Yummex Middle East returns with regional snack market valued at USD6.7bln

• 14^th edition of the number one sweets and snacks event in the MENA region will shed light on the sweetest global trends, rise of snack premiumisation, and unwrap solutions to manufacturing challenges
  
  
• New features include Sweet Tastes of the World to address growing popularity in the pastry and gourmet sectors, with masterclasses from Michelin star chefs, live demonstrations and networking opportunities

Dubai: Leading global sweets and snacks industry giants eager to answer rising international demand for healthier, alternative snacks, will reconnect in person for three days of deal making, dialogue, and discussion at the 14^th edition of yummex Middle East at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 7 – 9 November.

The MENA region’s most established sourcing platform for the sweets and snacks industry returns, in partnership with Koelnmesse GmbH, for the first-time post pandemic with the Middle East’s sweets and snacks market valued at USD6.7 billion and set to increase by 12 per cent this year, according to a new report by Frost & Sullivan titled ‘Top Growth Opportunities within the GCC Sweets & Snacks Industry’.

The report, prepared for yummex Middle East 2021, outlines key performance indicators, with the GCC accounting for an estimated 60 per cent of the Middle East market. Propelled by the fast-evolving consumer behaviour, the market has innovated to drive industry growth and capitalised on the opening of trade and business opportunities in the region.

“The snacks and confectionery industry, which has witnessed robust growth in recent years, was undoubtedly given added impetus by the pandemic with consumers changing their consumption habits. This adds even more importance to yummex Middle East 2021, as the region’s most established platform for the sweets and snacks industry, and the first sector in-person meet since the pandemic. This year’s show promises to fully unwrap a host of new opportunities for both renowned confectionery producers and new market entrants,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Events Management, DWTC.

“This year’s show will underline Dubai’s capability to attract the most influential and innovative minds for three days of big business and charting the way forward for an industry that is only growing as our latest data indicates.”

Denis Steker, Senior Vice President International, at Koelnmesse, said: “With the shift in consumer mindset towards healthier lifestyles and snack alternatives, yummex Middle East gives an opportunity for established brands and newcomers to demonstrate their solutions to meet this new demand. 

yummex Middle East is the only platform for forward-thinking global manufacturers to fully connect with buyers seeking the best options for the region’s consumers.”

TRENDS MEET REGULATIONS

As the region’s number one event for the sweets and snack industry, yummex Middle East 2021 will once again explore the latest trends sweeping the sector.

With Saudi Arabia partially banning hydrogenated oils (PHOs), and the UAE introducing a ban on trans-fat in all food products, including snacks, manufacturers are increasingly faced with the challenge of maintaining taste to satisfy consumers while using natural, alternative ingredients to meet regulations.

Nassma Chocolates will be demonstrating its new range at this year’s show. Patrick Dorais, Director of Sales, said: “We are witnessing an augmented importance and attention to recipes, with consumers increasingly looking for healthier snacks. With this in mind, our products are free from all ‘nasties’, we do not use palm oil or other vegetable fats and ensure only the highest quality standards in our production. We look forward to having great discussions with distributors and retailers in view of growing the footprint of this great range of products.”

REASONS TO ATTEND

Featuring a range of enhanced experiences, the show is a must-attend for industry professionals to capitalise on new business opportunities. Some of the key highlights include the inaugural Sweet Tastes of The World, which focuses on Pastry and Gourmet products, providing visitors an immersive experience through head-to-head chef demonstrations, live demos, and masterclasses. The culinary line-up will deliver a rare opportunity to display and observe unique flavour mastery, includes high-profile chefs such as Michelin star chef, Rene Frank, Pietro Macellaro, and Dinara Kasko.

The new feature will be held under five main themes: Liquid Food comprising specialty coffee, mocktails, healthy smoothies and special teas; Chocolate and Gelato offering gelatine and chocolate specialties; Pastry & Kitchen, a multi-purpose station that will blend cuisine and pastry; Sustainable Eating, presenting all the organic ingredients and the sustainable and local farming products; and the Gourmet Station which will bring caviar, truffle and all the most exclusive food from all over the world.

In addition, this unique feature will also host the UAE Sustainable Eating Competition, where participating chefs will submit their recipes online according to the sustainability guidelines of the competition. The four semi-finalists will then present their dish to the jury comprising world-renowned chefs on 7 November at the Sweet Tastes of the World.

yummex Newcomer, an exclusive zone for visitors to discover the new names and brands participating at the show such as Chocoland Kft, RIF, Vitba, GOLSKI LT, Pure Temptation and Terravita.

Global Dates Market, the world’s largest date marketplace, will connect suppliers under one roof, which is strategically scheduled at the end of the harvest season, when buyers will be sourcing their fresh supplies for Ramadan. Some of the leading brands include Bateel International, UAE;

Al Bustan Oasis Food and Dates, Oman; Jammara Co Ltd, Saudi Arabia; Horchani Dattes, Tunisia; and Hadiklaim from Israel, among others.

Meanwhile, a tailored business matchmaking programme, Gulfood Connexions will enable buyers and suppliers to identify the companies who will make the biggest impact to their business with AI driven matchmaking and assist with scheduling meeting onsite and through the mobile app.

Meanwhile, to ensure the entire food chain ecosystem is catered for and cross-sector opportunities are optimised, the show will be co-located alongside Gulfood Manufacturing, the largest food and beverage processing and packaging show in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), Private Label and Licensing Middle East, the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) region’s only private label and licensing exhibition and the Speciality Food Festival, the region’s leading event for the gourmet and fine food industry.

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About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

www.dwtc.com

DWTC brings more than 35 years’ experience delivering world-class events in the Middle East and provides local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises more than 20 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region. Our commitment to on-going innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

For more information, please contact:       
Naina Chaudhary
Action Global Communications
T: +971 4 3902980
Email: naina.c@actionprgroup.com

Sura Manhal Al Yaziji
PR and Media Relations Manager, Dubai World Trade Center
T: 043086087
Email: sura.alyaziji@dwtc.com 

© Press Release 2021