated drinks such as Limonata, POP, Spyci Jeera, Rev, and Soda.
Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, described the move as a decisive step forward. "The Middle East and Africa markets represent significant opportunities for value creation in the beverage sector. There is a large Indian diaspora in the region which is already familiar with our brands," he said. "We have had sustained success in the UAE market in the past and I am delighted to announce the next chapter of our journey in the region with our strategic partnership with the Apparel Group."
Bisleri already has an established presence in the UAE through marquee sports sponsorships, including the Dubai Marathon. The new partnership aims to deepen that foothold with local manufacturing and broader distribution, capitalizing on Apparel Group's retail scale and expertise.
Apparel Group, which manages over 85 brands across 2,300 stores in 14 countries, sees the partnership as a natural extension of its growth strategy. "Our partnership with Bisleri International marks a strategic milestone in Apparel Group's journey to diversify and scale new verticals across high-growth markets," said Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO, Apparel Group. "Bisleri's strong heritage, combined with our operational expertise and deep market understanding, presents a powerful opportunity to deliver exceptional beverage experiences to consumers in the Middle East and Africa."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Middle East Prepaid Card and Digital Wallet Market Growth Dynamics Databook 2025: Saudi Arabia's Unbanked Leverage Prepaid Cards for Financial Inclusion
Explore pivotal trends in the Middle East's prepaid card and digital wallet market, anticipated to reach $63.3B by 2029 with an 9.5% annual growth rate. Key drivers include digital payment adoption, financial inclusion efforts, and emerging opportunities in countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. Middle Eastern Prepaid Card and Digital Wallet Market Dublin, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Middle East Prepaid Card and Digital Wallet Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook - Q2 2025 Update" report has been added to Middle East's prepaid card and digital wallet market is poised for remarkable growth, projected to escalate by 11.3% annually, reaching USD 44 billion by 2025. This sector experienced a strong development phase from 2020-2024, boasting a CAGR of 15.8%. The robust expansion trajectory is set to continue with a CAGR of 9.5% forecasted between 2025-2029, further propelling the market to approximately USD 63.3 billion by 2029. Key Trends and Drivers in the Middle East Prepaid Cards SectorThe prepaid card market in the Middle East is rapidly transforming, driven by digital payment advancements and financial inclusion efforts. Countries like the UAE and Qatar are integrating prepaid cards with digital wallets, reflecting a broader push towards cashless economies. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Oman are leveraging prepaid solutions to address financial accessibility among unbanked populations, providing a secure and efficient alternative to traditional the next few years, the prepaid card sector is expected to expand, with government policies and financial institutions playing a crucial role in shaping market dynamics. Kuwait's retail industry and Oman's corporate sector demonstrate increased reliance on prepaid cards, indicating sector-specific growth opportunities. As financial ecosystems modernize, prepaid cards will remain a central tool for promoting financial inclusion and digital payment adoption across the Middle Initiatives Driving Digital Payment Adoption in the United Arab Emirates The UAE is experiencing a significant increase in the adoption of prepaid payment instruments, supported by government efforts to digitize the economy. This includes initiatives to promote cashless transactions and enhance financial inclusion. The government's push towards a digital economy is a primary driver of this trend. By encouraging digital payment solutions, the UAE aims to improve transaction efficiency and reduce the reliance on cash. The trend is expected to continue, with increased collaboration between the government and financial institutions to introduce innovative prepaid card solutions. This will likely lead to higher adoption rates among consumers and businesses, further embedding prepaid cards into the UAE's payment ecosystem. Rising Adoption of Prepaid Cards Among Unbanked Populations in Saudi Arabia In Saudi Arabia, prepaid cards are being used increasingly by individuals without traditional bank accounts. These cards provide a means for unbanked populations to engage in digital transactions. This trend is driven by the need for accessible financial services among unbanked individuals. Prepaid cards offer a practical solution for secure transactions without a traditional bank account. The adoption of prepaid cards among unbanked populations is expected to grow, contributing to greater financial inclusion in Saudi Arabia. Financial institutions may develop more tailored