Exhibitors set to tap the potential of the Middle East region as the global organic market crosses US$ 26 billion

The Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo 2005, being organised by Global Links, will be held at the Grand Hyatt Convention Center in Dubai till December 8, 2005.

Speaking at a press conference organised to announce the launch of the exhibition, Girish Dabrai, Managing Director, Global Links, said, "The growing regional and international trend among people to use organic and natural products has tremendously enhanced the significance of a specialised show like the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo. With stress levels and health ailments on the rise, people have become extremely health-conscious, and choosing natural and organic products is often the first step towards healthy living."

Also present at the press conference were, Gerald A. Hermann, President, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), Mohammad Khalifa, Partner, Global Links Dubai, Katherine Dimatteo, Executive Director, Organic Trade Association (OTA), Nadia Tarrieu, Managing Director, Greentrade, Marco Rossi, Manager, OPR, Italy, Dr. Mukesh Rajani, General Manager, Global Links, India, Bruno Queyrel, Managing Director, NEXTTRADE, France and Dr. Riad Obaidi, Consultant & Incharge of Organic Farming Unit, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, UAE.

The Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo 2005 will see participation from manufacturers, producers and distributors of natural and organic products including cosmetics, organic food, aromatherapy, yoga, naturopathy, food and beverage, natural juices, dairy products, music, herbal remedies, energy substitutes, fabrics and clothing, furniture and stationery.

The Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo has witnessed a steady growth over the years, both in terms of exhibitor and visitor participation. The show has achieved a 100 per cent overall growth since its inception in 2003, underlining the importance of such exhibitions in the Middle East.

"The Middle East region has shown a strong growth in demand for natural and organic products in the recent years, a fact that has been reflected by the growing response generated by the previous editions of the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo. The event serves as an excellent platform for exhibitors showcasing their products, to build a personal rapport with potential buyers and business partners, while giving them a unique opportunity to network with industry peers," added Dabrai.

Exhibiting countries at this year's expo include Italy, India, France, Germany, Malaysia, Spain, Indonesia, Portugal, Morocco, Pakistan, Sweden, Netherlands, Holland, Canada, Mexico, Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, Zambia, Belgium, Nairobi, Iran and Russia.

"The organic industry worldwide has continued its excellent growth, with organic farming being practiced in approximately 100 countries around the world, and more than 24 million hectares of land now under organic management," said Dabrai. "The global organic market in 2004 was estimated at US$ 26.5 billion, and this strong growth was reflected in all individual markets as well."

"The UAE in particular has also seen major developments in organic agriculture. The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah for instance recently introduced organic agriculture, in association with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, whereby the focus will be on farming without the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers or any genetically modified organisms," added Dabrai.

Over 9,000 visitors comprising buyers, importers, distributors and wholesalers from all over the Middle East, the Pan Arab region, the Indian sub continent, the Levant region, North Africa and CIS countries are also expected to be part of the three day exhibition.

The Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo 2005, organized by Global Links will be held under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries and the Ministry of Health, with the co-operation of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and the Organic Trade Association (OTA).

A series of conferences and seminars focusing on the industries supporting natural and organic products globally and in the Middle East will be held in conjuction with the exhibition. Joe Smillie, Senior Vice President, OTA, Katherine Dimatteo, Executive Director, OTA, and Gerald A. Hermann, President, IFOAM along with other eminent speakers will speak on topics such as organic agriculture, organic trade in the Middle East, organic medicines, marketing and retailing aspects of organic products and natural treatment and healing.

The exhibition will be open from 11 am to 8 pm from December 6-8, 2005, with free visitor registration for the exhibition and conferences, on all three days of the event.