The growing trend for functional ingredients, new flavors and leveraging agri-food tech is driving beverage innovation in the UAE as consumers in the Middle East embrace health, well-being and sustainability.
 

The Middle Eastern beverage market is brimming with a variety of innovations in ambient drinks, mocktails, new flavor formats and functional ingredients. These concepts, as well as the latest consumer trends and market dynamics in UAE markets, were highlighted at the Dubai World Trade Centre event (February 19 to 23).
 

Food Ingredients First spoke with packaged product and raw material suppliers on the show floor to better understand the opportunities for exporters to the Middle East, specifically the United Arab Emirates. The UAE currently imports about 80% of the food and beverage necessary to feed its growing population and the millions of tourists who visit every year.
 

Less than ten years ago, it was almost 99%. The country is investing heavily in agriculture technology to grow local food production, but it is not even close to making a dent in what’s required.
 

“Our national food strategy aims to enhance local production sustainability through the use of modern technology,” said Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, during opening remarks at the co-located Inspire Conference.
 

“This year, on our national environment day, we focused on collaboration and started working together for sustainable local products. We invite all our relevant stakeholders to join efforts in empowering local products.”
 

Save money by not exporting water
The primary imported packaged products are specialty foods and global brands, along with raw materials to manufacture packaged products in the Emirates and neighboring countries. For example, milk powders are a big import business. These get hydrated into fluid milk and processed into perishable dairy foods.

Innovative dried beverage mixes present a big opportunity in this market. West Bay International Food and Beverages, for example, is ready to start exporting Yogoody instant yogurt smoothie packets from its home country of Portugal. The 1.2.3.Yog product “is a twist on yogurt,” according to Anabela Ferreira, founder.


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