Dubai – United Arab Emirates, December 6, 2012: the Fifth edition of the Dubai Drink Technology Expo concluded today with more than 10,000 participants after three days of networking activities, showcasing the latest in beverage technology and trends in the beverage industry. While the exhibition featured more than 100 companies from 35 countries who gathered to promote the latest beverage products, services, drink processes, packaging, systems and machinery.
Moreover, the Arab Asian Beverage Alliance announced at a gala dinner held yesterday the results of the First Middle East Beverage Award for the most favourite drinks in the Middle East Region. The Award Competition was held in conjunction with the Dubai Drink Technology Expo and in cooperation with Index Conferences and Exhibitions – member of INDEX Holding, consisting of eight beverage categories.
The Eight Awards for the Most Favourite Drinks in the Middle east were: Favourite Alcohol Free in the Middle East, Favourite Coffee in the Middle East, Favourite Diary in the Middle East, Favourite Juice in the Middle East, Favourite Energy Drink in the Middle East, Favourite Tea in the Middle East, Favourite Water in the Middle East and Favourite Soft Drink In the Middle East.
More than 30 international and regional brands took part in the competition and the awards were given to winners by Dr. Ahmed Al Banna, the Secretary General of the Arab Asian Beverage Alliance (AABA), Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of Arab Asian Beverage Alliance, and Chairman of INDEX Holding and Dr. Roland Folz, Head of Brewing & Beverage Science and Applications at VLB Berlin.
(Dragon Fly) won the Favourite Energy Drink in the Middle East, (Rawabi) Favourite Dairy in the Middle East, (Masafi) Favourite Water in the Middle East, (Breeze) Favourite Soft Drink In the Middle East, (Fayrooz) Favourite Alcohol Free in the Middle East, (Rawabi Juice) Favourite Soft Drink In the Middle East, (Caribou Coffee) Favourite Coffee in the Middle East, (Lipton) Favourite Tea in the Middle East.
Dr. Ahmed Al Banna, the Secretary General of the Arab Asian Beverage Alliance (AABA) said: “the idea of hosting the first Beverage Awards in the Middle East comes from our intention to support the beverage industry in the region in addition to identifying consumer trends through a survey that covers more than one million individuals. Therefore, the award is to create competition between participating companies and in return provide Media and Marketing support for those brands. It will also contribute in creating a new direction for the consumers of those beverages that are covered by the survey.”
Dr. Al Banna also said: “in addition to creating a competitive spirit among participating brands, the awards will also promote a sense of exclusivity to the beverage sector that will create more chances for developing new beverages according to the results of the survey which will show which beverages are going to be selected as the Middle East’s Favourite.”
“The beverage sector is a vital sector and includes a number of categories that cannot be compared to each other because each category has its own group of consumers. For example, you cannot compare coffee to soft drinks because each has its own consumer category, and that’s why we have classified the award into 8 different beverage categories.” Added Dr. Al Banna
The survey started on October 15 where more than 1.6 million individuals took part in the survey which covered the entire MENA Region. In addition, there are more than 30 international and regional brands who are taking part in the competition such as Lipton, Rawabi, Masafi, Ali Café, Caribou Coffee, Birel, Ahmed Tea to name a few.
Mr. Tariq Al Madani, Managing Director of INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions said: “the Dubai Drink Technology Expo enriches the economy in the UAE and enhances the exporting sector. The total amount of the local beverage production is sufficient for local consumption and some of it goes for exports. On the other hand, the competition promotes public awareness and stimulates the manufacturing of more and new beverages to the market.”
“If we take a look at the traditional drinks such as coffee and tea we find that they still maintain their position in the market while other beverages invade the local market. This means that the beverage industry is evolving and can accommodate a higher number of products in addition to a new line of beverages in the market.” Added Mr. Al Madani
“DDTE is always keen to present all new and developed machinery as well; we can find today that most of the participating companies adopt new environmental options while manufacturing, labelling or packaging. The environmental aspects are the latest trend in the industrial business these days, and DDTE is the perfect platform for promoting such equipment and machinery. It is an excellent opportunity for all local and international brands to come and share the knowledge of what is new in this field.” Added Mr. Al Madani.
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Contact
Nada Saaydeh
Senior Media & PR Specialist
Media & Marketing Department
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E-mail: nada.saaydeh@index.ae
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