MORE than 400 international exhibitors will take part in the fourth Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo (MENOP 06) taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 10-12.
At least 30 countries will be represented at the event with national pavilions from Italy, Germany, France, USA, India, New Zealand, GCC, Australia, and Korea. Participants at this year’s are up 100 per cent in three years and indicative of the soaring global growth in organic products markets.
Products on display will include organic food and beverages, agriculture, beauty and health products, nature’s vista food and beverages, beauty and health, herbs and spices, dietary supplements, alternative/herbal medicines and treatments, Islamic products, natural spas, clinics and service, natural furniture, gifts, clothing and fabrics.
With such a comprehensive showcase of attractions, coupled with Dubai’s strategic location as a global trading hub, more than 9,000 visitors are expected from the UAE and all GCC countries, the wider Middle East, CIS states, the Indian sub-continent, and beyond.
In value terms, the organic products market is fast catching up with the estimated $160 billion global status of natural products.
Demand is growing rapidly worldwide as governments promote organic agriculture, food consumption and trade – and consumers make their preferences clear for organic products. High value, low-tech organic agriculture is seen as a win-win situation for everyone involved in the supply chain – from farmer to retailer to consumer.
This burgeoning market growth and consumer popularity make the Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo an opportunity for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers and to develop new business, organisers say.
Exhibitors at previous shows report that new prospects and new channels of export business continue to emerge year after year as a result of taking part.
Dr Riad Obaidi, from the Organic Farming Unit at the UAE’s Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, said: “We appreciate Global Links for their efforts to facilitate the adoption of natural and organic products throughout the region. The MENOPE was an opportunity for the researcher, producer and customers to get together and feel and appreciate the variety of products provided by nature.”
His views were echoed by Katherine Dimatteo, executive director of the US Organic Trade Association, who said: “MENOPE has become one of the ‘must attend’ expos, which offers an international and unique array of products. The move to a larger venue in 2006 will enhance both the visitors’ and the exhibitors’ experience.”
The show is open to trade visitors and the public daily between 10.00 am and 7.00 pm
