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The event draws upon the expertise delivered by these two heavy weights to ensure a targeted platform is delivered. DWTC, organiser of Gulfood, leverages on the show's status as the region's leading food exhibition whilst Koelnmesse utilises its international reach as the organisers of Anuga - the world's largest food event, and ISM - the world's premier confectionery and snack show.
"We have been delighted by the industry's response to this inaugural event. The exhibition is now sold out. This accompanied by the strong interest from key suppliers, leading country pavilions and buyers has reaffirmed the industry's need for such a niche event in this region,"
said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General at Dubai World Trade Centre.
"DWTC has worked very closely with Koelnmesse, to promote Sweets Middle East throughout the region and we are looking forward to a successful first edition of the show," he added.
Occupying 4,000sqm of exhibition space, Sweets Middle East will welcome over 130 international and regional suppliers from 27 countries and is supported by the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair Association and Platinum Sponsor IFFCO.
"As a leading manufacturer in the region, IFFCO is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of the inaugural Sweets Middle East exhibition. Our brands are exported to over 70 countries worldwide and we are confident that this targeted exhibition will provide us with the ideal platform to strengthen and further enhance our position within these markets," said Fethi Khiari, Director - International Markets, IFFCO.
As one of the top markets for confectionery products, with high per capita consumption of chocolate in particular, the Middle East boosts an annual consumption of $4.2bn.
Sweets Middle East offers a specialist networking platform for manufacturers seeking to penetrate this lucrative market. Support from national pavilions has been extremely robust with participation from seven countries including Egypt, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Turkey and the USA.
German national country pavilion organiser commented, "In its role as an export association of the German confectionery industry, German Sweets takes part in all of the major confectionery sector events worldwide. This first confectionery trade exhibition in the Middle East is very important for us because Dubai has long since become a hub for business activities extending from North Africa to India. We expect our 13 exhibitors at the German Sweets joint stand to have a very successful show," said Dr. Stefan Feit, Managing Director, German Sweets E.V.
A truly international event, visitors to the exhibition can expect to meet leading suppliers from across the globe and as far a field as North Africa, Asia, CIS Europe and the Middle East with leading players such as IFFCO (UAE), Istanbul Gida (Turkey), Salehia (Saudi Arabia), Seham (Syria), United Foods Saudi Arabia), Perfetti van Melle (Belgium) and Wrigley (USA/UAE) taking part.
Sweets Middle East will take place from the 18-20 November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibition is for Trade and Business Professionals only and will be open from 10am - 6pm 18-19 November and 10am - 3pm on the 20 November. General public and persons under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry.
Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
