Snacks and Confectionery Manufactures in MENA Countries Ask for Easy-to-Use Shortenings and Fats

Narayana K. Widjaja, Head of Indonesia Industrial and Exports at Golden Agri-Resources, says the manufacturers are attracted to the ease of use of new types of shortening and specialty fats and as a result demand for this type of products rose.

Golden Agri-Resources, which is the largest palm oil manufacturer in Indonesia, showcased at Gulfood Manufacturing 2016, in Dubai, November 7-9, a range of ingredients designed for manufacturers targeting growth in one of the fastest growing snack, biscuit and confectionery markets in the world, MENA countries.

‘We’re seeing big growth in consumption from millennial-aged consumers across MENA, as incomes rise and they become an increasing part of the workforce. There has been a rise in demand for foods and snacks that are well suited to busy lifestyles – so an increase in “on the go” and snack size products that fit today’s fast pace of life. A huge part of this is the bakery goods sector, which remains the traditional sweet snack of choice across MENA. We’ve seen demand for shortening and specialty fats rise as a result as manufacturers are attracted to the fact that they are free of trans-fats and solid at room temperature.

Halal certification is also an important plus point for manufacturers looking to target consumers in the MENA region and our palm products tick all these boxes,’ Widjaja declared for WorldBakers.com.

Narayana K. Widjaja, Head of Indonesia Industrial and Exports at PT. SMART Tbk, a subsidiary of Golden Agri-Resources mentioned that the Middle East snack and confectionery market has a huge potential, in spite of being quite small at the moment.

‘“Manufacturers are looking to GAR because as an integrated provider of palm oil & fats we manage everything for customers – from farming through research and development and on to quality manufacturing. The level of integration and reliability this provides is a key differentiating factor and something we’ll be focusing on with customers at Gulfood.’ Widjaja said.

GAR will be showcasing the capabilities of its research and development team at Gulfood, discussing with customers how GAR’s ingredients and product design support can help to improve both cost efficiency and product quality.

GAR’s ingredient offer includes Palmvita shortening and the i-Soc range of specialty fats.

“Palmvita is suitable for a range of applications from bread and bakery through to biscuits and cream fillings. The i-Soc portfolio includes cocoa butter substitute and coating fats, vital as demand for chocolate products continues to expand across the region” said Narayana K. Widjaja.