The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region’s organic products market alone is set to hit $120 million by 2017, according to a recent Euromonitor study.

The study estimates that the region’s market for organic and natural products will grow at an annual rate of 12 to 15 per cent.

The data was revealed at the three-day Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (Metope) which is currently under way at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event,  opened by Dr Rashid Ahmed Mohammed Bin Fahad, the UAE Minister of Environment and Water, will conclude tomorrow.

The niche expo for organic and natural products, now in its 12th edition, is featuring more than 125 companies from over 25 countries across the world and is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors from across the region.

It is showcasing a variety of products spanning across herbals and spices, food and beverages, cereal products, supplements, health care products, natural living, natural cosmetics, healing products, natural remedies, traditional medicines, spas, relaxation facilities, pet products and fabrics.

Dr Bin Fahad assured that the UAE government is keen to enhance food security, adding ministry’s efforts in strengthening food security in the country and promoting food safety and sustainability of the local production which comes as one of its strategic goals which will ensure environmental sustainability as a national responsibility by 2021.

The Menope has become a leading platform for global and regional companies to enter Middle East market, he noted. The expo is a chance to overview the innovative solutions and technology used in productions while taking into consideration the natural resources and protection of the environment.

This platform is also an opportunity to exchange experiences, by contributing to the strengthening of the role and efforts of scientific research in the organic sector locally, regionally and globally, he said.

To ensure sustainable development while protecting the environment and strengthening the country’s position in the adoption of green initiative, the ministry is trying to raise awareness about organic products, said Dr Bin Fahad.

The Menope has provided a platform for buyers and sellers to meet in the growing market of the Middle East and has opened significant opportunities for global companies to access the regional market, said a statement.

The exhibition is also supported by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) in addition to the participation of many governmental authorities like Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Agriculture of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, Saudi Organic Farming Association, Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health, India in addition to many international participants, it said.

Nadim Al Fuqaha, managing director Global Links, organisers of the expo, said: “This Menope has attracted a larger contingent of global participation a significant indication of its appeal among global companies keen to enter and expand in the Middle East market, one of the world’s fastest growing market for organic and natural products.

“The organic and natural products movement in the Middle East is now very diversified and it embraces the need for a sustainable lifestyle. The product categories in this segment have expanded to include cosmetic, beauty and lifestyle products as well, which in itself is a huge market.” - TradeArabia News Service