Research carried out in the run up to this year’s Sweets Middle East expo in Dubai has identified the region as one of the world’s top 10 markets for confectionery products.
According to the study by TNS Media Intelligence, the total Middle East confectionery market is valued at US $113 billion, having grown by 15% over the last three years, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar experiencing the largest growth at around 24%.
The report attributed this growth to a greater disposable income per capita, the influence of the region’s enormous population of young consumers and the traditional role of sweets in Arab culture.
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And despite fluctuations in the region’s economy, confectionery sales are forecast to increase by 15-20% over the next decade.
Capitalising on these favourable market trends, co-located exhibitions Sweets Middle East and the inaugural Sweet & SnackTec Middle East will take place from November 2-4 2009 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
The events aim to create new trading opportunities and promote growth and development in the region, as well as serve producers, suppliers, importers and exporters of the sweets, confectionery and snack industry from across the MENA region.
Trixee Loh, senior vice president at the shows’ co-organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), predicted that “the sweets and confectionery market in the region will continue to see positive growth”.
“As a result we are seeing many brands investing to gain market share with many product innovations, new flavours, and packaging ideas being launched at these shows,” she said.
Exhibitors taking part in the event include Hunter Foods Limited from Dubai, which will use the show as a platform to launch its new product ‘Corn Poppatillas’ — a snack marketed as “Indian poppadums meet Mexican tortillas”.
With consumer demand for natural products also showing positive growth, the HORS Company from the Czech Republic will be exhibiting its range of sugar-free confectionery such as flat lollipops — also suitable for diabetics.
Besides finished products, manufacturers will also find exhibits of interest.
Sweet & SnackTec Middle East exhibitors include Hans Brunner GmbH from Germany, a leading supplier of chocolate moulds; and Dubai-based Integrated Plastics, a manufacturer of flexible packaging materials, which will offer a 10% discount on all business deals done during the exhibition.
Meanwhile GM Metal Packaging Ltd from Hong Kong will showcase specialised packaging design combined with a wide range of confectionery tins in various shapes and sizes.
Sweets Middle East and Sweet & SnackTec Middle East are shows for trade and business professionals only and will be open from 10am to 6pm daily from November 2-4, 2009.
General public and persons under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry.
Registration is available onsite or alternatively visitors can pre-register in advance by clicking here.
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