Over 400 exhibitors at Saudi food & hospitality fair

THE Saudi Food, Hotel and Hospitality Arabia Fair 2014 attracted thousands when it opened in Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Centre from 13-16 April. The KSA’s biggest food & hospitality event had over 400 exhibitors coming from Bangladesh, Bahrain, China, Cyprus, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey, and the United States.

The country has outpaced other markets in the region in terms of food consumption. It has seen its consumption grow at a staggering 55.3% since 2012, to hit SR248 billion. Hence, the fair offers companies new opportunities for sourcing the latest food and beverage products, equipment and services, as well as to connect with new suppliers and manufacturers. Showcased were condiments, confectionery, dairy, dried foods, bakery products, fats & oils, fresh and frozen foods, pasta, and meat, poultry and fish, and various food ingredients and beverages.

SFFH presented interesting activities including competitions in cooking and table setting amongst chefs from five-star hotels. These were organised and co-sponsored by Nestlé, the Saudi Arabian Chefs Table Circle and World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).

The 19th edition, organised by Al- Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE) with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, was inaugurated by director general for Agriculture Affairs and official spokesman Makkah Hassan bin Obaid Sangoof.