Sri Lanka shines at Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo 2023 in Dubai

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates, in collaboration with the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka (EDB), organised the Sri Lankan participation in the Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo 2023, which was held from 12-14 December 2023, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, showcasing the diverse offerings of over 16 Sri Lankan organic food and fertiliser companies.  

Sri Lanka’s participation was organised with the aim of promoting its organic and natural food sector on the global stage, demonstrated the nation’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly agri practices. 

Sri Lanka represented a diverse array of companies specialising in Organic Fertilisers, Organic Food, Herbal Products, and Coir Products. The Sri Lankan pavilion at the Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo provided a unique platform for business networking and collaboration opportunities. Visitors to the Expo were able to explore a wide range of products, from organic fertilisers to premium organic foods, herbal remedies, and sustainable coir products.

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka encouraged all stakeholders, industry professionals, and visitors attended the Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo 2023 to engage with the Sri Lankan exhibitors and explore the exceptional offerings that showcase the country’s rich heritage of organic agriculture and natural products and also carried out a live Sri Lankan authentic food action station showcasing the Sri Lankan cuisine using organic and natural ingredients such as coconut milk and spices. 

The Middle East Organic and Natural Expo has been MENA’s leading platform for wholesale and retail trade for the past 21 years. It has been connecting suppliers with buyers and is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates. This event focuses not only on the new food and fertiliser products but also on the cosmetics and bioproducts. 

The growth in the organic market in the Middle East has been exponential during the past couple of years. Dubai as the commercial hub in the region, is the perfect place to kickstart opportunities in the booming natural market that is fuelled by an increasing shift towards healthy living and high disposable incomes. Being one of the largest import markets in the world, this adds substantial weight to any organic, non GMO, gluten and paraben free, or natural product producers or manufacturers who wish to enter the market.

The Consulate General facilitated setting up business networking sessions and meetings with respective counterparts in the UAE including but not limited to Lulu, Al Maya, Carrefour supermarket and hypermarket chains, gardening suppliers for the Sri Lankan participants to expand their footprint to the UAE and the MENA.