The first is between 1960 and the early 1980s, which can be characterized as a period of sustained growth. During this period, the GCC countries recorded the highest growth as consumption more than doubled, though it was starting from a relatively low level of around 42 kg/capita/year which was well below the world average of about 55 kg/capita/year. Equally, wheat demand in the Maghreb and Mashreq subregions increased at a fast rate, though they were already starting from relatively high levels, at 118 and 90 kg/capita/year, respectively, both of which were above the world and OECD consumption levels.