The retail value for the UAE’s writing instrument and accessories market will be worth $147.9 million in 2022, compared to $117.3 million in 2017, according to analysts Euromonitor International (EMI).  

Manufacturers of writing instruments from throughout the world will launch their latest products at a Dubai exhibition this month, with an Arabic calligraphy pen among the new items targeting a UAE market that is set to grow by 26 per cent over the next five years.

Paperworld Middle East 2018, the region’s dedicated trade fair for paper, office supplies, stationery, corporate gifts, and children’s toys and games, will feature more than 300 exhibitors from 42 countries, from February 27 to March 1, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

More than half will arrive with product portfolios comprising writing instruments, including dozens that specialise in the design and manufacturing of markers and highlighters, ballpoint and fountain pens, pencils, and colouring supplies for arts and crafts, said a statement.

Visitors will meet thousands of regional trade buyers, importers, exporters, distributors, retailers and wholesalers, with the UAE writing instrument sector in particular enjoying a sustained period of healthy growth, it said.

Pens hold the lion’s share of the market according to EMI, with UAE consumers spending $71.1 million on ballpoint, rollerball and fountain pens in 2017. This was followed by pencils ($13 million), colouring items ($12.6 million) markers and highlighters ($11.7 million), and accessories such as refills and correction agents ($8.9 million).

The solid state of the market is underlined by the large presence of writing instrument exhibitors at Paperworld Middle East 2018, which includes household names such as German brands Schneider, Pelikan, and Lamy, and leading lights from Japan and Korea including Mitsubishi Pens, Zebra, Pilot, Platinum Pen, and Artline.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Paperworld Middle East, said: “While the market for writing instruments and accessories is currently enjoying a period of sustained growth, our event continues to offer leading international brands and suppliers with the most accessible platform to engage with this growing region.”

“We are glad to welcome a significant number of global brands at the event and we look forward to many more joining us going forward,” he said.

Japanese company Shachihata, which manufacturers the Artline brand of markers and pens, as well as stamps brand Xstamper, will use the 8th edition of Paperworld Middle East to launch its new Artline Arabic calligraphy pen, it added.

Keisuke Kakame, manager of international sales, Shachihata, said: “Our Arabic calligraphy pen was developed especially for Arabic writing countries, and we hope it will be a big seller as we continue to build our presence in the Middle East market.”

Kakame added: “The more we exhibit at the event, the more we think we get, and when you keep doing something, you see the merit of continuity. This actually brought us new trading partners in 2017.”

Elsewhere, Zebra, another regular Japanese exhibitor, will put the spotlight on the latest version of its number one selling Sarasa Clip pen with quick-dry ink, along with its Delguard unbreakable mechanical pencil, among many other offerings.

Shinichi Ishikawa, Zebra’s president, said: “In Japan, Sarasa Dry is selling more than four million pieces already, and it has become popular among left-handed people who get ink on their hands after writing.”

“We’re sure this will become popular in the Middle East where people write from right to left, and we believe the Sarasa Dry D1 will be loved by all Arabic writers.  We’re glad to see a lot of people interested in our products, especially when they see the ‘Made in Japan’ or ‘number one selling pen in Japan’ titles.  We think the brand recognition is getting better year by year,” Ishikawa said.

Among the many other global exhibitors of writing instruments at the event include Indian companies Doms Industries Flair Writing, Hindustan Pencils, and GM Pens; Writebest from Malaysia; Austrian brand Kores; Dollar Industries from Pakistan, and Turkish manufacturer Scrikss.

New features at Paperworld Middle East 2018 include The Green Room, a dedicated section for environmentally friendly products with ‘eco-credentials; Playworld Village, spanning the entire gamut of children’s toys and games; and corporate gifts for promotional items.  

A two-day seminar programme will also highlight the latest trends and developments in the regional office, paper, and stationery industries, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service