Over 350 exhibitors from 46 countries have booked more than 10, 000 sq m of space - more than 18 per cent up on last year – to participate in the upcoming Yummex Middle East, a major trade fair for sweets and snacks in Dubai, UAE.

The 10th edition of the show runs from November 7-9 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

“A sold-out Yummex Middle East means good news for buyers and consumers in the MENA region, with this year’s show featuring 12 per cent more brands than in 2015 and country representation from four more new-to-market nations,” said Andrew Pert, show director, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC.

“This means more products and innovation for a region influenced by an enormous population of young consumers, and the traditional role of sweets in Arab culture.”

Despite recent fluctuations in the region’s economy, the research house Nielsen’s has predicted Mena confectionery sales are forecast to increase by 15 to 20 per cent up to 2024.

Citing a recent Euromonitor Report, Yummex Middle East exhibitor Mezzan UAE forecasts the region’s snacks industry will record compound annual growth of 8 per cent for the next five years to amount to more than Dh400 million ($109 million), according to marketing manager, Danish Mohammed Khan.

For the first time, 20 national pavilions – among others from Turkey, Germany, Egypt, Italy, Spain and Belgium - will exhibit at the anniversary edition in 2016.  In addition, the organisers DWTC and Koelnmessehave noticed an increased demand from Russian companies looking for market gains at the show.

“On the buyer side, in addition to the presence of important regional retail chains like Carrefour, Spinneys and Waitrose, 20 top level buyer delegations of the largest regional companies from trade and the hospitality industry are expected,” explained Pert.

Buyers will discover a sea change of tastes with manufacturers saying a new consumer focus on health is changing the confectionery and snacks we buy.

Meanwhile, the Yummex Middle East organisers DWTC and Koelnmesse have revealed that next year the show will be part of September 2017’s Dubai International Hospitality Week.

Denis Steker, vice president International of Koelnmesse said the move is “the next logical step” for an exhibition which now has 10 successful editions under its belt. Dubai International Hospitality Week 2017 will give regional trade visitors - especially from the growing hotel, hospitality and retail industries -a comprehensive overview of relevant new products at several specialised trade fairs taking place simultaneously from September 18 to 20, 2017.

Lebanon’s Master Chewing Gum & Candies said changing trends have led it to produce whole new ranges built around natural ginger and fruits, which will make their regional debut at Yummex Middle East.

“We will also show the first sugar-free aspartame free gum that comes in four different flavours and the first uncoated, sugar-free aspartame-free mastic that comes in a luxurious gold tin,” said NaelShaar, managing partner, Master Chewing Gum & Candies.

Saudi Arabia’s Bin Afif Trading Office, which has been supplying the domestic market with hard-boiled candies, is now looking to spread its influence among GCC retailers and wholesalers at Yummex Middle East with a range of sweets based on cardamom, ginger and fruit.

Yummex Middle East is among a trio of conveniently segmented food events which also include the gourmet Speciality Food Festival and Seafex, the region’s first professional seafood show. The trio is co-located alongside Gulfood Manufacturing, the Middle East’s biggest food manufacturing, processing, packaging, logistics and materials handling exhibition.

In addition, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has signed a landmark partnership with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) – the official government organisation, which promotes Italian companies internationally - that will see the best Italian food and drink producers participate at DWTC’s trio of specialist food events this year. – TradeArabia News Service