Middle East demand for organic products growing
01 Dec 2010


JEDDAH: The potential of the Middle East's market for organic products is under-explored and the sector has immense growth opportunities with a predominant youth population in the region taking to healthier and more eco-friendly lifestyles, said organizers of the eighth edition of the Middle East Natural and Organic Product Expo 2010 (MENOPE 2010) Tuesday.

The expo will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center Dec. 6-8.

Addressing a press conference, organizers of MENOPE 2010 said the regional organic food market, currently valued at approximately $300 million a year, was growing at a pace of nearly 20 percent, mainly driven by the rising affinity of the youth population to embrace healthy and natural lifestyles.

Eng. Nadim Al Fuqaha, managing director, Global Links, organizers of MENOPE 2010, said: "The organic products market in the region is at the threshold of growth and the current demand and sales volume reflects the state of European markets between 1985-1990. In comparison to other global markets, even at low volumes, Middle East is still the fastest growing destination for natural and organic foods."

He further said "the Middle East boasts of a highly eco-conscious populace which contributes to the success of the expo here. The expo still remains as the only one that caters to the natural and organic products market in the region. We are positive that the success of the previous years will continue to reflect on the eighth edition of the expo creating a prolific platform for the industry to grow and excel."

MENOPE 2010 will showcase a variety of products spanning across herbals and spices, food & beverages, cereal products, supplements, health care products, natural living, natural cosmetics, healing products, natural remedies, traditional medicines, spas, relaxation facilities, pet products and fabrics.

Joby Mathew Muricken, project manager of the event, said the appeal of MENOPE as a platform for global organic product companies is tremendous.


© The Saudi Gazette 2010

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