Total consumption of food products in the UAE alone is valued at almost $4 billion and the outlook for the confectionery, snacks, baked goods and ice cream industry in the Middle East remains upbeat, a report said.

Hypermarkets, being a key driver of grocery value sales in the Middle East, have fuelled high demand for a diverse range of packaging solutions, which is reflected at this year’s Sweet & SnackTec Middle East and Sweets & Snacks Middle East, the organisers said.

The Mena region offers attractive investment opportunities for packaging material, machinery and equipment suppliers, with the region's packaging material market set to hit 25.5 million tonnes by 2014, according to industry research experts Pira International.

The Middle East is considered as a region with tremendous growth potential, said Nestlé’s regional CEO Yves Manghardt. Its proximity to the European markets makes it an attractive alternative for western producers looking for low cost production sites.

To capitalise on these favourable market trends, the co-located exhibitions, Sweet & SnackTec Middle East and Sweets & Snacks Middle East will take place from October 31 to November 2, at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

With more than 30 countries exhibiting including Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Iran, Malaysia, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey and USA, and visitors registering to attend from more than 70 countries both trade exhibitions are set to deliver another record breaking year, said the organisers.

Sweet & SnackTec Middle East 2010 will showcase a comprehensive range from packaging machinery, processing technology and equipment, plastic packaging to chocolate moulds, chocolate fillings and raw material including ingredients for confectionery and mixed flour for bakery products. Leading companies participating in the event include AMP Rose, Baker Perkins and Jacob White Packaging from England, BSA Schneider from Germany, Hundred Machinery from Taiwan and Mafco from the UAE.

At the same time, Dubai World Trade Centre is launching The Speciality Food Festival, which will showcase elite suppliers from the gourmet and luxury food market including the halal, organic and seafood sectors.

Combined with The International Travel Catering Association Exhibition (ITCA Dubai) all four dedicated food industry events will run alongside each other providing visitors and exhibitors alike with the perfect trading, networking and cross-selling environment.

The exhibitions are for Trade and Business Professionals only and will be open from 10am - 6pm daily. General public and persons under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry.-TradeArabia News Service