Sweet Markets for Sweets

 CONFECTIONERY manufacturers, retailers and distributors have their sights firmly set on the Middle East and North Africa as sales are expected to rise 16% by 2014, according to Euromonitor International. Retail value sales of confectionery totalled US$ 6.6 billion in the MENA region in 2009, a 10% growth over the previous 12 months.
Over the last six years, the UAE confectionery market has grown by 94.7%, compared with just 19.6% in the US, 40.3% in China and 18.6% in the UK, and chocolate confectionary sales grew in the Emirates by 12% in 2010 to reach US$ 222 million. By end 2011, this growth rate is forecast to keep rising at the same pace, if not higher.
 With a retail sector turnover exceeding USD100 billion, the GCC is considered as one of the fastest growing retail markets worldwide, according to Business Monitor International (BMI). Regional economic and demographic growth, combined with a high per capita retail spend and an increased appetite for high quality international foods make the Middle East an ideal target for domestic and international manufacturers and retailers. And the region's traditional sweet tooth plays an important part of that investment.
"Confectionery is still an extremely buoyant market in the Middle East," said Trixee Loh, senior vice president, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Sweets & Snacks Middle East which is held from 25-27 October at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
"The opportunities for investment in sweets and confectionery within the region are extremely positive and the consistently strong demand provides a solid base for high returns. International investors see this industry as a very stable option and as we have seen from previous Sweets & Snacks Middle East editions, there is a great deal of business being closed both during and after the event," Ms Loh explained.
Offering even greater networking and selling opportunities, Sweets & Snacks Middle East will run adjacent to the 2nd edition of the Speciality Food Festival, which focuses on premium, exclusive and exclusive products – the 5-star market positioning so closely associated with Dubai. The Speciality Food Festival will showcase elite suppliers from the gourmet and luxury food market including the Halal, Organic and Seafood sectors.
Combined with Sweet & SnackTec Middle East and The International Travel Catering Association Exhibition (ITCA Dubai), these dedicated food industry events provide the ideal trading and knowledge exchange platform for visitors and exhibitors alike.
The exhibitions are 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. Free visitor registration is available now online at www.sweetsmiddleeast.com, www.sweetsnacktecmiddleeast.com, www. speciality.ae and www.itcadubai.com. Registration will also be available at the show.