Business | Economy
Food fair aims to expand exports
Sugar and confectionery ranked number one, making up 37 per cent of all food exports.
- By Irish Belleza, Web Coordinator
- Published: 23:13 September 13, 2009
- Image Credit: Javed Nawab/Gulf News
- In a move to further stimulate Dubai's food exports around the world, Dubai Municipality will host an International Buyer's Centre at Sweets Middle East.
Dubai: Dubai's food exports reached Dh3.5 billion last year with sugar and confectionary accounting for the biggest share, 37 per cent, based on recent figures from the Dubai Export Development Corporation (DEDC).
"The UAE has many great food products to sell to the world," said Bobby Krishna, senior food studies officer at Dubai Municipality. "Dubai was built around the trade industry, and with the Arab Free Trade Agreement and proximity of our neighbours, we are well positioned to export many great products to the region."
In a move to further stimulate Dubai's food exports around the world, Dubai Municipality will host an International Buyer's Centre at Sweets Middle East, a trade event that will take place from November 2 4 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"There will be experienced staff at the International Buyers Centre in Sweets Middle East to provide advice and guidance on the opportunities abroad. We will also be able to provide on-site support to international exhibitors at the show who are looking to sell food in Dubai," Krishna said.
"Dubai's strategic location is good for export and re-export, which has made it number one in re-exporting products to different countries such as Iran [and] East and West Africa," said Kamal Vachani, Director of the Al Maya group.
"With the excellent infrastructure and shipment facilities, there is no doubt that Dubai's food export industry is growing."
In addition to the new International Buyers Centre, Dubai Municipality is also helping to organise a workshop on "Understanding Food Trade Regulations in Dubai" to provide further support and guidance to the hundreds of international companies who will be showcasing their latest products at the show.
Mark Napier, exhibitions director, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: "Dubai has traditionally been known for its food imports, and while Dubai Municipality will be able to offer invaluable advice to our international clients, we will also welcome many local companies looking to export more products around the GCC."
Many new companies have signed up for this year's Sweets Middle East including Al Nassma, Burg Lauenstein, Caribou Coffee, ChoCo'a, Gulf Confectionery & Biscuits, La Roche, Pastor, The Nut Tree and United Dates.
New companies in the Sweet & SnackTec Middle East exhibition, which runs alongside Sweets Middle East, include Al Khaleej Sugar, A.M.P. Rose, Ecomec, Integrated Plastics Packaging, Hans Brunner and Showcolate.
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