H.E. Al Qamzi Inaugurates 10th Dubai Drink Technology Expo
With the participation of 100 companies & 2,500 expected Visitors
Dubai – United Arab Emirates, 27 February 2018: His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, officially opened today, the 10th edition of the Dubai Drink Technology Expo (DDTE), which is held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and will last from 27 February to 1 March. The event this year is under the theme “Circle of the Beverage Industry – Opportunities, Mobility, and Sustainability”.
Accompanied by a group of high-rank officials, beverage specialists, and keynote speakers from the industry in the UAE and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Al Qamzi toured the venue of the exhibition where he was introduced to the latest trends and technologies in the global beverage industry, including production machinery, packaging processing and quality control equipment, storage and transport mechanisms and supply services.
“Processing, production, and packaging of food and beverages has evolved into a significant industry sector in Dubai and across the UAE, owing to domestic demand as well as growing export competitiveness. The Dubai Drink Technology Expo and its focus on innovation as well as sustainability will bring greater international attention to this sector and promote industry adoption of global best practices, which will in turn accelerate Dubai’s integration into global food value chains,” commented HE Sami Al Qamzi.
From his side, Eng. Anas Al Madani, Vice-Chairman and Group CEO of INDEX Holding, said: “The 10th edition of Dubai Drink Technology Expo this year explores how the growing beverage industry embraces technology on a larger scale. Producers are focusing on the environmental and sustainability aspects of beverage production systems and solutions. We see how advancements are reshaping the industry landscape. This, in turn, contributes to sustainability, which has become a strategic part of the business operations. For example, the increased automation of drinks manufacturing and processing lines increases safety, which is part of sustainability. Besides, with resources scarcity, climate change and increasing populations, optimal utilization of resources can ensure sustainability. In order to set a successful strategy of sustainable production, mobility, consumption and recycling in the beverage supply chain; the involvement of every participant throughout the entire product lifecycle is an integral part.”
From an economic perspective of sustainability, he added, “Dubai Drink Technology Expo has placed Dubai and the UAE as an ultimate platform that attracts exhibitors and professionals in the industry every year. It is an ideal occasion to connect with potential investors and prospective partners to enhance this vital sector regionally as well as globally.”
Presenting on the topic ‘Soft Drinks in the Middle East,’ Philip Tappenden, an editor in Soft Drinks International, said, “Opportunities for soft drinks are pronounced in the Middle East and currently account for 50% of all beverages consumed. Dairy and milk alternative drinks account for an additional 19% and hot drinks 30%.” He added: “In the last ten years, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has seen growth similar to Asia, with total volumes of soft drinks increasing by some 70% from 24,658 million liters to 42,509 million liters.”
“Perhaps not surprisingly, carbonates still outsell plain packaged waters in the region. However, in line with global trends it is packaged waters that have been responsible for driving overall volume growth. Indeed, over the past decade the volume share of packaged waters has increased from 34% to 40%, whereas carbonates volume share has fallen from 48% to 42%,” he explained.
Speaking on the ‘Reputation of the beverage industry from the points of view of health and sustainability’ David Berryman, CEO of David Berryman Ltd. Said: “The world is facing a serious problem of increasing obesity among populations, which seems to engulf the health of nations. Some governments have started to stem this tide. For example, the British Soft Drinks Association has decided to impose a ‘sugar tax’ on soft drinks.” Berryman gave a review of actions taken by the UK beverage industry and what statistics are suggesting about the consequences so far before also highlighting issues in ‘Beverage packaging and recycling problem-solving’.
Ms. Claire Phoenix, founder of Claire Phoenix Media, remarked: “When it comes to drinks, consumers in the GCC are looking to trade up from simple soft drinks to sophisticated ultra-premium beverages…These are global trends that support growth in local nut and date milks, plus ready to drink tea, coffee and coconut drinks along with contemporary juice and fruit cocktails, highlighting the importance of outstanding packaging and gourmet positioning.”
The Dubai Drink Technology Expo, occupying an overall space of 2,200 square meters is expected to attract over 2,500 visitors and participants, while playing host to the leading manufacturers, suppliers, experts and industry operators from the region and the world. DDTE 2018 witnesses the participation of 100 companies who will be showcasing their latest innovations, products and equipment used in the beverage industry to serve the growing needs of the regional market.
Other topics addressed during the conference included: Global Beverage Trends & Supply Chain Challenges, Food and Beverage Approval and Registration in Dubai, Process of introducing Beverages in Dubai (manufacturing prospective), Reputation and sustainability in the drinks industry, Introduction to Ultraviolet Water Treatment Technology, Packaging Innovation in the region amongst many others.
Dubai Drink Technology Expo is organised by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding. The event is supported by the American Beverage Association, TEA Board of India, Arab Asian Beverage Alliance, UAE Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Exports, and the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and Federation of U.A.E Chambers of Commerce & Industry.