MENOP leads Middle East adoption of organics trend

Exhibitors and trade visitors at the recently-ended Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo report unprecedented levels of interest.
This year's MENOP show covered 8,000 square meters of floor space at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, compared to occupying a hotel function when it was first staged in 2003.

"An exceptional level of business was concluded," says Ashraf Sharaf, director of organisers Global Links.

"The leads generated inside the exhibition halls encouraged our pioneer exhibitors to commit to participation next year and reinforce their presence in this rapidly growing market."

More than 300 exhibitors representing 31 countries took part, including national pavilions for Italy, Greece, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, and Korea. Roughly 4,000 trade visitors attended - 40% from outside the UAE.

"Our region was relatively slow to adopt the world-wide movement to natural and organic products, but this has now changed beyond recognition," says Sharaf. "Consumer demand producer responses are combining to make the organic movement a very potent force here.
"Natural and organic products now represent a global market estimated at $200bn, and the Middle East's proportional share is catching up very rapidly."

The movement is also boosted by Government support, with the UAE's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment & Water Affairs giving official endorsement to MENOP.