The estimated size of organic products market in the UAE is about Dh154 million ($41.93 million) per year, making it the 38th largest market in the world, according to numbers published by the Organic Trade Association.

With an increasing importance being placed on health and lifestyle, especially in the UAE, organically sourced and healthy foods are becoming part of a staple diet, said the report.

On top of this, an increase in consumption of health and wellness products (6.6 per cent CAGR), organic packaged food and beverages (9.8 per cent CAGR), and organic packaged food consumption (9.8 per cent CAGR) was predicted from the years 2015-2018, signalling a shift in consumer behaviour towards health-orientated foods, it said.

Aiming to provide an ideal platform for local and international food manufacturers looking to expand into the lucrative industry of organic food products, SIAL Middle East will run from December 12 to 14, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The eighth edition of SIAL Middle East, co-located with the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition, will host more than 22,000 industry professionals and 900 exhibitors this year.

The event is being held in a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), as part of the Abu Dhabi Food Festival and organised by the department of Culture and Tourism.

Recognising SIAL Middle East’s status as an expanding hub for industry professionals, Mawasim Organic, are set to showcase their full range of organic products.

Abdulnasser Alshamsi, CEO for Mawasim Organic, said: “The event has provided a strong platform for the growing food, beverage and hospitality event in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, and we are looking forward to showcasing our organic fresh local farm produce from fruits, vegetables and herbs such as: sweet corn, cucumber, potato and mint.”

“Additionally, we have a wide section of certified organic products such as cheese and dairy, butchery, bakery, grocery to health & beauty products,” he said.

“We have rapidly grown into a trusted local Emirati brand, carrying locally grown organic produce, harvested at Al Rawafed Organic Agricultural farm,” he added.

For New Zealand based Blossom Hill Farm, halal products and superfoods will take centre-stage.

Mark Allport, founder of Blossom Hill Farm, said: “We are inspired by four generations of New Zealand family farming, and we represent a range of beautiful artisan farm produce and Halal certified products.”

“Also, we will have an exciting new range of beverages from New Zealand as well as some new combinations of Superfood NutSpreads,” he said.

With more than 40 million date palms in the UAE, and with the fruit largely considered a superfood due to its high sources of energy, fibre and vitamins, many suppliers are keen to show-off their products at Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition, the only event in the world dedicated for the date palm industry, which will be co-located with SIAL Middle East. This year’s edition will be the first to allow on-site sales, said a statement.

Capitalising on the popularity and high consumption of the medjool date in the Middle East, US firm Double Date Packing is taking part in SIAL Middle East for the first time.
Jenaan Investment, an agricultural investment company, are also looking to enter the healthy and free range market. Based in the country's capital, Abu Dhabi, the event will provide the perfect platform to showcase the company’s new projects, partnerships as well as announcing new initiatives.

Additionally, Jenaan plans to sign new agreements and expand their international network, and will work closely with the Abu Dhabi government to support the emirate's food security programme agenda, and has recently implemented a large date palm plantation in Egypt.

They also plan to launch a new animal services business for local farmers at the event, it said.

SIAL Middle East returns with support from Host Sponsor: Abu Dhabi Chamber, Diamond Sponsor: Jenaan Investments, Silver Sponsors: Al Rawafed and Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre, Bronze Sponsor: Mai Dubai and The Deep Seafood Company, and Halal Certification Sponsor: Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service