Inaugural Ingredients Middle East trade exhibition opens

Numerous recent reports have been debating the issue of increasing food prises and their effect on the UAE.

Emirates Consumer Protection Society (ECPS)

Emirates Consumer Protection Society (ECPS) stated that food prices in the UAE rose between 27 and 30% in 2007 and could rise to 40%in 2008.

The Abu Dhabi Council of Economic Development has also released a study to assess the country's food status in view of the current global food crisis. One solution currently under review is that of realisation of self-sufficiency through local food production.

Exhibitions like Ingredients Middle East are set to play a vital role in addressing these issues by bringing together raw material and ingredients providers with local and international food manufacturers. The inaugural edition of the show, organised by DWTC, takes place from 15- 17 June 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"The Middle East's food manufacturing and processing industry is experiencing consistent growth. At a time when cost-efficient ingredients sourcing is at an all time high, Ingredients Middle East is an essential event for food manufacturers and processors to meet with leading suppliers. We are confident that this show will be a great success," said Helal Almarri, Director General, DWTC.

Companies from the UAE as well as China, Germany, India, Lebanon and Malaysia are among the 18 countries represented at the event.

The show is providing an important platform for manufacturers planning to expand in the region, such as leading global dairy ingredients supplier, Agus. The company develops, produces and sells innovative dairy-based raw materials for all sectors within the food industry including confectionery, ice cream, bakery and dairy.

Grzegorz Maczynski, Director of Expansion, Agus, said: "We see this as an excellent opportunity to meet with Middle East-based food manufacturers and food processing companies and we look forward to extending our reach into key vertical markets."

Indian-based Aarkay Foods is a world-leading producer and developer of natural food ingredient and supplements. This year the company is preparing to successfully launch vacuum dried fruit and vegetable products in the Middle East region.

"We look forward to building a strong presence at this year's show by offering ingredients such as fruits and vegetables in the form of pieces, flakes and powders. Our products are completely natural, which is seen as a growing trend around the world. Ingredients Middle East gives us the perfect opportunity to reach a wide range of potential customers," said Abishek Kapoor, Corporate Relations Director, Aarkay Food Products Ltd.

Supported by Gulfood and Dubai Municipality, the event will also be co-located with the Arab Beverages Forum, which comprises a strong ingredients component and focuses on discussions on added values and updates from local players about developing and positioning their products.

Ingredients Middle East 2008

Ingredients Middle East 2008 - the only International Ingredients Exhibition for Food, Beverage and Health Food for the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent takes place from 10:00am - 5:00pm on 15-16 June and 10:00am - 4:00pm on 17 June 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE.

On-site registration is available for trade and business professionals related to the industry. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry.