Food and confectionery segments in Gulf register double-digit growth
Middle East Food, the first-of-its-kind 360° international trade fair for food, and Arabian Sweets, the international trade fair for sweets, chocolate, confectionery, bakery and production technology, will serve up a delectable spread of innovative products and services from the $32 billion-plus food service and confectionery sector across the Middle East.
To be organized by Channels Exhibition, Middle East Food and Arabian Sweets exhibitions will be simultaneously held between April 27 and 29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The Middle East Food will showcase six dedicated concepts -- Food and Beverage, Food Ingredients, Organic & Health Foods, Food Processing, Packaging & Machinery, and Catering Technology & Equipment aimed at ensuring that the right buyers reach and experience the various products, services and solutions.
The Arabian Sweets exhibition will showcase the entire sweet foods industry - from cocoa, chocolates, biscuits, sugar confectionery, ice cream, baked goods to low calorie alternatives.
In his comments, Mr Justin Boutros, CEO of Channels Exhibitions, said: "The first Middle East Food and Arabian Sweets Exhibitions will provide the perfect platform for the food service and confectionery sectors in the region to launch new products, meet existing and potential new suppliers and display products and services to a targeted and dedicated, qualified audience. We are confident that the shows will offer a good networking opportunity for companies in the sectors."
He added: "The food sector continues to grow with categories like 'Halal' now worth US$500 billion and the organic food market worth around US$70.2 billion. Food imports into Middle East continue to enjoy double digit growth with Saudi Arabia, UAE and other GCC states being major importers. Similarly, the global confectionery sector worth US$120 billion is growing at over 20% annually with the Middle East increasing the share significantly. Amidst such phenomenal growth, it is but natural that the exhibitions offer a good platform for future success."
According to official statistics, the food service market in the Middle East is estimated to be worth around US$ 32 billion and a substantial proportion of this market is driven by GCC and wider Middle East countries. The Middle East confectionery market has growth by 15% over the last three years and the discerning taste profiles are spurring global and regional players to enter the premium market.
Among the distinct advantages being offered at the exhibitions are Food/ Sweets Connect - an extensive hosted buyer program; Food/ Sweets Match - a matchmaking opportunity for delivering greater value to both visitors and exhibitors; and Food/ Sweets Concierge -- providing the exhibiting company with a personalized pre-registration website.
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© Press Release 2009
