Sweets & Snacks Middle East

The market for sweets and snacks in the MENA region is continuing to grow – Sweets & Snacks Middle East is the gateway to clients from the Middle East as well as North Africa.

Figures for the Sweets & Snacks Middle East trade fair are once again indicating outstanding registration rates. A few months before the event – which takes place from 9-11 November 2014 in Dubai – Sweets & Snacks Middle East is already fully booked. Again a significant growth in the number of exhibitors as well as in rented floor space has been achieved. Among the registered companies are Bodeta (Germany), Candelite (UAE), Confetti Crispo (Italy), Duc D’O (Belgium), Original Candy (UK) and Roshen (Ukraine). With national pavilions representing Belgium, Brazil, China, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Turkey and the US, the range of international opportunity and offers is extended even further. The event organisers estimate that over 200 exhibitors from about 40 countries will participate (2013: 178 exhibitors from 32 countries). Sweets & Snacks Middle East, organised by Koelnmesse GmbH and the Dubai World Trade Centre, will take place in November 2014 for the eighth time. The positive growth forecasts for chocolate, baked goods, ice cream and savoury snacks in the Gulf States, in particular, underline its relevance.

Over the past three years, there has been considerable growth in countries in the Gulf region. In Saudi Arabia, for example, sales volume has grown by six per cent. In the UAE, there has been an increase of almost eight per cent and in Kuwait an increase of nine per cent (all figures courtesy of Nielsen, by SG Network).

Customer purchasing preferences in confectionery and snacks in the Gulf States differ significantly. In Saudi Arabia, consumers favour baked goods, according to reported quantities consumed, followed by savoury snacks and ice cream. In the UAE, figures point to a particular love of ice cream. In Kuwait, the preference is for baked goods as well as savoury snacks. There has been overall growth in the consumption of chocolate.

In order to further promote commercial activity generated by Sweets & Snacks Middle East, the Hosted Buyer Programme, first introduced in 2013, will continue to be developed. A variety of selected services will make the event even more attractive to top buyers.

Sweet & Snacks Middle East principally targets industry visitors from the Gulf region, its neighbouring states as well as North African countries. In 2013, more than 6,200 buyers from 75 countries registered for the event. In parallel with Sweets & Snacks Middle East, a range of other trade fairs will take place. The Speciality Food Festival, SEAFEX and Gulfood Manufacturing offer exhibitors and visitors the opportunity of further synergising their visit. Further information can be found at: www.sweetsmiddleeast.com

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