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29 March 2024

Sami Al Qamzi inaugurates Dubai Drink Technology Expo

Sami Al Qamzi Inaugurates the Sixth Edition of the Dubai Drink Technology Expo. (SUPPLIED)

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By Staff

Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development, yesterday inaugurated the sixth edition of the Dubai Drink Technology Expo (DDTE), a three-day event being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Al Qamzi was accompanied by a number of officials and specialists from the beverage technology industry in the UAE and the region. The DDTE this year is marked by the participation of more than 100 exhibitors from 35 countries whom were keen to display and share their latest techniques and trends in the beverage industry.

DDTE is the premier specialised event in the MENA region for the beverage industry. It is a unique platform for beverage companies to present their latest technologies and system solutions for the entire production chain (manufacturers, filling, packaging, distribution, wholesales/retailing, trading and marketing) of carbonated, fruit juices, bottled water, energy and wellness drinks, milk and dairy products, and functional drinks RTD (ready to drink), tea and coffee.

Al Qamzi and the accompanying delegates toured in the exhibition area and they were delighted by the increasing number of exhibiting companies whom are displaying the latest production machinery and equipment, process and quality control instruments, storage, transport and, labeling handling services associated with the industry.

This year, the DDTE will feature the third Global Water & Beverage Technology Congress (GWBT). The Congress features workshops, association key meetings, education sessions and B2B business meetings over three days, all addressing challenges in the water and beverage technology businesses. Beverage producers, wholesale and retail merchants, importers, dispensing systems, hotel groups, industrial consulting and supporting services providers, beverage associations, caterers and beverage industrial magazines and media are all attending the GWBT.

Dr. Ahmed Al Banna, the Secretary General of the Arab Asian Beverage Alliance (AABA) said: “The beverage sector is one of the most vital sectors and contributes a big share to the economy in the region as there is a considerable interest by officials. Leaders from the GCC highlighted the matter of water security at the last GCC summit that was held in Kuwait. In addition, they discussed the investment opportunities in the water industry which is one of the vital sectors in the world.”

“The beverage sector is booming,” said Dr. Al Banna. “The figures that we have here show a potential of a growth in the coming years. There are plenty of opportunities available for suppliers and manufacturers. I would also like to stress on the important role of the DDTE, which has the full support of the AABA. The DDTE will act as a pillar for the beverage industry in the region.”

In addition, Dr. Al Banna highlighted on the vital role that education plays in such an industry. He also assured that the show provides a good share of its program to workshops and seminars which have high practical relevance to the Beverage Industry.

The AABA is keen to consider and develop the technical and investment aspects of the beverage industry and liquid food sectors in the GCC, Middle East and the World. Moreover, the AABA will discuss the latest in the beverage industry and provide a platform for proven products and the latest in production machinery and equipment, process and quality control instruments, storage, transport and labeling handling services associated with the industry through the DDTE.

The AABA has more than 100 members on board who are specialists in the field of beverage industry and is held at a time where the beverage industry is prospering in some Arabic countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The AABA will also host an educational training workshop delivered by the VLB Berlin Institute from Germany, one of the world’s leading institute for research and technology in the field of beverage products. The workshop will include a variety of topics including energy, packaging, bottling and quality control and will be attended by specialists from the beverage sector, production managers, quality control, chemical engineers, microbiologists, project managers and brand managers.

On his part, Paul Wilson, Executive Director at Index Conferences and Exhibitions, said: “The DDTE continues to provide the ideas, inspiration and enthusiasm to meet the demands of the ever growing beverage industry in the Mena region. The exhibition primarily facilitates the procurement needs of the regional markets, including the Mena region as well as some parts of Asia. Companies participating at the exhibition benefit through highly targeted marketing campaigns run by the DDTE team, which helps exhibitors effectively reach their potential clients in the region, explore business deals and create partnerships before coming to the event.”

The DDTE this year is organised by Index Conferences, in cooperation with International Society of Beverage Technology and the American Beverage Association and supported by Dubai Export Development Corporation and Jabel Ali Free Zone and Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry.