According to recent statistics, the total value of fresh produce import to the GCC has reached $2.2bn in 2012. The International Perishables Expo Middle East (WOP 2013), running from 17 to 19 November 2013 will offer an ideal venue to explore business opportunities as well as discuss best technologies surrounding the flourishing trade of fresh edible produce.
Organised by Planetfair LLC, the fifth edition of WOP Dubai— the GCC’s only dedicated exhibition for fresh edible food— will be held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre under the patronage of Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event is expected to attract more than 7,000 visitors from around the world, in addition to over 130 exhibitors from 20 exhibiting countries coming from all over Europe, Africa, Asia, GCC, the Middle East and the Americas.
The Middle East import of the fresh produce reached 4.1% from the total world imports in 2012 with $4.2bn, where GCC alone shared 54% from the total imports of the Middle East with $2.2bn. In 2012, the UAE alone accounted for $1.145bn of GCC’s total fresh produce import, with Saudi Arabia at second place with $825m and Kuwait third with $164m. Oman, Qatar and Bahrain contributed $58m, $57m and $43m, respectively.
Project Manager at Planetfair Tarek Sibai said: “Imports of fresh edible produce to the GCC have seen an upward trend and this could be attributed to the combination of the growing population in the region, increasing consumer demand for fresh ingredients and rising trend for healthy eating. By hosting the GCC’s only dedicated exhibition for fresh edible food, we have provided a platform to people in the fresh produce sector to meet industry experts to learn about innovative trends, express their concerns and explore new markets.”
With 10 official participating pavilions, this year WOP Dubai will see a substantial increase in space along with more services options. The fresh produce expo will run concurrently with its sister event, 2013 International Plants Expo Middle East (IPM), the only international horticultural trade show in the Middle East.
The annual WOP Dubai International Perishables Expo Middle East is the leading and only dedicated exhibition for fresh fruits and vegetables show in the Middle East. The well-structured exhibition profile covers the entire products chain comprising Fresh Products, Technical Equipment, Fresh Produce Safety, Trading and Services, Transport and Logistics, Fresh Produce Trading and Fresh Produce Services.
