World’s Finest Gourmet Products Draw Record Crowds To SEAFEX, Speciality Food Festival And Sweets & Snacks Middle East
Regional market demand for gourmet foods drives need for specialist shows
Three influential and highly anticipated trade shows dedicated to niche sectors of the global food industry attracted thousands of trade visitors to the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) today (Monday) after the shows were officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Conveniently co-located to offer unrivalled sourcing and cross-selling opportunities for both visitors and exhibitors, the inaugural SEAFEX joined Speciality Food Festival and Sweets & Snacks Middle East run until 21 November 2012 and are organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
“The response we have received from both exhibitors and visitors confirms the pivotal role that the shows play in facilitating trade between suppliers and buyers from every corner of the globe, and the lucrative markets throughout the region. With all shows offering a focused platform for networking, learning and trading opportunities as well as an excellent environment for sampling and sourcing innovative and exclusive ingredients and products, we expect brisk business over the next three days” said Helal Almarri, CEO, DWTC, and organiser.
As the region’s first-ever dedicated seafood trade show for the food and hospitality industry, SEAFEX provides a much needed platform for the global seafood industry in the region. The full spectrum of the seafood industry, from the fresh catch to the consumer’s plate, as well as cold storage, shipping and logistics solutions, will be showcased by over 51 exhibitors and 21 national pavilions including Canada, China, Cyprus, Greece, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Yemen, and Vietnam.
“The decision to launch SEAFEX was made to meet a growing demand from exporters and suppliers in the region looking to source some of the world’s finest seafood species and learn about the latest trends in the industry. With the seafood industry witnessing exceptional growth in the region, SEAFEX will provide a gateway to a fast growing market,” said Loh.
Speciality Food Festival, the region’s only dedicated gourmet and fine food show for the food and hospitality industry, enjoys its third edition this year and high expectations from the region’s hospitality industry. With an increasing number of Michelin starred chefs at leading eateries across the UAE and other GCC markets including Gary Rhodes, Marco Pierre White, Nobu Matsuhisa, Yannick Alleno, Sanjeev Kapoor, Jamie Oliver and Pierre Gagnaire, the region is developing a healthy appetite for gourmet dining.
With a broad range of premium ingredients and finished food products, Speciality Food Festival brings inspiration and access to everything from the finest cheeses, artisan pastas and fresh organic produce, to special breed halal meats, Japanese Kobach and the world’s specialist teas.
Highlights at the show include a dedicated Chef’s Corner presented by Baking and Pastry Guild, with Dubai’s top restaurants showcasing their creative culinary skills to inspire industry colleagues with fresh ideas, innovative recipes and new industry trends.
One of the fastest growing food and beverage markets in the world, the Middle East is predicted to deliver strong double-digit growth across the board from sweet and savoury snacks, confectionery, gourmet food products and specialist products for the burgeoning regional travel industry. The Middle East sweet and savoury snacks market in particular has enjoyed robust growth - more than 20% year-on-year for the past three years – and is predicted to continue at the same rate until 2015, according to Euromonitor International.
Now in its sixth year, Sweets and Snacks Middle East, the region’s largest and most influential trade show for the snack and confectionery industry will showcase a diverse range of new products from more than 120 specialised exhibitors from 28 countries.
In addition to the valuable networking and business development opportunities presented at the three shows, the debut of the region’s first Food Logistics Forum co-located at the shows and held on 20 and 21 November will enable industry professionals to stay abreast of the latest developments influencing food services in the region. The forum will address the critical issues that the GCCs logistic market faces, bringing together 150 global and regional logistics business leaders to address industry concerns, participate in interactive workshops and discuss market growth opportunities.
SEAFEX, Speciality Food Festival and Sweets and Snacks Middle East are for Trade and Business Professionals only and will be open from 10am-6pm on November 19 and 20, 10am-5pm on November 21. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be permitted entry. Registration is available at the show upon proof of trade status.
Emirate: Dubai
Date: Nov 19, 2012
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