ITC MEA Issue 02 | Page 34

INDUSTRY VIEW

WHY PRICING IS THE NEW BATTLEGROUND FOR DISTRIBUTORS

Vibhu Kapoor, Regional Vice President, Middle East, Africa and India at Epicor, explains why distributors already possess the data needed to transform pricing into a competitive advantage.

The economic outlook for the Middle East is still exceptionally strong, positioning the region as one of the most dynamic growth markets globally. Oxford Economics expects GCC GDP growth to reach 4.4 % in 2026, up from 4 % in 2025. At the same time, real household consumption across the GCC is projected to grow by 3.4 % annually over the next five years, nearly double the rate forecast for advanced economies. For distributors serving sectors such as technology, retail, FMCG, construction and automotive, this combination of economic momentum and rising consumer confidence represents a significant opportunity to scale.

Yet strong market momentum does not guarantee easy wins. Global supply chains remain fragile, energy prices continue to fluctuate, and
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