Mena region important player in global packaging transformation

'interpack 2026' to spotlight the Middle East's growing role in sustainability, digital innovation and global packaging trade

- Staff Reporter, Gulf Today

According to the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, Euromonitor International forecasts that global sales of packaged food will rise by 11 per cent between 2024 and 2029 - from 872 million tons to 968 million tons.

One of the most dynamic growth areas is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Here a growth of almost 21 per cent to 97 million tons is expected for the period 2024 to 2029. Economic diversification, infrastructure investment, and changing consumption habits are driving strong demand for processed and packaged food-and with it, for advanced packaging technologies. The United Arab Emirates is emerging as both a market of opportunity and an innovation hub for the region. Here, 2.5 million tons of packaged food were sold in 2024. And a growth of 23 per cent to 3.1 million tons of packaged food by 2029 is forecast.

At the same time, the global industry is preparing for its most important gathering: interpack 2026, taking place from 7 to 13 May 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany. For companies in the UAE and across the region, this event offers a gateway to the world’s most advanced technologies and partnerships.

According to VDMA and Euromonitor International data, sales of packaged food across the Middle East and North Africa continue to rise steadily.