Middle East's most influential trade exhibition for snack and confectionery industry offers total business solutions under one roof

6 October 2010, Dubai, United Arab Emirates:

With Middle East retail volume sales of sweet and savoury snacks predicted to grow by a phenomenal 21% over the next 4 years (2010-2014) according to Euromonitor International, it has never been more important for businesses in this speciality sector to attend Sweets & Snacks Middle East, the largest and most influential trade-only exhibition for the regional industry.

The Middle East is forecast as one of the most dynamic regions to lead global industry growth, underpinned by a greater disposable income per capita, the influence of a predominantly young population - more than 50% are under the age of 25 - and the traditional role of sweets in Middle Eastern culture. Strong growth in the region is also attributed to the continued introduction of healthier sweet and savoury snacks, based on increasing demand from middle-class consumers.

Running from 31 October - 2 November 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sweets & Snacks Middle East, held in conjunction with Sweet & SnackTec Middle East, brings together more than 100 exhibitors from 35 countries, encompassing the entire value chain from ingredients and machinery to finished product and retail.

"With sustained expansion in the snacking culture, particularly in rapidly developing urban areas in this region, there is strong market confidence throughout the Middle East, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This, in turn, drives an urgency for businesses to access the latest information, trends, innovations and new or improved ways of doing business," said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Sweets & Snacks Middle East.

"This industry-specific show provides access to solutions and opportunities for snack and confectionery businesses, both big and small, and it will take just one visit to the show to discover hundreds of new ideas that could change the way they do business in the future."

In addition to the suppliers, valuable networking and business development opportunities presented at the show, a series of educational seminars will offer trade visitors access to the latest global industry trends, innovations, new ingredient choices and technology advances in the confectionery, baking, snack and packaging sectors. Euromonitor International will also lead a discussion on how concern over the rise of sugar consumption is driving the stevia market.

Combined with the co-located events Sweet & SnackTec Middle East, The Speciality Food Festival, and The International Travel Catering Association Exhibition (ITCA Dubai), all four dedicated food industry events will provide visitors and exhibitors with the perfect trading, networking and cross-selling environment. The exhibition is for Trade and Business Professionals only and will be open from 10am - 6pm daily. General public and persons under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry. Free visitor registration is available now online at www.sweetsmiddleeast.com . Registration will also be available at the show upon proof of trade status. - ENDS -

Notes: About Sweets & Snacks Middle East Website: www.sweetsmiddleeast.com Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Koelnmesse GmbH present Sweets & Snacks Middle East 2010, the international exhibition for the Sweets & Confectionery, Bakery, Snack Food and Ice Cream Industry. Held from 31 October - 2 November 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, alongside Sweet & SnackTec Middle East, it is the ideal platform for producers, suppliers, importers & exporters to capitalise on the region�s booming market.

The 2009 edition welcomed 8 national pavilions, 157 participating companies from 34 countries, and 4,786 trade visitors attending from 79 countries.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) www.dwtc.com

As the organiser of Sweets & Snacks Middle East and Sweet & SnackTec Middle East, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 30 years experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 18 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.

Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the region's leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all conferences full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

For more information, please contact:

Tara Rogers Jehad Kamal Managing Partner Public Relations Manager Mojo PR Dubai World Trade Centre Tel: +971 50 345 8424 Tel: +971 4 308 6087 e-mail: tara@mojo-me.com -mail: jehad.kamal@dwtc.com