Demand for organic products to rise in GCC.

The demand for safe and organic food has been witnessing a steady increase across the UAE, and the GCC region, in line with global trends, where consumers are becoming more mindful of the products that they are consuming, experts said during the Gulfood 2020 exhibition. Speaking to source during the event, which concluded on Thursday, Amedeo Scarpa, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE and director of the Italian Trade Agency Dubai Office, noted that consumers, especially families, are more aware about the importance of eating healthy food. This awareness, he explained, has led to a sizable increase in the demand of various segments such as organics, non-GMOs, and foods that are free from pesticides.

"There is a lot of interest in fresh fruits and vegetables from Italy," he said. "The market for these is growing daily. Salads and various cheeses are also growing in popularity. Millennials in...