DUBAI: Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) showcased its role in the region’s rapidly expanding food and beverage (F&B) market  at Gulfood 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Center. 

HFZA’s special pavilion attracted over thousands of local and international trade visitors during the show.

“It was an excellent stage for our team to interact with representatives from  international food companies from over 110 countries,” said Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, director of HFZA and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) .

“The UAE also functions as an import and re-export hub, because some products are exported to the country and then re-exported to neighboring countries,” Al-Mazrouei concluded.

“HFZA, which is home to over hundred F&B companies, is an ideal hub for companies who are eyeing the thriving F&B markets in the Middle East region,” said Al-Mazrouei.

Shivam M-Thakkar, general manager of HFZA-based Flavors food industry, said that the overall response was good and the enquiries from companies in Iraq, Kuwait, Somalia and Bahrain were enormous.

It was a pleasure to share the event venue with Hamriyah Free Zone Authority,” he added.

Praveen V.S.,  managing partner of HFZA- based Crisp Food Company, said that the platform provided a good chance to attract global and local clients .

“We fixed some worthy deals during the show,” he added.

In addition to  F&B firms, HFZA has  a well-organized  food, plastic and packaging zone. Stretching across 380,000 square meters, this facility targets the various needs of the fast moving consumer goods industry (FMCG) such as food processing, cold storage, plastic products, plastic raw materials, packaging, etc.