The eighth edition of SIAL Middle East has seen a growth of 28% year-on-year for visitor numbers, with the event organisers revealing that exhibitors have netted deals worth AED3.3 billion (US $0.9bn).
SIAL Middle East managing director Joanne Cook said in a statement: "With 20,000 registered visitors through our doors in the first two days of the exhibition, we take this as an encouraging sign that local and international government bodies, companies and investors have increased interests in the future of the food, beverage and hospitality in the UAE."
At the Middle East Food Forum, the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) delivered a session on the importance of their role as the auditing body for the safety, security and quality of food for outlets taking part in their Weqaya programme.
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In line with the initiative launched by ADFCA during the exhibition and under the framework of the ‘Year of Giving’, Jenaan provided close to one million palm trees to the UAE Red Crescent and signed an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre which will see the agricultural investment company set up the infrastructure for raising, rearing and packaging organic free-range chickens within the UAE.
Celebrating innovation, the SIAL Innovation Area showcased and awarded some of the world’s most innovative products, allowing attendees to learn about upcoming trends in the food and beverage sector.
Out of the 150 entries and 12 finalists for the awards, John Woods LTD took home the gold honours for its organic sprouted flaxseed products. For the bronze award, UAE’s Al Rabiah Trading Company nabbed the prize for its almond milk, walnut milk and pistachio milk products.
SIAL Middle East ran with support from host sponsor Abu Dhabi Chamber, diamond sponsor Jenaan Investments, silver sponsors Al Rawafed and Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre, bronze sponsor Mai Dubai and The Deep Seafood Company, and halal certification sponsor Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology.
The 2018 edition will take place from December 10-12, 2018.