The Red Sea port city of Jeddah, through which some 80 per cent of foodstuffs are imported into Saudi Arabia, has long been recognised as the commercial and leisure centre of the kingdom.
The city also claims to be at the focal point of the Saudi food and beverage industry, and every two years Food & Hotel Arabia provides a showcase of major importance to the industry.
The ninth edition of Food & Hotel Arabia will take place at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Centre from May 9 to 13. Organised by ACE (Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions), the exhibition has established an enviable reputation of being the show that services the kingdom’s demand for quality and variety in the field of food and beverage
Initially conceived and launched as a food and beverage exhibition some 18 years ago, the show has continually developed its profile in line with Saudi market demand. However, some years ago the organisers recognised the importance of the hotel and catering trades and introduced that sector as an integral part of the show’s profile. The government’s policy of promoting domestic and international tourism, with an estimated 34.3 million tourists forecast by 2020, has boosted the relevance of the show.
More recently, ACE reacted to the growing importance of food processing and packaging in the emerging Saudi food and beverage industry. The expanding population has seen tremendous growth in food and drink production in the kingdom with 72 per cent of all investment in the Gulf’s packaging industry in Saudi Arabia. To compliment the established Food & Hotel Arabia exhibition, ACE introduced the ProPac Arabia show. With its dedicated area, visitor registration and advertising campaign, it provides an unrivalled opportunity for machinery and equipment manufacturers to promote their goods and services to a rapidly growing domestic food processing industry
Many national groups and individual companies have already confirmed their participation in the twin event including ones from China, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, the Gulf States, India, Iran, Italy, Latin America, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the UK, alongside leading Saudi companies.
Expectations are high. “This combination of international participation and diversity of products is sure to tempt any visiting business professional’s palate and bottom line”, commented a spokesman on behalf of the organisers.
After its successful debut in 2002 the ‘Top Chef Arabia’ competition will return in 2004. Leading domestic and international chefs will be vying for this coveted trophy, all under, the scrutiny of a panel of judges, once again chaired by the famous TV celebrity ‘Chef Osama’
Food & Hotel Arabia, combined with ProPac Arabia, is now accepted in the international business community as a rare medium to get one’s message across.
