The Middle East retail volume sales of sweet and savoury snacks is predicted to grow by 21 per cent over the next 4 years (2010-2014), said the organisers of industry event Sweets & Snacks Middle East, quoting Euromonitor International.

The Middle East is forecast as one of the most dynamic regions to lead global industry growth, underpinned by a greater disposable income per capita, the influence of a predominantly young population – more than 50 per cent are under the age of 25 - and the traditional role of sweets in Middle Eastern culture.

Strong growth in the region is also attributed to the continued introduction of healthier sweet and savoury snacks, based on increasing demand from middle-class consumers.

Running from October 31 to November 2, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sweets & Snacks Middle East, held in conjunction with Sweet & SnackTec Middle East, brings together more than 100 exhibitors from 35 countries, encompassing the entire value chain from ingredients and machinery to finished product and retail.

“This industry-specific show provides access to solutions and opportunities for snack and confectionery businesses, both big and small, and it will take just one visit to the show to discover hundreds of new ideas that could change the way they do business in the future,” said Trixee Loh, senior vice president of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Sweets & Snacks Middle East.

The event will host a series of educational seminars which will offer trade visitors access to the latest global industry trends, innovations, new ingredient choices and technology advances in the confectionery, baking, snack and packaging sectors. Euromonitor International will also lead a discussion on how concern over the rise of sugar consumption is driving the market.

Combined with the co-located events Sweet & SnackTec Middle East, The Speciality Food Festival, and The International Travel Catering Association Exhibition (ITCA Dubai), all four dedicated food industry events will provide visitors and exhibitors with the perfect trading, networking and cross-selling environment.-TradeArabia News Service