Region's sweet tooth drives major industry sector forward

Market statistics estimate that Middle East consumers spend billions of dollars on food every year, with the foodservice market in the GCC worth more than $31bn annually.

Regionally, a TNS study in 2007 shows that demand for chocolate held strong in UAE and KSA - 99% of Saudi respondents in the study claim to have consumed chocolates in the last seven days.

Recognising the growth and increasing sophistication of the Middle East food market, two giants in the exhibition industry have partnered again to host the second edition of the only dedicated trade show geared towards the Sweets, Confectionery, Bakery, Snack Food and Ice Cream industries in the Middle East.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the region's leading organiser and Koelnmesse organiser of the world's leading confectionery show, ISM, present Sweets Middle East 2008. The exhibition takes place from 3 - 5 November 2008 in Halls 7 & 8 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

With an estimated 100% growth in exhibition space for the second edition of Sweets Middle East, organisers have already confirmed the participation of more than 160 companies from 30 countries. International products and brands will be on display from companies participating in the 9 national pavilions. These include Belgium, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey and the USA, as well as two new pavilions from Cyprus and Malaysia.

In addition, the exhibition will feature leading industry players such as IFFCO (UAE) participating again as this year's Platinum Sponsor, Salehia (Saudi Arabia), Seham (Syria), United Foods (Saudi Arabia), Perfetti van Melle (Belgium) and Wrigley (USA/UAE).

"The success of the 2007 exhibition reaffirmed a need for this important industry platform, as the confectionery and sweet industries continue to expand across the Middle East,"

said Joanne Cook, Industry Group Manager - Exhibitions & Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, co-organiser of Sweets Middle East 2008.

Mr. Markus Reetz, Brand Manager of Koelnmesse GmbH corroborated this statement saying:

"Everyone who took part had positive results and together with our partner DWTC, we will be further developing this trade fair in line with market demand."

Sweets Middle East 2008 is set to attract a strong line up of both regional and international manufacturers and distributors along with sweets and confectionery associations, providing the perfect business opportunity to network with key industry players, launch new products, and discover the latest market trends.

Dubai World Trade Centre is also the organiser of specialised industry shows including the annual Gulfood exhibition, recognised as the largest gathering of food, food service and hospitality professionals in the Middle East and one of the top influential events in the global food industry.

The combined expertise of two exhibition leaders creates the perfect recipe for success at the Middle East's leading sweets and confectionery exhibition.

Sweets Middle East will run from 3-5 November in halls 7&8 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibition is for Trade and Business Professionals only and will be open from 10am - 6pm daily. General public and persons under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry. Registration is available onsite or alternatively visitors can pre-register in advance at Sweets Middle East website.