UAE. The fourth Middle East Exclusive exhibition (MEE) will bring together international and regional representatives of the duty free, travel retail and luxury goods industries at Dubai World Trade Centre on 27-29 November.
Supported by Dubai Duty Free and the Middle East Duty Free Association and last staged in December 2005, MEE is the only exhibition of its type in the region, providing suppliers and buyers with an opportunity to develop business interest and contacts in a region widely regarded as one of the major growth areas for the travel retail industry.
Said H. H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Department of Civil Aviation Dubai President, Emirates Group Chairman and MEE Patron: “The Middle East currently accounts for about 4% of the US$25 billion global duty free business – and analysts predict that this will grow by 80% over the next decade.”
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H. H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Photo: MEE |
This year’s event is set to attract more visitors and exhibitors than ever, according to MEE Managing Director Justin Boutros, who added: “It is our objective this year to ensure that buyers and decision makers from the wider Gulf region can meet and network with international and regional exhibitors. With year-on-year growth, the opportunities offered at the show are outstanding.”
Of the exhibitors confirmed to be attending, Karelia, the largest Greek cigarette manufacturer, will be introducing several new and extended brands.
Managing Director Andre Karelias said: “Some of the brand extensions will help strengthen our presence at retail sales points, while other entirely new brands will help us to compete in new brand categories. To this end, the importance of duty free in our brand-building strategy is of key significance as it is the first channel where new brands can gain such strong international exposure.”
Cadbury Schweppes, which recently announced new Mint Chips and Fruit & Nut additions to the Cadbury Chunk Bags range for travel retail, will also be exhibiting.
Commenting on MEE, Middle East Regional Manager Fouad Daher said: “It gives us the perfect opportunity to share Cadbury’s ever-evolving products with our key retail partners. It also gives us the chance to discover new opportunities with the travel retail industry and keep up to date with the latest regional developments.”
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Villiger Area Export Manager Lydia Garcia: to showcase new Villiger Wood Tips cigars Photo: Michael Fryer |
Danish brand Pilgrim is to put two new lines on show – its first travel retail jewellery collection and its first-ever range of watches.
And visitors must be sure to stop by the Anthon Berg stand, to sample the company’s latest offering, Chocolate Coffee Dreams – mocha chocolates in a latte glass shape, filled with a liquid coffee centre. Five non-alcoholic flavours are available: Cappuccino, Espresso, Vanilla Frappé, Toffee Macchiato and Irish Cream Coffee.
Leading Belgian chocolatier Godiva will also be tempting visitors to try its new products, which include a Gold Collection featuring travel retail exclusives.
Protégé International will be marketing its range of premium brands of cigarettes, Irish whiskey and pilsner lager at MEE for the first time.
And Nemiroff also makes its debut. The Ukrainian company produces 26 kinds of spirits, classic vodkas, special vodkas, bitter and sweet liqueurs and cocktails, and supplies to 52 countries worldwide.
Celebrating its first anniversary is Equss, which will be putting its newest watches and jewellery collections under the spotlight. Commented Director Calvin Wong: “The 2005 MEE was where we made our triumphant debut, where all our effort and hard work came to fruition. We feel a passionate connection with this exhibition, and very confident that our concept will generate excitement and success with our collections at MEE 2006.”
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Frey Wille’s Hommage à Alphonse Mucha collection will be spotlighted in Dubai Photo: Michael Fryer |
Amongst those companies on show within the German Group will be the Poschl Tobacco Group, the country’s most successful smoking and snuff tobacco provider on an international level, and Leo Wittwer, which will show its latest collection featuring “the finest precious stones and pearls”.
Austrian fine jeweller Frey Wille will be returning for the fourth year running, to present the new addition to its range – a collection dedicated to Czech art nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha.
Frey Wille Middle East Manager Wessam Elmona said: “As well as strengthening existing contacts, MEE offers suppliers an additional benefit over other shows, through attendance of duty free merchandisers and staff. You get to meet more managers and ground staff in MEE, which is very good for the brand.”
Another long-time exhibitor, Villiger and Sons, will showcase Villiger Wood Tips, available in classic, vanilla and cherry aromas. “Selected tobaccos from world-known growing regions, combined with a special wood tip, make this cigar the perfect smoking pleasure,” commented Villiger Area Export Manager Lydia Garcia.
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Tom Palmer, MD and owner of Peterson of Dublin, which will introduce its Pipe of the Year at MEE Photo: Michael Fryer |
The Peterson Pipe of the Year will be introduced by Peterson of Dublin, alongside the Limited Edition 2006 Peterson Special Reserve tobacco – “Golden, Red and Orange Virginias blended to perfection with jet black Cavendish, crowned with a wonderful aroma of honey and Calvados”.
Aiming to delight the region with its special range for travel retail is Caffe-Tasse. A specialist in mini-tablets, the confectionery company will be presenting its new Travel Box collection and range of gift packages.
Having established a significant presence in the China, Oceania and Asia Pacific regions with Its Pica LeLa brand, Wellington Jeweller is now looking to the Middle East. CEO Zacky Lee explained: “Our plan is to establish the same types of outlets in the Middle East as we have done so successfully in other regions.”
Traveller Limited, part of the Chalhoub Group, focuses on the supply of inflight programmes and institutional requirements, and will showcase new products and brands from its inflight sale portfolio.
As of this morning, 110 exhibitors had confirmed their attendance.
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