Growing appetite for seafood drives demand at Seafex

Top companies from the local and international markets will discuss and showcase latest developments at Seafex, one of six hospitality and niche food trade shows under the umbrella of the Dubai International Hospitality Week, DIHW, next month, in Dubai, UAE.

Seafex, the region’s largest dedicated seafood expo, powered by Gulfood, will take place from 18th to 20th September at the Dubai World Trade Centre, DWTC.

Seafood consumption in the Middle East continues to grow at well above the global average, driven by the region’s economic development, increasing appeal of the healthy protein, and more effective supply-chain distribution to ensure optimum quality of the popular ingredient, a statement reads.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, countries such as the UAE consume an average of 33 kg per capita a year, almost double the global average of 18 kg.

Now in its sixth year, Seafex has become a key platform to source seafood from around the world, enabling suppliers in the region to meet a growing demand.

According to Euromonitor International, the fish and seafood market is expected to reach a value of USD$7.3 billion by 2021.

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions and Events Management, DWTC, said, "The market for seafood continues to grow at an exceptional rate across the region and beyond, not only in our restaurants and hotels but also at a retail level as consumers make healthier lifestyle choices.

"This means that Seafex gains even more importance and influence for professional chefs, catering buyers, wholesalers, restaurant owners and retail distributors, and enables suppliers from the key supply countries around the world to transact and network," she added.

The three-day event will showcase the catch of the day from the world’s leading names in seafood.

Seafex is conveniently co-located with two other niche gourmet food shows The Speciality Food Festival, the region’s only dedicated gourmet and fine food show for the food and hospitality industry and yummex Middle East, the region’s only dedicated showcase for the sweets, snacks, chocolate, bakery and ice cream industry.

The DWTC’s fourth show co-located under DIHW is the much-anticipated GulfHost expo for the hospitality and food services sectors that takes place alongside dmg’s The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show. It brings together 2,000 exhibitors from the world’s top hospitality brands across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, it stated.

Source: Wam