A trade show focused on raw materials for halal food preparation will be held in Dubai next month.

The Ingredients Middle East, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), will take place from June 15-17 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

With the global halal food market set to reach $500 billion by 2010, demand for raw materials and ingredients that can be fully certified as halal is higher than ever before, said a statement from DWTC.

Muslim consumers increasingly expect assurance that food and beverages fully comply with Islamic preparation requirements from the very start of the manufacturing process, creating intense pressure to source ingredients from certified suppliers, it said.

The show will support market demand and the needs of local, regional and international food processing companies.
 
“As the halal food market has grown more sophisticated, it has become increasingly important for food producers to demonstrate that all ingredients are fully certified. In creating a dedicated trade show for this sector, we hope to enable food manufacturers to meet with certified suppliers of ingredients so that they can create a 100 percent halal supply chain,” said Joanne Cook, Industry Group manager, DWTC. 

For local food producers, the focus on Halal food production is critically important and seen as a key component of success in the market, Cook said.

A total of 18 countries will be represented at the event including Germany, India, UK, Egypt, France, Malaysia, Turkey and China.

Supported by Dubai Municipality, the event will also be co-located with the Arab Beverages Forum, which comprises a strong ingredients component, as well as discussions on added values, flavouring and updates from local players about developing and positioning their products.  – TradeArabia News Service