Global garden products market to surpass Dhs830bn by 2010

"It is in to be out-doors - whether you are cooking, entertaining, reading, relaxing or even working in the great outdoors and this new trend has ensured higher sales of garden products worldwide," said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, organizers of Garden and Landscaping Middle East, the region's largest industry platform for landscaping design, garden equipments and outdoor living products scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 25 to 27 2008.

Mr. Pruy noted that the garden and landscaping business was driven by emerging trends and the rising popularity of garden outdoor spaces as an extension of modern homes. Growing material comforts, increasing annual household incomes, and changing consumer lifestyles are resulting in increased investments in gardening, and garden landscaping, thereby creating ample opportunities for growth in the industry.

"Higher fuel prices are expected to further drive this trend as more people continue to stay closer to home for their entertainment and relaxation needs," Mr. Pruy observed.

The trend towards turning the backyard and the garden into livable areas of a home is directly translating into business opportunities in the garden products market.

"Homeowners today are as focused on designing the insides of their homes as they are about decorating the outside of the home," remarked Gavin A. Morlini, Senior Show Manager of Garden and Landscaping Middle East.

He noted that homeowners are paying more attention to flowers and plants, exterior lighting, cozy couches and containers adding spots of color throughout the yard and an increasing number of people choose easy and simple gardens that are low maintenance and full of color.

Mr. Morlini added:" Home owners are choosing simple elegance over fussy gardens so less is in fact more and the buzz word is minimalism."

The surge in garden activities such as lawn parties, backyard camping, barbeque with family and friends, are generating a need for equipping the garden.

The Garden and Landscaping Middle East exhibition enjoys the support of RTA, GardenEx, Society of Engineers, and the Taiwan Importers and Exporters Association. Also participating in this year's exhibition are country pavilions from China, Germany, India and Taiwan.