Growing appetite for seafood drives demand at Seafex

Seafood consumption in the Middle East continues to surpass the global average.

This is 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.

According to the Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), countries such as the UAE consume an average of 33kg per capita a year, almost double the global average of 18kg. It is clear that Seafex, the region’s largest dedicated seafood expo, powered by Gulfood, becomes more important every year in helping to keep the pipeline of seafood between suppliers and the F&B, retail and hospitality sectors open and flowing.

Taking place from 18-20 September 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Seafex is one of six hospitality food trade shows co-located under the umbrella of the Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW). Now in its sixth year, Seafex has become a key platform for the sourcing of 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 AED 26.6 Billion (US$ 7.3 billion) by 2021.

DWTC senior vice president, exhibitions & events management Trixie LohMirmand 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.”

The three-day event will showcase the catch of the day from the world’s leading names in seafood, including Ablona by GMA, Cederberg Fishing, Fortuna Seafoods BV, Gourmet House, ITC, Ministry of Marine Affairs & Fisheries Indonesia, Norwegian Seafood Council, Ocean Supreme, Taiwan Frozen Seafood Industries Association, Vega Salmon and Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters & Producers (VASEP).

Seafex is for trade and business professionals only and will be open from 10am - 6pm daily on 18 and 19 September and 10am – 5pm on 20 September.

Free visitor registration is available now online at www.speciality.ae