"This is indeed a good opportunity for every player in the local food, hotel and hospitality industry to meet with foreign counterparts who can  supply quality products  to potential markets like Saudi Arabia," Al-Jeraisy  told the media  after making a tour of the sprawling  exhibition area at the Riyadh International Exhibition Center on Sunday night.

Al-Jeraisy, also the chairman of the Al-Jeraisy Group, added that he was pleased that there were many participants from the Kingdom as well as other countries, including the GCC.

"This exhibition is a crowd-drawer indeed!  Both Saudis and foreigners from the GCC and other countries are here. The products on display from various countries are interesting for everyone. You could find various products used at home, hospital, hotel or restaurants," he said.

The exhibitors include Royal Host, Hartt Hotel Supplies, Fathi Al Mohtaseb Trading, Basurrah Trading, Es-Hamat International, Tiger, Bin Shihoun Abomar, Daymark, Santos, Teller SAS, Taylor, Picard & Wielputz, Sirman, San Jamar, Wedgewood, Sant'Andrea, Oneida, Tablekraft, Ronai, Flexilight, AmbiFlame, Blanco and Steelite International.

Al-Jeraisy added that he was  looking forward to the future when the same exhibition will be held again mainly because of the enthusiastic reception by, and feedback from,  local players in the food, hotel and hospitality industry.

He added that "this kind of exhibition is busy throughout the year" and that he and the organizers will be ready to help if there will be requests for the exhibition to be held again.

On the other hand, Usamah M. Al-Kurdi, Alagat Montgomery chairman, expressed his thanks to the huge crowd who attended the opening day, and corrected misconceptions regarding the exhibition.

In answer to a  newsman from the Arabic press who  asked why the participants were     mainly local companies,  he said, "Actually there are 24 foreign firms showcasing  their products during the exhibition. These companies are from Belgium, Canada, Australia, Britain, China, Dubai, Germany and Turkey."

He added that to ensure that the show provided  an international opportunity, the local  organizer had teamed up with UK's international event managers Montgomery, a company specializing in food, drink and hospitality sector.

To help buyers make suitable and time-effective introductions, Alagat Montgomery had introduced a "meet-the-buyer" program for two days during the show. Some 30 buyers will have a series of pre-arranged 15-minute meeting with both local and international suppliers. A VIP lounge area had been set aside for the meeting during the show.

Christopher Newton, Montgomery chairman, expressed his thanks for the opportunity for Montgomery to participate in the exhibition, saying that Saudi Arabia has one of the world's fastest growing hospitality sectors.

He added that for international companies, the Kingdom offers exciting opportunities to do business and economic growth remains impressive "while the tourism and hospitality sectors reflect this buoyancy."

Newton thanked all and sundry, including the media, who helped make the event a huge success. Wire agencies, radio as well as TV stations and the print media covered the event with

Mohsin Sheikh Al-Hassan as coordinator.