SIAL Middle East builds regional food dynamism

SIAL Middle East is one of the largest food-related retail industry exhibitions in Abu Dhabi.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) and executed by SIAL Middle East Company, this year’s edition will see a significant influx of international food companies, 72% of which are marking their debut participation. The fair takes place on 24-26 November at the Abu Dhabi National Convention Centre.

Speaking to Food Manufacturing Journal – Middle East & Africa, Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi, chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for SIAL Middle East and Director of Communication and Community Service at Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority comments:  “The main purpose of SIAL Middle East 2013 is to contribute to the dynamism of the food industry locally and regionally, which will in turn help improve food security. By offering a professional business platform for a large number of food businesses every year, SIAL Middle East tries to constantly meet the needs of the local and regional markets, which are unique in terms of the numerous nationalities that reside in the country.”

Mr Rayssi adds that this year’s edition will have a separate space allocated to organic foods, given the focus and spotlight healthy food options are garnering these days.

“There will also be a separate area, for the first time ever, for health foods. The products exhibited in these two areas will have to be compliant with all the rules and regulations laid down by the organizing committee,” he says.

SIAL could do wonders for the region considering that 90% of food requirements are imported. This event offers an ideal platform for small and large food manufacturers, retailers, agents, distributors, caterers, hospitality operators, bars and café owners to evaluate new markets, introduce new channels and products and offers new developments.

Alpine Capital, in its recent report, indicated that GCC food consumption is expected to touch 51.5 million tonness by 2015, increasing 4.6% annually during 2011 to 2015. UAE saw food product sales reach 7.73 billion in the year 2011 and is expected to rise by 36.1% to reach 10.52 by the year 2015.

Commenting on the responses from exhibitors, Mr Rayssi says, “Right from the beginning, the feedback from the exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging, fact reinforced by the quantity of business deals signed during every SIAL Middle East for the past three years. The increase in the number of exhibitors every year is another concrete evidence of this. In fact, 72% of all the exhibitors participating this year are in the region for the first time, which shows the increasing popularity of the event among food businesses from around the world.”

SIAL Middle East has doubled in size since the event premiered in 2010 and is achieving a 30% increase in visitor figures annually, a testament to its growing popularity and success in establishing itself as a premier food and beverage event in the Middle East. It returns this year to serve the $35-billion Greater Middle East food service market.

“We hope that the new edition of the exhibition will lead to the establishment of new food businesses in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in the UAE and the wider region. The large numbers of new exhibitors who come to participate this yeaOff White X Nike Design