Trends in the MENA Region: Fat and Sugar Can Be Seen as Threats

Leading British-owned clean label ingredient specialist Ulrick & Short Ltd believes that both sugar and fat pose an equal threat to the health of consumers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The high level of fat and sugar in certain foods is becoming a really hot topic in these areas, since a rise in levels of obesity brings an increase in associated diseases such as diabetes. Overall the region is a net importer of processed and packaged foods, and Ulrick & Short believes its market-leading ranges of clean label, non-GM, allergen-free ingredients could be instrumental in tackling issues at food manufacturing and processing level.

Director Adrian Short explained: “Bakery, confectionery and sauces are huge markets in the Middle East, turning out high volumes of cakes and other delicious treats. A number of Asian markets are already considering legislation or at least tighter regulation of the sugar content of certain food and beverage products in order to address growing concerns, highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), about increasing levels of obesity and diabetes. The ingredients that U&S produces could have a massive impact on diets in the MENA area in the future.”

This is the reason why, U&S has developed an innovative range of fat and sugar replacement ingredients for bakery and confectionery.

Adrian Short added: “Transparency and clear label are now common terms in Europe but the concept of clean and clear label is still relatively novel in the MENA markets. Ulrick & Short has a unique proposition with fat and sugar replacement ingredients, all without additives or chemicals of any type and providing a consumer-friendly label declaration. We are confident enough in our ingredients to reach out to potential new customers and partners, in order to bring significant benefits to the diets of Middle Eastern consumers – and improve the bottom line for food manufacturers across the region.”