There is important news for regional wineries, distilleries and beverage producers selling into, or looking to enter, the United Arab Emirates.

Before approaching retailers, distributors or manufacturers, food businesses should make sure their IP foundations are in place. From trade mark protection and confidential recipes to packaging, ownership and supplier agreements, a few early checks can help avoid costly problems as a product moves into larger markets.

If you sell food or beverages, Southeast Asia (ASEAN) is becoming a serious opportunity. Big population, rising incomes, and changing consumer tastes are driving demand for new products and new brands. But here’s the catch: as the market grows, so does the race to lock in brand names and product identities.