In an increasingly waistline-conscious world, inhabitants of the GCC still choose sugar over slender. Regional consumption of sweets is booming as confectioners keep watch of regional trends. In a late 2007 study TNS, an international market research group, found the demand for chocolate in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to be high, with 99% of Saudis and 98% of UAE nationals confessing to chocolate consumption at least one time within a seven-day period.
In a recent Gulf News article Helena Shpakovich, sales and marketing executive at Moka General Trading, a UAE chocolate distribution company, said, “The market for confectionaries in the region is booming and becoming more aggressive. Manufacturers from all over the world feel the potential of UAE’s market, as it is still easy to enter.” Chocolatiers will be happy to know that Middle East consumers spend $4.2 billion a year on chocolate.
Growth in the sweets sector of the GCC foodservice industry has led many confectioners to increasingly popular sweets exhibitions. The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and industry coordinator Koelnmesse will collaborate this November for Sweets Middle East 2008.
At least 160 companies will gather for networking opportunities and the chance to launch that new ‘it’ product that will satiate the discerning Arab sweet tooth. “The success of the 2007 exhibition reaffirmed a need for this important industry platform, as the confectionary and sweet industries continue to expand across the Middle East,” said Joanne Cook, DWTC Industry Group Manager.
GCC nationals crave luxury in all that they consume and chocolate is no exception. Swiss confectioner Confiserie Sprüngli set up shop in Dubai this past spring. A company famous for using the freshest premium-quality ingredients, Sprüngli keeps in mind the cultural needs of the Gulf in its promotion of Eid gifts and quick delivery services.
“We hope to introduce and sell Sprüngli products to individuals who are accustomed to the highest quality products, and who enjoy ‘the finer things in life,” said Ester Crameri, managing director of Sprüngli Middle East.
Latest industry trends indicate that chocolate lovers are turning to dark chocolate, associated with high cocoa content, for health benefits. With such a commodity as chocolate, there is always room for healthy compromises.
