A strong line up of regional and international sweets manufacturers and distributors will take part in the Sweets Middle East 2008 to be held in Dubai in November.

The exhibition, taking place from November 3 – 5 in Halls 7 & 8 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will provide participants the perfect business opportunity to network with key industry players, launch new products and discover the latest market trends. 

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 $31 billion annually.

Regionally, a TNS study in 2007 showed that demand for chocolate held strong in UAE and Saudi Arabia - 99 per cent of Saudi respondents in the study claimed to have consumed chocolates in the last seven days. 

Recognising the growth and increasing sophistication of the Middle East food market, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the region’s leading organiser, and Koelnmesse, organiser of the world’s leading confectionery show, ISM, will present the Sweets Middle East 2008.

It is the only dedicated trade show geared towards the sweets, confectionery, bakery, snack food and ice cream industries in the Middle East, said a spokesman.

With an estimated 100 percent 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 nine 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.

Markus Reetz, brand manager of Koelnmesse, 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.”

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 exhibition is for trade and business professionals only and will be open from 10 am – 6 pm 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 www.sweetsmiddleeast.com.-TradeArabia News Service