Dubai: The potential for organic and natural products in the Middle East, particularly in the GCC, is on an exponential growth track with governments in the region announcing new initiatives to support the sector, experts said yesterday on the eve of the seventh edition of the Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo (MENOPE 2009).
Addressing a press conference, senior officials from Global Links, organisers of the region's only niche expo, and industry experts said the current estimated market for organic foods alone for the whole of GCC could be approximately over $300 million (Dh1.1 billion), and this is set to grow further.
"The market for organic and natural foods in the region is still at a nascent stage and the full potential for growth is as yet unlocked. Over the years, we have seen increasing acceptance for organic and natural products in the region and the hurdles for further growth will diminish as uptake volumes increase which in turn will support the initiatives of companies to bring these products to the retail shelves at more lower prices," said Engineer Nadim Al Fuqaha, managing director, Global Links.
Global participation
He said the rise in interest in organic and natural products in the region is witnessed in the increased participation of global companies at MENOPE 2009. "We have over 125 companies from more than 30 companies taking part at this year's MENOPE 2009 and this in itself is an indication of the global perception of the growing Middle East market in this sector," he said.
According to available data, the global market for organic and natural food is estimated to be to the tune of $220 billion and the Asian market including the Middle East is estimated to be over $500 million.
The three-day MENOPE 2009, being held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment and Water, will start at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre today.
Action plan
Governments in the region and particularly in the GCC are supporting the cause of organic foods by encouraging organic farming. For instance, the number of organic farms in the UAE is set to nearly double. According to recent reports, the UAE has eight organic farms and seven more are being developed.
Al Fuqaha also pointed out at the recent setting up of the private sector Saudi Organic Farming Association (SOFA) to map out an action plan for the development of organic farming and food. In total 15 million Saudi riyals has been allocated as seed fund to SOFA to develop initiatives to support the organic cause.
Other governments in the region including Kuwait and Oman have also expressed their desire to encourage organic farming.
"There is a very discernible trend in lifestyle related affinity catalysing uptake of organic and natural products in the region, particularly among youth, which forms a majority of the GCC population," Al Fuqaha said.
"Coupled with this market potential, the various initiatives by the governments in the region to increase awareness on organic and natural products will help the growth and expansion of the market," he added.
