UAE posts AED 3 billion in fresh produce imports for first half of 2014

October 25, 2014: According to the 2014 UN Comtrade Report, over AED 3 billion in estimated imports of fresh produce were recorded during the first half of 2014. At least 661 million kilograms of fruits and vegetables were imported to the Emirates during the same period. With the Arab state, specifically Dubai, successfully establishing itself as the regional hub for the trade of fresh fruits and vegetables, experts forecast further growth for the industry.

Against this backdrop, the International Perishables Expo Middle East (WOP 2014) running from November 9 to 11, 2014, will take place at the Dubai World Trade Center to shed light on the flourishing industry not just in the UAE but the entire region as well. Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, and Chairman of Dubai Municipality, the sixth edition of the event will gather local, regional and international businessmen and industry leaders to maximize promising potentials, explore emerging opportunities and discuss growing technological and market trends. Organized by planetfair LLC, WOP Dubai is GCC’s only dedicated exhibition for fresh edible food. 

Tarek Sibai, Project Manager of planetfair, said: “The entire regional fresh fruits and vegetables industry is witnessing rapid growth due to several significant factors such as high demand from its fast expanding population. The holding of the WOP in Dubai is very timely as it will provide an avenue where stakeholders, influencers and leaders can exchange ideas to help further boost the regional sector. Like in the past years, this year's event will provide a unique business-driven and practical environment to all participants as well as access to the region's fastest growing economy. 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. We expect this year’s exhibition to be bigger and more fruitful.”

The exhibitors of WOP 2014 will come from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, the GCC, and the Americas. The fresh produce expo will run concurrently with its sister event, the IPM Dubai 2014: The International Plants Expo Middle East, the only international horticultural trade show in the Middle East.

The event will take place in cooperation with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Central Fruit & Vegetable Market, the region's largest market for fruits and vegetables, and with attendance from leading local and regional companies. In addition, Eurofruit Business Forum, a series of 60-minutes sessions on key themes in fresh produce business in the Middle East, will also take place during WOP 2014. The forum will discuss carefully chosen topics to help participants who are looking to expand their businesses in the region.