Leading global players from snack and confectionery industry will be in Dubai next month to tap the 'booming' Middle East market which has registered over 20 per cent year-on-year growth for the past three years.

The growth in the snack foods market is being driven, both in the region and globally, by changes in consumer lifestyles, said experts.

With less and less time for activities such as shopping and cooking, snack foods are claiming an increasing share of the food market, offering foods that act as both complement and substitute for time-consuming meals, they added.

Snack food producers are, however, following global food trends towards healthier eating, offering ranges such as low-calorie, fat-free, vitamin fortified, fibre-rich and organic foods.

According to a report by Euromonitor International, the Middle East represents a key element in the future for global industry growth, mainly for sweet and savoury snacks.

The Middle East confectionery market, which enjoys over 20 per cent year-on-year growth, is set to continue its same growth rate until 2015, the report added.

This strong market potential is mirrored in demand for space at Sweets & Snacks Middle East, the region’s largest and most influential trade show for the snack and confectionery industry, which has reported a more than 30 per cent increase in exhibitor space this year.

The show, which runs from November 19 to 21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is part of a cluster of niche food industry shows that includes Seafex and The Speciality Food Festival.

A truly international platform for product selection, more than 120 specialised exhibitors from 28 countries will be showcasing both sweet and savoury snacks and confectionery.

Trixee Loh, senior VP of DWTC and the event organisers said, "With the strong growth of the snack industry throughout the region, it has never been more important for businesses to attend this key trade exhibition."

"Not only does the show provide a trading platform to conduct immediate business deals, it also showcases the latest innovations and product launches in the sector, and helps to establish long-term networking relationships between exhibitors and trade professionals from throughout the Mena region,” he added.

The number of exhibitors showcasing organic, gluten-free and fruit and nut based snacks demonstrates the growing demand for healthy snack foods.

Farmer Foods, a leading supplier of nutritious healthy foods made from freshly farmed ingredients and produced totally free of trans fatty acids, cholesterol, artificial colours or preservatives is one such exhibitor.

Showcasing its range of cereal and fruit and nut bars this British company is expecting brisk business during the show.

The regional market for chocolate is experiencing robust growth, and is set to be worth $5.8 billion by 2016, according to forecasts by AC Neilsen.

The participation of over 31 exhibitors of cocoa or cocoa products, including Qura Chocolate Factory, the region’s first manufacturer of Belgian chocolate, and the Malaysian Cocoa Board, reflects this important trend.

Leading chocolate ingredient, accessories and equipment supplier, BMB recognise the importance of expo for their business.

Managing director Bilal Ballout said: “At this year’s show, our award-winning chef will be conducting regular demonstrations with chocolate to showcase our product and inspire visitors. We are also launching our new range of chocolate tempering machines for everyone interested in manufacturing Chocolate Pralines."

In addition to the valuable networking and business development opportunities presented at the show, the Food Logistics Forum will gather 150 global and regional industry leaders together to address the future of food logistics in the region to manage the rapidly changing supply and demand challenges.-TradeArabia News Service