ACU_November 2016 Final Draft

FEATURE
Automation will
transform Middle East's
packaging industry
Food manufacturers are moving into ready meals, pre-packed
ingredients, fruits and vegetables similar to Western trends
DUBAI: With convenience, ease of
production and reduced costs
dictating the future of the food
industry, more manufacturers will opt
for sophisticated automated solutions
in packaging their products, experts
say.
Exhibitors at Gulfood Manufacturing
—the Middle East's biggest food
manufacturing, processing and
packaging, logistics and materials
handling exhibition—which ran from
November 7-9 at Dubai World Trade
Center—said the demand for more
automated food packaging will likely
double in the next five years.
UAE-based Al Thika Packaging says
that's because the food processing
sector strives to become more
competitive in response to increasing
consumer demand for convenient
products.
“Automated solutions are being sought
as companies try to reduce overhead
labor costs and keep up with global
supply trends,” said Tim Ansell, Al
Thika's Sales Director. “International
trends in food products are coming to
market much quicker in the UAE as
people see through social media what
is being offered elsewhere – it's
prompted this market to react faster to
global trends.
“Food manufacturers are moving into
ready meals, pre-packed ingredients
and fruits and vegetables—we are
following Western trends. The growth
over the past six to seven years has not
let up and, put simply, there is a desire
to implement new technology; the
regional industry is more open to
innovation.”
High-end automation now represents
20 percent of Al Thika's sales with
Ansell predicting that number to
double within five years.