Seafood show targets MENA hotel & restaurant trade

DUBAI – With fish and perennial menu favourite in almost every culture around the world including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the region's first dedicated seafood trade show, SEAFEX, looks set to make waves when it launches on 19-21 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

In a multi-billion dollar industry with a current annual global output of 145 million metric tons of seafood, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation, seafood producers are increasingly looking to the Middle East for business growth.

This lucrative market with its diverse mix of nationalities and cultures has a strong preference for seafood. The UAE consumes more than 50kg of fish and seafood products per capita per year according to Asmak International Fish Farming Company whilst the Emirates Wildlife Society's recent surveys show that 66% of the UAE population eats fish at least once a week. Another example of the Middle East's growing taste for seafood gastronomy is the 114% growth in 2010 for Scottish salmon, making the UAE the second-fastest growing market for the product in the world. Data from the Scottish Government reveals that Scotland has experienced a massive 55% rise in Food and Beverage exports to the UAE, increasing to $80m in the first half of 2011.
 SEAFEX covers 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. It is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), whose experienced Gulfood team brings more than 25 years of expertise, industry knowledge and connections to the premiere event.

"Seafood is one of the fastest growing segments in the global food industry, with several of our regional markets in the world's top 10 in terms of consumption. We are therefore delighted to be offering a dedicated and comprehensive platform for both suppliers and buyers to source products, develop new supply chains and enjoy valuable networking opportunities at SEAFEX," said Trixee Loh, senior vice president, Dubai World Trade Centre. "Given the team's expertise in organising Gulfood, the world's largest annual food trade show, we have no doubt that SEAFEX will enjoy immediate success in facilitating the showcasing and supply of this speciality food for retail, Food & Beverage and the hospitality industries in our region." 

21 national pavilions

The three-day event will showcase the catch of the day from the world's leading names in the seafood industry, with confirmed partKobe XII 12 Shoes