WOP and IPM Dubai kicked off
With 345 exhibitors from over 34 countries, this year’s shows are the biggest yet, with an additional hall added to accommodate the 30% increase in exhibitors and an expected footfall of over 7,000 visitors. In an attempt to boost their presence and promote their activities in the industry, India, Greece, South Africa and Costa Rica have joined the show with new country pavilions, demonstrating strong faith in the exhibitions’ ability to connect like minded industry professionals.
“We are proud to have attracted the industry’s key players and brought them together to share the latest in technologies available in the fresh produce industry,” says Tarek Sibai, project manager at planetfair. “Advancements in certain areas, such as hydroponics, have the potential to increase investment in the UAE’s agriculture and level the playing field by reducing shipping costs and the need for storage, thus helping the UAE become a worldwide competitor.”
He continued, “The opportunities that these events provide to businesses are immense. The report from our previous show revealed that 89% of our exhibitors generate new clients from the event and 85% receive orders at the show itself. We are proud to have created such a lucrative environment for the industry. Our joint efforts with the Dubai Municipality are serving to make Dubai a worldwide trading centre for the fresh produce industry.”
Following the opening ceremony earlier today, Dubai Municipality announced the exciting launch of a new smart cart for the Dubai Fruit and Vegetable Market. Commenting on the launch, Faisal Juma Al Badawi, Director of Corporate Marketing and Relations at Dubai Municipality, said, “We wanted to build a solar powered cart that was in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the UAE more environmentally friendly.” He continued, “the new cart will help us measure the direction in which the central souk is heading as the largest supplier of fresh produce in Dubai.” The cart’s geolocation can also be tracked anywhere within the souk.
The International Plants Expo Middle East (IPM DUBAI) is considered to be one of the most important events in the industry and the International Perishables Expo Middle East (WOP DUBAI), which is the only specialized perishables expo in the Middle East, has seen major success during its eight consecutive years. Unlike many other trade shows, WOP Dubai and IPM Dubai have built and maintained a reputation for offering a unique business-driven environment, by attracting industry focused traders and importers in the region.