An action-packed few days in Dubai have been proving especially rewarding for this year’s Gulfood Manufacturing and ISM Middle East, which both conclude today at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

From speaking to many businesses across the full spectrum of the equipment and machinery markets, as well as confectionery, snacking, bakery and ingredients sectors, it’s clear that there continues to be vibrancy surrounding the broader industry within the UAE and wider Gulf region.

This was very much evidenced by the strong turnout at this year’s shows, which have returned to be positioned together to provide a notable combination spanning the entire value chain.

While inevitably, wider geopolitical conditions in the region have meant that attendance may prove not be on a par with previous events, this has encouragingly not proved a barrier to the wide range of technology, innovation and new confectionery and snacking lines on display across the expansive halls of Dubai’s World Trade Centre.

Indeed, the additional presence of Private Label Middle East serving the complete range ofmarket segments that is also running this week at the venue is proving that there’s no shortage of creativity happening within the region.

Having not had the chance to attend Gulfood for the past couple of years, the show has impressed in terms of its organisation and continued ability to deliver in spite of wider conditions on the ground.

Notably, as has been explained to our title, manufacturers across ingredients, equipment and finished product segments have become ever-more savvy in tailoring their offerings for the demands of the region.

From an ISM Middle East perspective, one of the most striking factors comes in the fact that big brand presence is in fact high within the UAE in particular, though it is almost exclusively being handled through imports rather than direct manufacturing in the region.

This has resulted in strong competition within the sector, as one jmport specialist, GAAST explained to our title, noting that despite that fierce level of competition, the market continues to thrive, given the young demographic of Dubai and its surrounding states, with consumers eager to get their hands on the latest European and US confectionery trends.

With a busy final day ahead, there’s plenty to look forward to, so if you’ve any show news or views, please do get in touch today and tomorrow with me directly if you would like to be part of our review, at [email protected] 

But for now, for those that have made it out to Dubai, either from the immediate area, or from far wider afield, here’s hoping that you have enjoyed this eclectic experience as much as we have once again, reporting on a market that has demonstrated impressive resilience.

Neill Barston, editor, Confectionery Production

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