Eastern Meeting Places

Posted - November 1, 2008

Middle East Fairs Join Efforts

By O.W.N. News Network - as printed in O.W.N. Fall 2008

The Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo & Conferences and Arab Naturals Expo & Conferences have merged to offer a stronger platform for the promotion of organic products in the region. The 6th Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo (MENOPE) will be celebrated at the Dubai World Trade Centre, November 16th – 18th, 2008.

Though still a new market, organics in the Middle East already show promise. Business opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are being driven by GDP growth, retail expansion and a move towards Western lifestyle. A show release notes that over 3,000 outlets mainly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman display natural and organic products including alternative remedies. Diabetes and obesity are major health concerns in the UAE. Increased awareness about food and related health and safety issues, high levels of disposable income and rising numbers of expatriates accustomed to quality and safe products are additional factors to increase healthier product alternatives in the Gulf region, which spends $9 billion on food annually, 90% imported. With a market of 1.6 billion Muslim people, potential for halal certified foods is also huge. Projections state that by 2025, 30% of the world’s population will be Muslim. Already, 12% of the world’s food market is Halal.

Around 200 exhibitors from over 30 countries will exhibit at MENOPE 2008 in an area of 8,000 sqm. Firms from the region include Al Yasra Food Co., Al Foah Company, Mala Jham, Tasneem Middle East and Nadec – Saudi Arabia’s National Agricultural Development Company, which is expanding exports of organic certified olive oil, dates and vegetables, in bulk and in customised packaging. The show will host a French pavilion and groups from Korea and the Philippines. The display includes juices from Emil Jacoby of Germany, probiotics by Farmaderbe from Italy, teas & breakfast drinks by swiss firm Domaco and supplements by Purity Life, Canada’s top supplier of natural health products. A good blend of food and remedies, West and East for the growing market, it may be worth the visit.