Middle East region a key focus for global food sectors

Four established trade shows dedicated to niche sectors of the global food industry were attended by thousands of trade visitors at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre Tuesday 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 cross-selling and sourcing opportunities for both visitors and exhibitors, Speciality Food Festival, Sweets & Snacks Middle East, SnackTec Middle East and the International Travel Catering & Services Exhibition (ITCA Dubai) are organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and run from 25 - 27 October. 

Speciality Food Festival, which was enthusiastically received by the region’s hospitality professionals when it launched last year, has enjoyed unprecedented growth in 2011, increasing by 300% in terms of exhibition space and welcoming 7 more countries to the show this year. Offering a much needed platform for the showcasing of ultra-premium gourmet food products from around the world and focused on four key sectors – Gourmet, Halal, Seafood and Organic – suppliers from countries as far afield as Australia, Argentina, Spain, Sri Lanka, Italy and French Polynesia have joined regional suppliers from Iran, Morocco and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

The show also includes a dedicated Chef’s Corner presented by Emirates Culinary Guild, with daily cookery demonstrations from some of Dubai’s top international chefs using ingredients sourced from the exhibitors at the show. The sessions offer an exclusive opportunity to gain insights into upcoming food trends, inspiring techniques and innovative ingredient combinations. 

A series of educational seminars being conducted during the shows provide industry professionals with excellent opportunities to stay abreast of the latest developments and trends influencing the industry. Sessions include food safety and regulatory issues within the GCC, ethical food trends, and the future of alternative ingredients in the face of global price hikes. Leading industry research organisation Euromonitor International, will be providing valuable insights from business analysts on the key growth channels for the industry in the region and globally. 

“It is clear from the international exhibitor participation that all four shows have attracted, that the Middle East has excellent potential across the culinary board. The events provide an unrivalled platform for sampling and sourcing innovative and exclusive products and ingredients, as well as valuable networking, learning and trading opportunities for busy industry professionals,” said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, DWTC. 

Now in its fifth year, and jointly organised with Koelnmesse, an international trade fair organiser operating out of Germany, Sweets & Snacks Middle East is the region’s only dedicated exhibition for the sweets, snacks, confectionary and bakery industry, which together with SnackTec Middle East, covers everything from ingredients, equipment and technology through to the finished products for catering and retail.

ITCA Dubai, the only dedicated travel catering services exhibition for the MENA region, brings to market new product launches designed specifically for the in-flight, cruise and rail travel sector and serves as a central meeting point for this niche global industry. Now in its sixth year, the event is organised in partnership with the International Travel Catering Association and offers trade professionals the chance to meet an international showcase of exhibitors from around the world, including Aire Inflight FZE, Brand Stand, Best Partner, Chatsford, Flight Service Products, Le Chocolat, Long Prosper, Monty’s Bakehouse, Nordyun, Skysupply and Sola BV.

All four exhibitions which run until 27 October are for Trade and Business Professionals only and will be open from 10am - 6pm daily on 25 and 26 October and 10am – 5pm on 27 October. General public and persons under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry. Registration will also be available at the show upon proof of trade status.