(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Industry experts have forecasted further growth in the trade of fresh produce across the Arab region, particularly in Dubai, which has firmly established itself as the regional hub for fresh fruits and vegetable trading.
"The rapid growth of the industry can be attributed to several key factors like the high demand for fresh produce and the ever-expanding population of countries in the region. Fresh produce exporters and international growers have expressed their bullishness on the industry's growth and have eyed the region as a hub that represents many potential opportunities for their businesses," said Tarek Sibai, project manager at planetfair, organisers of the World of Perishables Expo, or WOP Dubai 2014, the Middle East's only dedicated trade fair for fruits and vegetables.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality, WOP Dubai 2014 will take place from November 9-11, 2014, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Speaking to Khaleej Times ahead of the event, Sibai noted that the latest UN Comtrade report showed that over Dh3 billion worth of fresh produce was imported during the first six months of the year.
"At least 661 million kilogrammes of fruit and vegetables were imported into the UAE during the same period," Sibai revealed. "The heightened activity complements the remarkable growth that the region's fresh produce segment experienced in 2012 and 2013. Fresh produce imported in the Middle East reached 4.1 per cent [$4.2 billion] from total world imports in 2012, with the GCC alone standing at 54 per cent [$2.2 billion] of the total imports of the Middle East region."
He added: "The UAE, for example, witnessed a 10 per cent growth in apples, pears and quinces from 2011 to 2012, with imports in 2012 peaking at $201 million covering 191 million kilogrammes coming from 20 destinations. The UAE imports mainly from the US and Australia, bringing in fruits like apples, pears and citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and the like. Recent industry reports have shown that the top fresh produce exporters to the UAE are the US, India, China, South Africa, Chile, France, Egypt, Pakistan, the Philippines, Turkey and Australia."
Asked about the UAE's re-export trade of perishable food stuff, Sibai said that some of the UAE's re-exported fruits include apples, pears and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Owing to its strategic proximity to Europe, Asia and Africa, the UAE has emerged as a major hub linking the Arabian Gulf with producer markets in the region as well as connecting global producers and consumer centres. As per recent industry statistics, Dubai has emerged as a regional re-export hub for perishable goods. The total imported value for edible fresh fruits and nuts has increased from $95.48 billion in 2008 to more than $114 billion in 2012.
"The global transportation of commodities has become an essential component for the modern world, with shipping and logistic services considered a necessity in the move towards rapid economic growth," Sibai revealed. "There is a wide variety of cultures and nationalities in the UAE, so analysts have shared that an efficient supply chain is needed in responding to the needs and demands of today's markets."
Asked if Dubai and the region is now leaning towards a healthier lifestyle of choices, Sibai answered in the affirmative. "We are seeing preferences leaning towards more healthy alternatives - placing more value on products that are good for the population's health and leaving less of an environmental impact. The sales of organic packaged food in the UAE reached $16.3 million in 2013, according to Euromonitor International. Retail sales are forecast to grow by 31 per cent to top $21.1 million in 2018," he noted.
"Similar to its past editions, this year's WOP Dubai will provide a unique business-driven and practical environment to all participants as well as access to the region's fastest growing economy," Sibai said.
"Attendees from different parts of the globe will also have an opportunity to meet new and existing customers and find new markets for their expansion plans. These expos help raise awareness on the benefits of foods produced according to higher and safer standards. There is still a lot of education that needs to be done, although awareness has remarkably improved in the last couple of years across many ethnic groups in the UAE."
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