With the UAE and Saudi Arabia claiming the biggest chunks of the region’s annual chocolate spend according to recently released Euromonitor data, a raft of health-conscious, sugar-free snack producers are set to line-up alongside traditional confectionary producers at a leading event in Dubai, UAE.

 

The Sweets and Snacks Middle East 2015, the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region’s leading platform for the international sweets, confectionery and snack industries, will run from Ocotber 27 to 29 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

 

In registering spends of $38 and $31 per capita, respectively, the UAE and Saudi Arabia far outstrip the $4 spend per capita average across the Middle East and Africa.

 

According to KPMG, regional demand continues to grow with confectionary sales across the GCC forecast to increase 20 per cent this year, while the Saudi Arabia chocolate market alone is predicted to swell 43 per cent next year.

 

Contrastingly, with more chocolate-based confectionaries readily available in the UAE after a huge rise in retail options and distribution channels, a recent UAE Chocolate Market Opportunities and Forecast 2019 report by TechSci Research has predicted UAE citizens’ busier lifestyles are fostering higher intakes of high-fat foods and creating a demand from health-conscious consumers for sugar-free chocolates.

 

More than 300 specialist exhibitors from both sides of the industry will vie for buyers' attention at the show, said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, Exhibitions and Events Management, DWTC.

 

“The global confectionary industry continues to experience tremendous growth, as reflected by this year’s largest-ever Sweets & Snacks Middle East standing at 25 per cent larger than the 2014 edition,” said LohMirmand. 

 

“Consumption habits and spending power on luxury goods in the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to provide leading international chocolate and confectionery producers with vast regional investment opportunities. As the MEA region’s only dedicated industry platform, Sweets & Snacks Middle East provides a tailored sourcing platform for leading buyers, retailers and distributors to explore hordes of diverse confectionary options – both traditional and sugar-free.”

 

With Spanish and UK national pavilions among a host of new countries participating, this year's show will house mega national pavilions for Turkey, Germany and Egypt - the latter operating its largest stand since the show’s inception in 2007.

 

Meanwhile, Innova Market Insights - a long-time supporter of the event - will highlight ‘Snacking Trends to Watch’ and give tailored presentations focussing on ‘Top 10 Trends 2015: what they mean for the confectionery industry’ and ‘Snacking Trends: key insights on the diversity of snacking.’

 

Modern Chocolate, a leading chocolate company headquartered in Turkey, will put its famous chocolate products on display for visitors to taste.

 

One of the biggest FMCG manufacturers in the Middle East, Shirin Asal Group, will feature various products from its portfolio of 60 brands, including chocolate bars and tablets, cocoa powder, cocoa mass, cereal, wafer, cookies and toffees. 

 

The event will also host the Innovation Awards 2015, which will recognise the most innovative, market-oriented confectionery and snacks products. 

 

The nominees and winners will be displayed at the show’s special Innovation Gallery. - TradeArabia News Service