prepaid card products to meet the specific needs of this demographic. Integration of Prepaid Cards with Digital Wallets in Qatar Qatar is witnessing the integration of prepaid cards with digital wallet platforms, allowing users to manage funds and make payments through their smartphones. The increasing penetration of smartphones and the demand for convenient payment solutions drive this trend. Consumers prefer the ease of managing finances digitally, which prepaid cards linked to mobile wallets facilitate. This integration is expected to deepen, with more financial institutions partnering with technology providers to offer seamless prepaid card and digital wallet solutions. This will likely enhance the user experience and promote cashless transactions in Qatar. Growth of Prepaid Gift Cards in the Retail Sector in Kuwait Kuwait's retail sector is experiencing an increase in the issuance and use of prepaid gift cards, particularly during festive seasons and special occasions. Retailers are adopting prepaid gift cards to boost sales and attract customers. Consumers appreciate gift cards' flexibility, making them a popular choice for gifting. The trend is expected to intensify, with more retailers launching customized prepaid gift card programs. This will likely increase consumer engagement and loyalty in Kuwait's retail market. Corporate Adoption of Prepaid Payroll Cards in Oman In Oman, companies are increasingly utilizing prepaid payroll cards to disburse salaries to employees, especially those without bank accounts. The need for efficient and secure salary disbursement methods drives this trend. Prepaid payroll cards offer a practical solution for employers to pay unbanked employees, ensuring timely and transparent transactions. Prepaid payroll cards are expected to expand, with more companies adopting this method to streamline payroll processes. This will contribute to financial inclusion and improve the financial well-being of employees in Oman. Competitive Landscape of the Middle East Prepaid Card MarketThe Middle East's prepaid card market is evolving rapidly, fueled by digital transformation, financial inclusion initiatives, and the growing demand for cashless payment solutions. Established financial institutions and fintech startups actively expand their offerings, leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance market regulatory frameworks continue to adapt to the changing financial landscape, companies must balance compliance with innovation to remain competitive. The next few years will be critical in determining which players successfully capitalize on emerging opportunities, shaping the region's future of prepaid payment Market Dynamics The rising adoption of prepaid cards in e-commerce, transportation, and corporate payroll solutions supports the market's growth. With many unbanked populations in the region, prepaid cards have become an essential financial tool, offering secure and accessible payment alternatives. Additionally, fintech companies are driving innovation, introducing digital wallets linked to prepaid cards, further expanding the market's reach. Key Players and Market Share The prepaid card market in the Middle East is highly competitive, with a mix of global financial institutions and emerging fintech players. Leading companies such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Carrefour SA dominate the market, offering a diverse range of prepaid card solutions for personal, corporate, and travel-related transactions. These companies have established strong distribution networks, leveraging partnerships with banks and retail chains. In addition to traditional financial institutions, fintech firms are entering the market with innovative prepaid card solutions tailored to regional needs. Companies like YouGotaGift, a digital gift card provider, have expanded their presence through partnerships with major retailers such as Carrefour. Meanwhile, regional fintech startups in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are launching prepaid card solutions integrated with mobile wallets, catering to the growing demand for digital financial services. Recent Launches and Partnerships Strategic collaborations and partnerships are crucial in the evolution of the prepaid card market in the Middle East. One notable partnership is YouGotaGift's collaboration with Carrefour, which has expanded the availability of digital prepaid gift cards, addressing the rising demand for digital gifting solutions. Additionally, banks and fintech firms are forming alliances to integrate prepaid card services with digital payment platforms, enhancing consumer convenience. While direct mergers and acquisitions in the prepaid card segment remain limited, broader financial sector consolidations impact the market. Large financial institutions are acquiring smaller fintech firms to strengthen their prepaid card portfolios and expand their customer base. This trend is expected to intensify as traditional banks seek to enhance their digital offerings by leveraging the technological capabilities of fintech startups. Anticipated Market Evolution (Next 2-4 Years) The prepaid