The total Middle East confectionery market is valued at $113 billion, according to a recent study by a leading market intelligence firm.

The Middle East is identified in the top ten markets for confectionery products in the world, with a high per capita consumption of chocolate in particular.

The confectionary market has grown by 15 per cent over the last three years, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar experiencing the largest growth at around 24 per cent, revealed the TNS Media Intelligence study.

Such growth is attributed to greater disposable income per capita, the influence of the region’s enormous population of young consumers, and the traditional role of sweets in Arab culture. Despite fluctuations in the region’s economy, over the next decade confectionery sales are forecast to increase by 15-20 per cent.

To capitalise on these favourable market trends, the co-located exhibitions, Sweets Middle East and the inaugural Sweet & SnackTec Middle East, will take place from November 2 to 4 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Dicec).

Bringing business partners together, the events will create new trading opportunities and promote growth and development in the region, as well as serve producers, suppliers, importers and exporters of the sweets, confectionery and snack industry from across the Mena region.

Both exhibitions are co-organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the region’s leading exhibitions organiser whose portfolio includes Gulfood, and Koelnmesse, organiser of the leading international sweets and confectionery show ISM in Cologne.

“The sweets and confectionery market in the region will continue to see positive growth. As a result we are seeing many brands investing to gain market share with many product innovations, new flavours, and packaging ideas being launched at these shows,” stated Trixee Loh, senior vice president at DWTC.-TradeArabia News Service