The 18th edition of Saudi Food & Hotel and Hospitality 2013 opened yesterday, highlighting the importance of the region’s annual food and hospitality trade event.
This year’s food and hotel and hospitality event has more than 400 exhibitors from 17 countries, ensuring an unparalleled range of new products and technology solutions available to buyers from each sector of the food and hospitality spectrum.
Jaber Mohamed Al-Shehri, vice agriculture minister for fishery affairs, who opened the exhibition, described it as a significant regional business event.
This 2013 edition aims to replicate the significant growth and development that Saudi Arabia’s food and tourism sectors are experiencing, he said in the presence of invitees who included officials, diplomats and business executives.
“Aside from innovative products on display, the show will be marked by some business deals,” said Zahoor Siddique, vice president for exhibitions at Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), which has organized the event.
This year, the number of participants has increased to include more than 400 food companies from 17 countries, he said, adding that this industry continues to develop and expand its horizons, and will mark further growth in the years to come.
Around a 1,000 visitors attended the first day of the 18th edition who experienced the different sections of the expo and got introduced to products and services offered by local, regional and international players in the food and beverage services, the hotel industry and the catering and hospitality market.
The event hosts a list of seven national pavilions supported by their relevant ministries and trade associations from Algeria, Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey, and individual companies from France, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Pakistan, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the US and a large number of Saudi companies representing international brands.
In addition, the four-day international exhibition incorporates Top Chef & Art de Table contests, jointly organized by ACE and I LEVEL with the support of WACS — World Association of Chef Societies, SARCA-Saudi Arabian Chefs Association, Euro Toques, Nestle Professional and Al-Mashfa, which will feature culinary skills of chefs from the finest hotels and restaurants and adjudicated by a panel of international experts.
The exhibition continues until Wednesday (May 22) from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Jeddah Center for Forums and Events.