card market in the Middle East is expected to become increasingly competitive over the next few years. The entry of new fintech firms and the expansion of services by existing players will drive further innovation. Integrating prepaid cards with digital wallets and mobile payment solutions will likely become a key differentiator, with companies focusing on enhancing customer convenience and security. Regulatory developments will also play a crucial role in shaping the market. As governments implement stricter financial regulations, prepaid card providers must navigate compliance challenges while maintaining product innovation. Additionally, the push for financial inclusion will create opportunities for companies to introduce prepaid solutions tailored to unbanked and underbanked populations, further driving market growth. Regulatory Changes Regulatory bodies in the Middle East have introduced new measures to enhance consumer protection and improve financial transparency in the prepaid card industry. Governments across the region are focusing on strengthening anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) compliance frameworks to ensure secure prepaid card transactions. These regulations aim to reduce fraud risks and increase trust in digital payment solutions. Central banks in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also introduced guidelines to facilitate the seamless integration of prepaid cards with mobile payment systems. These changes enhance the financial ecosystem, providing consumers with more secure and convenient digital transaction options. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, prepaid card issuers must ensure compliance while maintaining a seamless user experience. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the prepaid card and digital wallet industry in Middle East, covering market opportunities and analysis across a range of prepaid card and digital wallet domains. With over 80+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of prepaid card and digital wallet market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 636 Forecast Period 2025 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $44 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $63.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.5% Regions Covered Middle East Report ScopeThis report offers an in-depth, data-driven examination of prepaid payment instruments, focusing on expenditures via prepaid cards and digital wallets within both retail and corporate consumer sectors. It also presents an overview of global consumer behavior and retail spending patterns. The report includes a detailed breakdown of key market segments for each country. Prepaid Payment Instrument Market Size and Forecast Digital Wallet Market Size and Forecast Digital Wallet Market Size and Forecast by Key Segments Digital Wallet Retail Spend Dynamics Prepaid Card Industry Market Attractiveness Open Loop Prepaid Card Future Growth Dynamics Closed Loop Prepaid Card Future Growth Dynamics Prepaid Card Consumer Usage Trends Prepaid Card Retail Spend Dynamics General Purpose Prepaid Card Market Size and Forecast Gift Card Market Size and Forecast Gift Card Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Segments Gift Card Market Share Analysis by Retail Categories Entertainment and Gaming Prepaid Card Market Size and Forecast Teen and Campus Prepaid Card Market Size and Forecast Business and Administrative Expense Prepaid Card Market Size and Forecast Payroll Prepaid Card Market Size and Forecast Meal Prepaid Card Market Size and Forecast Travel Forex Prepaid Card Market Size and Forecast Transit and Tolls Prepaid Card Market Size and Forecast Social Security and Other Government Benefit Programs Prepaid Card Market Size and Forecast Fuel Prepaid Cards Market Size and Forecast Utilities, and Other Prepaid Cards Market Size and Forecast Virtual Prepaid Card Industry Market Attractiveness Virtual Prepaid Card Market Size by Key Categories For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Middle Eastern Prepaid Card and Digital Wallet Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Oil prices ease but hover near two-month highs as Middle East tensions escalate
Oil prices fell on Thursday morning, easing back after rallying but hovered around their highest point in two months, as investors eyed escalating tensions in the Middle East and a potential disruption to supply. Brent crude futures (BZ=F) fell 0.9% to $68.31 a barrel, at the time of writing, while West Texas Intermediate futures (CL=F) declined 0.9% at $67.56 a barrel. US president Donald Trump said on Wednesday that some of US personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because "it could be a dangerous place to be". This came following reports earlier in the day that the US was preparing a partial evacuation of its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. CBS News reported that US officials had been told Israel was ready to launch an operation into Iran and that the US anticipated Iran could retaliate on certain American sites in Iraq. Read more: FTSE 100 LIVE: Stocks slump as UK GDP contracts in blow to Rachel Reeves Trump said in an interview with the New York Post, released earlier on Wednesday, that he was "less confident" about getting Iran to agree to halt its nuclear programme. