Market data

With its strategic location between Europe and the Far East, the UAE is the location of choice for multinational companies wishing to tap into the lucrative Middle Eastern and North African market.

Valued at USD 3 billion, the UAE´s food processing industry is growing at 11 % a year, owing its growth to being the world´s third largest re-exporter. Sugar and confectionery rank at the top of the list of food exports, making up 37 % of the export value of all food products.

Consumption of packaging material in the MENA region is  expected to grow 5 % annually to reach a total of 25.5 million tonnes by 2014, whilst plastics manufacturing remains strong and is expected to grow yearly by 20 %.

The increase in the number of food manufacturers in the region results into higher demand for processing and packaging machinery. Manufacturers are looking for solutions to cater for the increased demands of the local market and localised packaging design.

The confectionery imports into the UAE showed a very steep annual growth of 14 % between 2005 and 2008, reaching AED 686 million. In total, the UAE imports increased by 45 % compared to 2008.

In 2008, Dubai exports of confectionery were valued at AED 399 million with an average annual growth rate of 25 % from 2005-2008.

GCC spending on food imports is set to reach AED 180 billion by 2020, with the sweets and confectionery market worth AED 300 million in the UAE alone, and growing at 10 % annually.

The confectionery imports into the UAE showed a very steep annual growth of 14 % between 2005 and 2008, reaching AED 686 million. In total, the UAE imports increased by 45 % compared to 2008.

In 2008, Dubai exports of confectionery were valued at AED 399 million with an average annual growth rate of 25 % from 2005-2008.

GCC spending on food imports is set to reach AED 180 billion by 2020, with the sweets and confectionery market worth AED 300 million in the UAE alone, and growing at 10 % annually.

For more information please contact us ...
 

International:
Koelnmesse GmbH
Ms. Marie Tillmann
Tel. +49 221 821 3939
Fax +49 221 821 3723
m.tillmann@koelnmesse.de

Middle East:
Dubai World Trade Centre
Mr. Wasim Wahba
Tel. +971 4 308 6453/6748
Fax +971 4 318 8607
sweetsmiddleeast@dwtc.com