A sweet rise in regional exports

The Middle East is moving away from its traditional dependence on imported food stuffs thanks to an increase in local production, according to Ingrid Kromberg from Dubai World Trade Centre’s exhibitions and events management department.

Speaking ahead of Sweets Middle East and Sweet & SnackTec Middle East 2009 — both running from November 2-4 2009 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre — show project manager Kromberg commented: “Traditionally the UAE and the wider Middle East have been importers of food products, but over the last few years we are seeing an increasing number of companies starting to export their goods to a more international audience.

“Dubai is increasingly exporting food products, with around AED 3.5 billion (US $952 million) traded last year according to figures from Dubai Export Development Corporation,” she continued. “Dubai also re-exported AED 4.1 billion (US $1.1 billion) worth of food products last year.”

Kromberg added that sugar and confectionery had ranked at the top of the list of food exports, making up 37% of the export value of all food products.

To encourage more local businesses to export food products, Dubai Municipality will host an ‘International Buyers Centre’ at Sweets Middle East next month, providing guidance on opportunities abroad and advice for international exhibitors on building sales within the region.

“The show will hopefully encourage more local businesses to export food products around the GCC countries,” said Kromberg.