More than 160 exhibitors from over 30 countries will take part in Sweets Middle East, a top trade exhibition for the sweets, confectionery, bakery, snack food and ice cream industry.

The event will run from November 3 to 5, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Some of the biggest international sweet and confectionery manufacturers, looking to expand operations in the lucrative Asian, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern markets, will participate in the expo, said an organiser.

Figures released by Euro monitor estimate that the UAE confectionery market is worth Dh300 million ($81.7 million) and is growing at 10 per cent annually.

With expanding trade opportunities through dedicated exhibitions such as Sweets Middle East, retailers are more interested than ever in the way in which the market performs.

Co-organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and Koelnmesse, organisers of giant industry trade shows such as ISM Cologne, Sweets Middle East provides an opportunity for distributors to meet with suppliers and learn about the international developments and trends within the industry.

“The large number of foreign brands which will be present demonstrates the true international nature of the event,” said Joanne Cook, industry group manager - Exhibitions & Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre.

“We are pleased to confirm that several leading confectionery manufacturers have selected the exhibition as their platform to introduce products to regional and international markets.”

For the 2008 event, organisers report increased international participation from Germany, France and several other countries. Germany’s top manufacturers believe that Sweets Middle East presents an unparalleled business platform to develop and expand distribution into new markets.

Participating from Germany is the 200 year-old J G Niederegger GmbH KG, famous for its Niederegger marzipan and Schwermer, a well known family owned confectionery that has been producing chocolates for over two hundred years. 

Recent market reports indicate a growing demand for gourmet chocolates in both sophisticated and emerging markets.

Exhibitors from France include Chateau Blanc, which will introduce its range of macaroons alongside French delicacies such as exceptional breads and pastries.

Participating for the first time from Cyprus is, Chikrar, a Cypriot sweet manufacturer, and Pearl Confectionary, one of the largest manufacturing companies of confectionery from Pakistan.

Several companies from other traditional sweet loving countries such as the USA, will be introducing their products to the Middle East for the first time such as Adam & Brooks who will be showing their All Natural Lollipops.-TradeArabia News Service