Gourmet produce, sweets and snacks took centre stage yesterday as the Speciality Food Festival got underway at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Speciality Food Festival made its debut alongside Sweets & Snacks Middle East, Sweet & SnackTec Middle East and ITCA Dubai (International Travel Catering & Services Exhibition).
Organisers said that the first day had proved a big success.
“It is clear from the international exhibitor participation that all four shows have attracted, that the Middle East markets are key for business growth across all sectors. All shows offer an excellent environment for sampling and sourcing innovative and exclusive ingredients and products, while facilitating valuable networking, learning and trading opportunities for time-pressured industry professionals,” said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, DWTC.
Niche suppliers of premium gourmet foods from across the world had pavilions showcasing high-end produce.
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Among the countries represented, were France, Germany and Turkey.
“The Speciality Food Festival has been created to cater specifically to the niche fine food industry in the Middle East and neighbouring regions. This dedicated event provides a highly focused platform for gourmet professionals to meet, source some of the finest ingredients, and do real business,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, DWTC.
Regionally, gourmet products such as halal, organic and seafood have been earmarked as key growth sectors for the food and hospitality industry. Dubai alone imports food products from around the world with approximately AED26.7 billion traded in 2009, according to recent figures from Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing. And with no fewer than six Michelin-starred restaurants by world-renowned chefs Gary Rhodes, Gordon Ramsay, Vineet Bhatia, Nobu Matsuhia, Giorgio Locatelli and Pierre Gagnaire now open in the emirate, it is making its mark as a gastronomic destination.
The show also includes a dedicated Chef’s Corner presented by Emirates Culinary Guild, with daily cookery demonstrations from some of Dubai’s top international chefs using ingredients sourced from the exhibitors at the show.
The sessions offer an exclusive opportunity to gain insights into upcoming food trends, inspiring techniques and innovative ingredient combinations with chefs such as Chef Maurizio Bosettie of Frankies/Marco Pierre White, chef Daniel Nuss from Yas Hotel, and chef Gabriele Kurz from Magnolia Al Qasr preparing their respective signature dishes.
One of the fastest growing food and beverage markets in the world, the Middle East is predicted to deliver strong double-digit growth across the board, from sweet and savoury snacks, confectionery, gourmet food products and specialist products for the burgeoning regional travel industry.
According to Euromonitor International, the official knowledge partner for Sweets & Snacks Middle East, the regional snack industry is set to increase by 21% by 2014. In Dubai alone, the snack market has grown by 10% over the past 12 months and is now valued at AED305 million.
All four exhibitions which run until November 2 and will be open from 10am - 6pm daily. Registration will also be available at the show upon proof of trade status.
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