SIAL MidEast achieves record repeat exhibitors

Up to 83% of exhibitors participating at SIAL Middle East 2011 have already rebooked spaces for the next year’s trade show, event organiser Turret Media has said.

November 2011’s SIAL Middle East, which took place at Abu Dhabi’s National Exhibition Centre, saw business deals inked worth AED 1.3 billion (US $350 million).

Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, chairman of the Higher Organising Committee for SIAL Middle East said that the percentage of exhibitors already rebooking for the show next year is a significant milestone for the event.

“The success of the second edition of SIAL Middle East is reflective of a booming food industry in a region experiencing massive growth and offering unlimited opportunities for both regional and international food manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, buyers and service providers,” he said.

Georgio Starace, Italian ambassador to the UAE commented: “The value of Italian food and beverage exports into the UAE for 2011 currently stands at AED 213.8 million (US $52.2 million) – an increase of 20% from last year. SIAL Middle East is therefore a very important initiative for us as we look to increase exports into the UAE by as much as 40% next year.”

SIAL Middle East is part of the world’s largest network of trade food events, which include SIAL Paris, SIAL China and SIAL Canada.