The biggest international sweet and confectionery manufacturers, looking to expand operations in the lucrative Asian, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern markets, will participate at the region's leading trade exhibition for the sweets, confectionery, bakery, snack food and ice cream industry - Sweets Middle East. Figures released by Euro monitor estimate that the UAE confectionery market is worth AED300 million and is growing at 10 percent annually. With expanding trade opportunities through dedicated exhibitions such as Sweets Middle East, retailers are more interested than ever in the way in which the market performs. Co-organized by Dubai World Trade Centre and Koelnmesse, organizers of giant industry trade shows such as ISM Cologne, Sweets Middle East provides an opportunity for distributors to meet with suppliers and learn about the international developments and trends within the industry. The event runs on Nov. 3-5 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and will host more than 160 exhibitors from over 30 countries. “The large number of foreign brands which will be present demonstrates the true international nature of the event,” said Joanne Cook, industry group manager - Exhibitions & Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre. For the 2008 exhibition, organisers will welcome increased international participation from Germany, France and several other countries. Germany's top manufacturers believe that Sweets Middle East presents an unparalleled business platform to develop and expand distribution into new markets. Participating from Germany is J.G Niederegger GmbH & Co. KG, established for over 200 years, the company is famous for its Niederegger marzipan. At the 2008 show, Niederegger is looking to introduce its signature marzipan and nougats to international buyers and distributors.
