MENOPE '09 to showcase over 100 exhibitors from across the world 

(MENAFN Press) Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo, MENOPE 2009, to Showcase over 100 Exhibitors from Across the World

•Show held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment and Water
•Region bucks global downward trend, uptake of green products continues to maintain growth at over 15 per cent
•Seventh edition of the region’s only niche three-day expo at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from December 7-9 2009

The seventh edition of the pioneering and the only regional niche natural and organic products show, the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Exhibition (MENOPE 2009) is all set to open in Dubai with over 100 exhibitors from across the world showcasing a wide range of green-friendly products over three days from December 7-9 2009.

MENOPE 2009 comes at a time when the Middle East has maintained its lead as the fastest growing destination for natural and organic foods despite economic recession impacting the uptake of the products globally. The show in its successful seventh year now is being organized by the Dubai-based Global Links, a leading event and exhibition company which pioneered the exhibition.

Commenting on the potential MENOPE 2009 offers to exhibitors, Eng. Nadim Al Fuqaha, Managing Director, Global Links, said: “MENOPE 2009 has been able to retain its ubiquitous status as the only show that opens doors to the natural and organic products market of the Middle East thanks to the regional market’s undiminished growth potential – Middle East is seen to buck a global downward trend and is continuing to post a growth rate of over 15 per cent annually.”

MENOPE 2009 is being held under the patronage of the UAE’s Ministry of Health & Ministry of Environment & Water. It is also supported by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), Korea Health Supplement Association (KHSA) Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines (CHIPI), International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA), Malaysian Herbal Association etc
“One of the main reasons for the growth is that the region is witnessing the emergence of a `Green’ generation with a large number of youth showing more keenness than before to embrace a lifestyle which is healthy and environment-friendly.

Also, the impact of economic slowdown on retail spending habits has not affected the regional market as drastically as it has in developed markets, a reason which assures growth potential for natural and organic foods as well,” he said.
As per the current estimate, the global market for these alternatives to conventional food is to the tune of US$220 billion, while the Asian market, including the Middle East is estimated to be at over US$500 million.

Organisers said that this year the exhibition has attracted many new countries and there is strong pavilion participation as well from various countries, including the US, Romania, Korea, the Philippines and Italy.

There is strong regional participation as well from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Turkey and Jordan. MENOPE 2009 exhibitors also include companies from India, the Netherlands, France, Greece, Australia, China, Germany, Uganda, Nigeria, Canada, Taiwan and Mexico.

Emphasizing the MENA market salience for organic and natural products players, Mr. Joby Mathew, Project Manager, MENOPE 2009, said that the expo holds great potential for global organic and natural products players because the regional market is still on an emerging growth mode and can be nurtured to generate high returns.

“Moreover, over the recent years, the regional governments in the Middle East, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE have been supporting the cause of organic and natural foods by encouraging organic farming,” Mr., Mathew said.

“For instance, the number of organic farms in the UAE has doubled in the last one year with the ample support of the federal government authorities,” he said, adding that these measures have helped heighten awareness on organic foods in the regional market.

MENOPE 2009 will showcase a variety of products spanning 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, Fabrics etc.

For Further information; please contact:
Gia Pereira/ Sharyn Pereira
Percept Profile Gulf
Tel No: 04-3446373/050 1076984/050 4988765