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Iran's defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said: "Some officials on the other side threaten conflict if negotiations don't come to fruition. If a conflict is imposed on us ... all US bases are within our reach and we will boldly target them in host countries." Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said that oil prices remain near a two-month high "driven by rising US-Iran tensions and fears of supply disruptions. At the same time, optimism about energy demand grew after the US and China reached a trade framework, and US crude stockpiles fell more than expected, signalling strong consumption." Gold prices jumped on Thursday morning, as Middle East tensions buoyed demand for the safe-haven asset. Gold futures (GC=F) surged nearly 1% to $3,376 per ounce at the time of writing, while the spot gold price advanced 0.1% to $3,359.49 per ounce. The precious metal is considered to be a safe haven asset, in acting as a hedge amid political and economic uncertainty. Britzman said: "Gold was another winner, with its safe-haven appeal gaining traction amid rising Middle East tensions and softer US inflation data, which gave a modest boost to expectations for rate cuts." Read more: UK economy shrinks by 0.3% in April Data released on Wednesday showed that the US consumer prices index (CPI) rose by 0.1% month-on-month, which was below April's 0.2% rise and lower than economists' estimates of a 0.2% monthly gain in prices. On an annual basis, CPI rose 2.4% in May, a slight uptick from April's 2.3% gain, which marked the lowest yearly increase since February 2021. Investors were also monitoring the latest trade developments, after Trump said in a social media post on Wednesday afternoon that Washington's deal with China is "DONE, SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL WITH PRESIDENT XI AND ME". The pound rose slightly against the dollar (GBPUSD=X) on Thursday morning, up 0.2% to $1,3571, despite a bigger than expected contraction in UK economic growth. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that the UK's gross domestic product (GDP) — the standard measure of an economy's value — shrank by 0.3% in April, which was more than the 0.1% contraction expected by economists. The fall followed growth of 0.2% in March and a 0.7% rise in GDP in the first quarter. This latest economic data comes a day after chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the UK spending review, sharing details of governmental department budgets for the next few years. Key announcements included a £29bn per year increase in funding for the NHS, while the government's defence budget is set to increase from 2.3% to 2.6% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) from 2027. Reeves also shared details of a £39bn boost to funding for affordable housing and £15.6bn for transport projects in England's largest city regions outside of London. Stocks: Create your watchlist and portfolio Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said: "It's hard not to look at today's headline fall in economic growth as anything other than inevitable. Company after company had warned the chancellor that the decisions taken during last year's budget would impact business growth and create huge uncertainty about existing staffing levels." "Rachel Reeves has said she is determined to deliver growth, and her spending plans have been given a cautious welcome by business groups up and down the country — but the caution speaks volumes," she said. "Can the government's trade policies and spending plans deliver the promised growth or was the energy demonstrated by the UK economy at the start of the year merely a tease?" In other currency moves, the pound fell 0.4% against the euro (GBPEUR=X), trading at €1.1743 at the time of writing. More broadly, the the FTSE 100 (^FTSE) was little changed, trading at 8,863 points at the time writing. For more details, on broader market movements check our live coverage here. Read more: Bitcoin price dips as markets cool after US-China tariff talks What you need to know about UK's private stock market Pisces UK house prices remain flat as buyer demand and sales steadyError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Wall Street Journal
2 hours ago
- Wall Street Journal
Iran Says It Will Scale Up Nuclear Work After U.N. Atomic Agency Vote
Iran said it would open a new uranium enrichment facility and increase its production of highly enriched fissile material after the U.N. atomic agency member states declared Tehran had failed to comply with its nuclear nonproliferation obligations, casting a fresh shadow over struggling U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Iran's announcement comes ahead of a sixth round of nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran expected on Sunday. President Trump said on Monday he had grown less confident about striking a deal with Tehran.