Live from WOP Dubaï : Come and meet Fructidor.com on its stand D44

The 2018 edition of WOP Dubai has opened its doors last monday. As usual, Fructidor.com team is present there and inform fruit professionals how they can level up their daily work efficiency thanks to Fructidor.com platform.

Around 110 exhibitors have joined together for the main event of Middle East region in fresh fruit & vegetables market. Pavillons from Morrocco, Malaysia, China, France are the main ones. We have also met smaller delegations as Kenya, Moldova, Belgium.... Attendance has been good for the first day and with only professionals visitors.

As one exhbitor stated: "The WOP Dubai show is the best event for the Middle East fruit market. Attendance is really in line with our customers profile which are retail chain, fruit importers, traders and wholesalers." Visitors are coming with from United Arab Emirates, and from all the region: Saudia Arabia, Oman, Qatar and also from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan...

The economy in Dubai has slown down in last months. Talking with many professionals, this would be caused by different reasons. First, 2018 is the first time government has set up a VAT tax in UAE. With just 5% VAT, this is a small tax, but it has changed people mind. A local wholesaler was explaining: "Before tax, I never looked when I was shoping, I just added products. Now I take care of what I am buying and buy only what I really need!" Second, the army conflicts in Yemen is taking financial ressources from government. These financial ressources are not going in the infrastructures as it used to be. Third reason, real estate prices are also slowing down which already happens in 2008. This is a strong sign that Emiraty take very seriously.

Salaries in Dubai have dropped on average as market undergoes a correction. Dubai's income level, measured by GDP per capita, stood at US$ 45,000 in 2013 falling to 37000 this year. It is expected to fall again to 36000 in 2020, according to Standard & Poor's predicts.

As food products are concerned, most of professionals met here in Dubai mentionned that the food industry has not been affected. Restaurants, hotels are still recording good affluence. So far, fruit market has not been impacted.

You are in Dubai, this week?

Come and meet Fructidor.com on its stand D 44

you will discover how Fructidor.com can help you

to save time and find solutions for your daily business