The Middle East is a marketer's paradise. However, it offers a challenge to the traditional container glass supplier, in that it has a non-alcoholic bias. That said, while the Middle East is Muslim market as a whole, it is definitely not a homogeneous one. The region is diverse in landscape, religion and ethnicity. Sales of alcohol is banned from the Muslim population, depriving container glass manufacturers of its largest demand driver. However, non-Muslims can apply for licenses that enable them to buy and consume alcoholic drinks through controlled channels. At present, there are 4 container manufacturers in the Middle East (excluding Saudi) namely; JACGF and Altajir Glass, in the UAE, one in Oman and another in Kuwait. These firms export to many countries. The world market of container glass for food & beverages is around US$13BN and is growing at 12%.
