Highest growth rate worldwide for sweets in the MENA region – High degree of internationality of the event – EXPO 2020 increases demand for sweets and snacks in the hospitality sector
With the conceptual adjustments to the 2019 edition, yummex ME has returned to the roots of its success. It has thus impressively underlined its claim to a top 3 position worldwide and as a central, international business platform for sweets and snacks for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). 252 exhibitors from 40 countries presented the latest products and trends and profited from once again numerous direct business contacts and sales possibilities on location. In the sweets segment, the largest global growth rates are forecast for the MENA region. Many companies have recognised the great potential of the market.
The internationality of the event was therefore very high, with 80 regional exhibitors and 172 exhibitors from abroad: international exhibitors came from, among other countries, Australia, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Greece, India, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey and the USA. Several participants were represented with trade fair stands that were considerably larger than in the previous year. Around 60 companies took part in yummex ME for the first time. The 16 regional and international pavilions make the international importance of the event clear.
More than 9,000 trade visitors informed themselves at the trend and innovation platform about the service portfolio of the providers for the growth market. Co-location with “Gulfood Manufacturing” and “Private Label & Licensing Middle East” reflected the entire value creation chain for sweets and snacks and provided a broad overview of the current industry themes. “We are at the pulse of the times with yummex ME: many participants used the synergy effects of the ideal trade fair combination for opening up new sales channels and for an intensive exchange of know-how. They reported good, new business opportunities based on the increasing need for sweets and snacks in the MENA growth region. The ongoing preparations for EXPO 2020 promoted profitable business contacts”, was the summary of Denis Steker, Vice President International of Koelnmesse GmbH. yummex ME is “powered by” ISM and Gulfood and takes place in partnership with the Dubai World Trade Centre and Koelnmesse GmbH.
yummex ME: important trend and innovation platform
On the Munch! Stage, yummex ME provided further important aspects revolving around the latest trends and market entries influencing the sweets and snacks industry worldwide with an extensive, informative and very diverse programme. Among other things, trend products revolving around the fitness and convenience segment were presented, which are provided with special sales potential through their adjustment to the regional market. The growth chances for the MENA region are good on the whole: the “Confectionery and snacks report”, which was created in 2019 by Euromonitor International, characterises the MENA region as one of the world’s most quickly growing markets and forecasts a probable value of 34.5 billion USD (current: 29.2 billion USD) for the confectionery, snacks and ready-to-eat industry by 2023. The renowned market research companies Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor International represented current global product and market developments and presented the thus related impulses for the industry.
The winners of the Innovation Awards 2019
The yummex ME Innovation Awards were already presented for the 6th time at yummex ME. A high-quality jury determined the prizewinners in four categories from the around 50 submissions. The winners were honoured during the fair. All honoured products were presented during the fair in the Innovation Gallery and can still be seen on www.yummex-me.com/awardwinners
The 14th yummex Middle East takes place from 3-5 November 2020 in Dubai.
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