Regional bio market sees rapid growth

The organics market has been witnessing a steady growth in the region, driven by the demand for healthier and chemical free products, experts at the 2018 Middle East Organic and Natural Expo Dubai said.

The expo was inaugurated by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Climate Change & Environment, at the Dubai World Trade Center. The event, which will run until December 5, 2019, has served as a platform for organic products to get launched into the Middle Eastern market for 17 years now, with the support of IFOAM Organics International.

In keeping with the rapid growth of the bio market in the region, the expo will present over 200 individual companies, with 56 countries being represented, including 16 country pavilions. Korea and a range of international companies under the United Nations-International Trade Center made their debuts into the expo and the regional organic market, with Turkey, Malaysia, and Ghana also returning due to their past success. Showing a 22 per cent increase in pre-registration from 2018, the 2019 event anticipates over 10,000 trade buyers and over 500 VIP buyers from the Middle East and North Africa.

The expo is home to some unique features; this year will be the launch of two interactive and inclusive features. The 'Local Taste - Organic UAE' pavilion, will showcase some of the most prominent and up-and-coming farms within the organic and hydroponic community. This not only highlights the growth in the number of bio farms in UAE, but also allows visitors to engage with them in business and sample their products. Also being unveiled is the Organic Holistic Health Hub - a dynamic representation of the complementary medicine industry in the region. It is showcasing a vibrant healing community that will be offering sample meal plans, curated dietary and nutritional health tips, and introducing unique concepts such as energy measures that correspond directly with your health.

Shinu Pillai, exhibition director, believes that success of ArabianOrganics is a reflection of the growth of the organic market in the region. "We noticed that a challenge our international exhibitors faced on receiving business at the expo was getting their products registered locally and sales ready. Realising the need for them to have a local partner, we introduced the Distribution Package under ArabianOrganics. The Distribution Package includes fulfilment service - local product certification, online payment, warehousing and last-mile delivery. This makes it much easier on local buyers as well."

- business@khaleejtimes.com