Sweets and snacks trade show enjoys confectionery market boom

Sweets and snacks trade show enjoys confectionery market boom

Middle East’s most influential trade exhibition for snack and confectionery industry offers total business solutions under one roof.

October 8, 2010 3:41 by Rasha Reslan

With Middle East retail volume sales of sweet and savoury snacks predicted to grow by a phenomenal 21% over the next 4 years (2010-2014) according to Euromonitor International, it has never been more important for businesses in this speciality sector to attend Sweets & Snacks Middle East, the largest and most influential trade-only exhibition for the regional industry.

The Middle East is forecast as one of the most dynamic regions to lead global industry growth, underpinned by a greater disposable income per capita, the influence of a predominantly young population – more than 50% are under the age of 25 – and the traditional role of sweets in Middle Eastern culture. Strong growth in the region is also attributed to the continued introduction of healthier sweet and savoury snacks, based on increasing demand from middle-class consumers.

Running from 31 October – 2 November 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sweets & Snacks Middle East, held in conjunction with Sweet & SnackTec Middle East, brings together more than 100 exhibitors from 35 countries, encompassing the entire value chain from ingredients and machinery to finished product and retail.

“With sustained expansion in the snacking culture, particularly in rapidly developing urban areas in this region, there is strong market confidence throughout the Middle East, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This, in turn, drives an urgency for businesses to access the latest information, trends, innovations and new or improved ways of doing business,” said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Sweets & Snacks Middle East.

“This industry-specific show provides access to solutions and opportunities for snack and confectionery businesses, both big and small, and it will take just one visit to the show to discover hundreds of new ideas that could change the way they do business in the future.”

In addition to the suppliers, valuable networking and business development opportunities presented at the show, a series of educational seminars will offer trade visitors access to the latest global industry trends, innovations, new ingredient choices and technology advances in the confectionery, baking, snack and packaging sectors. Euromonitor International will also lead a discussion on how concern over the rise of sugar consumption is driving the stevia market.

Combined with the co-located events Sweet & SnackTec Middle East, The Speciality Food Festival, and The International Travel Catering Association Exhibition (ITCA Dubai), all four dedicated food industry events will provide visitors and exhibitors with the perfect trading, networking and cross-selling environment.