Propac Arabia attracted over 24,500 visitors

Around 500 companies from 25 countries, with 11 having national pavilions, participated in the 15th International Food, Hotel, Propac Arabia (FHP Arabia) on 16-19 May, which was held under the pat ronage of the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture and enjoyed the support of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Islamic Center for Development of Trade (ICDT).The exhibition attracted more than 24,500 visitors. National groups and individual companies included from the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Turkey, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Germany, Italy, Poland, Tajikistan, and the United States, alongside a large contingent of leading Saudi companies. The FHP Arabia once again proved to be a platform for launching new products, new departments, garnering business, and projecting the participants. "We took part to introduce our new department - Fine Solutions, "said Mr. Haitham Saleh, Fine Solutions (FS), Manager for Saudi Arabia. The new department - Fine Solutions - was formed to target' away-from home' (AFH) channel - paper products consumed outside the home, such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, factories, medical laboratories, companies, universities, schools, airports and all business-to-business centres. He said that FHP Arabia was the right stage for the launch and introduction of FS. " Mr. Abdullah Mohammed Refai, owner, Refai Bakeries, said his company was participating for the first time as it was looking to increase sales in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab countries. "The expo is a perfect platform for that. We are expanding the network all over the Kingdom and the GCC, and FHP Arabia is an appropriate place for that," he said, and added the market is one of the largest in Saudi Arabia, mainly due to the pilgrims coming for Haj and Umra. Mr. Mohammad Mahdi Ahmadian, chairman, Padideh Tejarat Zanjan Co. (PTZ), of Iran, said this was their second participation. "Saudi Arabia is a big and good market for fruits and dry fruits, and PTZ is introducing new Iranian products that are completely natural without any additives." Mr. David M. Bryant, director, marketing and international trade, Department of Agriculture, Georgia, United States, said this was their third year of participation with four companies. Mr. Mohammad Mohsin Hashim, sales manager, Saudi Foam Trays Manufacturing Co. -- S-Pak, said it is good to participate in the expo, where everybody goes happy and satisfied. Ms. Marwa Al-Serri, general manager, Kuwait Packing Materials Manufacturing Co - K-Pak, explained that incorporated in Kuwait in 1985, K-Pak is an extruded polystyrene packing material manufacturer for the food industry. "This is our third participation. It is excellent. This year is the best so far. In three years the expo has become 400% better - well-organised, bigger and with better companies. It is very important for our business as existing customers come to see us. Make good contacts, which translate into business later on," she added. The next edition is scheduled from 29 May - 1 June 2011 and is forecasted to be yet another success story. www.acexpos.comNike SB Hyperfeel Koston 3