JEDDAH – GCC import of fresh produce represents 54 percent of the total imports of the Middle East with $2.2 billion, recent statistics showed. In 2012, the UAE alone accounted for $1.145 billion of GCC's total fresh produce import, with Saudi Arabia at second place with $825 million and Kuwait third with $164 million. Oman, Qatar and Bahrain contributed $58 million, $57 million and, 43 million respectively. The Middle East import of the fresh produce reached 4.1 percent from the total world imports in 2012 at $4.2 billion. Against this backdrop, the International Perishables Expo Middle East (WOP 2013) will be held on Nov. 17-19, 2013 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality. The event will offer an ideal venue to explore business opportunities as well as discuss best technologies surrounding the flourishing trade of fresh edible produce. Tarek Sibai, Project Manager, planetfair, said “import 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. 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. — SG
