Sweets & Snacks Middle East 2015 is 25% larger

Recent Euromonitor data has revealed that UAE and Saudi Arabia is responsible for the biggest share of the region's annual chocolate spend, and in light of growing demand, a number of health-conscious, sugar-free snack producers will be present alongside traditional confectionary producers at Sweets & Snacks Middle East 2015.

With spends of US $38 and $31 per capita respectively, the UAE and Saudi Arabia outstrip the US $4 spend per capita average across the Middle East and Africa.

According to KPMG, regional demand continues to grow with confectionary sales across the GCC forecast to increase 20% this year, while the Saudi Arabia chocolate market alone is predicted to increase by 43% in 2016.

A recent UAE Chocolate Market Opportunities & Forecast 2019 report by TechSci Research has predicted UAE citizens’ busier lifestyles are creating a demand for sugar-free chocolates.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, exhibitions & events management at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) revealed more than 300 specialist exhibitors will be at the show.

“The global confectionary industry continues to experience tremendous growth, as reflected by this year’s largest-ever Sweets & Snacks Middle East standing at 25% larger than the 2014 edition,” said LohMirmand.

“Consumption habits and spending power on luxury goods in the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to provide leading international chocolate and confectionery producers with vast regional investment opportunities. As the MEA region’s only dedicated industry platform, Sweets & Snacks Middle East provides a tailored sourcing platform for leading buyers, retailers and distributors to explore hordes of diverse confectionary options – both traditional and sugar-free.”

With Spanish and UK national pavilions new at this year’s show, Sweets & Snacks Middle East 2015 will house mega national pavilions for Turkey, Germany and Egypt - the latter operating its largest stand since the show’s inception in 2007.

Meanwhile, Innova Market Insights - a long-time supporter of Sweets & Snacks Middle East - will highlight ‘Snacking Trends to Watch’ and give tailored presentations focussing on ‘Top 10 Trends 2015: what they mean for the confectionery industry’ and ‘Snacking Trends: key insights on the diversity of snacking’.

The event will also host the Innovation Awards 2015, which recognise innovative, market-oriented confectionery and snacks products. Nominees and winners will be displayed at the show’s Innovation Gallery.

Sweets and Snacks Middle East will be open from 10am-6pm from October 27-28, and from 10am–5pm on October 29 2015. Co-organised with Koelnmesse GmbH, it runs alongside The Speciality Food Festival 2015 and Seafex 2015.