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SEAFEX provides key platform for international suppliers
Seafood consumption in the Middle East continues to grow at well above the global average, driven by the region’s economic development, increasing appeal of the healthy protein, and more effective supply chain distribution to ensure optimum quality of the popular ingredient. According to the Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), countries such as the UAE consume an average of 33kg per capita a year, almost double the global average of 18kg. It is clear that SEAFEX, the region’s largest dedicated seafood expo, powered by Gulfood, becomes more important every year in helping to keep the pipeline of seafood between suppliers and the F&B, retail and hospitality sectors open and flowing.
Taking place from 18-20 September 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, SEAFEX is one of six hospitality and niche food trade shows co-located under the umbrella of the Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW). Now in its sixth year, SEAFEX has become a key platform for the sourcing of seafood from around the world, enabling suppliers in the region to meet a growing demand. According to Euromonitor International, the fish and seafood market is expected to reach a value of US$ 7.3 billion by 2021.
“The market for seafood continues to grow at an exceptional rate across the region and beyond, not only in our restaurants and hotels, but also at a retail level as consumers make healthier lifestyle choices,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management DWTC. “This means that SEAFEX gains even more importance and influence for professional chefs, catering buyers, wholesalers, restaurant owners and retail distributors, and enables suppliers from the key supply countries around the world to transact and network.”
The three-day event will showcase the catch of the day from the world’s leading names in seafood, including Ablona by GMA, Cederberg Fishing, Fortuna Seafoods BV, Gourmet House, ITC, Ministry of Marine Affairs & Fisheries Indonesia, Norwegian Seafood Council, Ocean Supreme, Taiwan Frozen Seafood Industries Association, Vega Salmon and Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters & Producers (VASEP).
Highlighting the diversity of seafood on show during SEAFEX, Dutch company Fortuna Seafoods BV will present a culinary highlight in the form of the South Georgia Patagonian Toothfish, a speciality of the Falklands based fishing company. Director James Wallace said: “Our South Georgia Toothfish, which is MSC certified and WWF-listed, is a cod-like benthopelagic fish found in cold deep water at depths of up to 2,000m. It is delicious and sustainable – both key elements in seafood.”
Spanish company Abalon by GMA is introducing a shellfish to SEAFEX, which is considered the most exclusive seafood in the world. Bekiu Kim Jung, Director of Sales and Marketing at GMA, said: “This year we will be showcasing our shellfish Abalone, one of the most expensive and exclusive shellfish available, which is considered a delicacy in Asian markets. Our participation in SEAFEX 2017 is important to increase popularity of Abalone in other markets, especially across the GCC and Dubai which of course, is the hub of fine dining.”
South African company Cederberg Fishing will showcase its West Coast Rock Lobster from Cape Town. Clifford Krige, Founder of Cederberg Fishing, said: “We are one of the fastest growing suppliers in the Western Cape for West Coast Rock Lobster and are always looking for opportunities to supply both locally and internationally – SEAFEX is the ideal platform to reach buyers across the Middle East, to extend our offering.”
Of critical importance to seafood is refrigeration. Companies such as ITC, one of the leading refrigeration companies in Thailand have gained a reputation both in their domestic market and internationally for delivering turnkey solutions. SEAFEX offers ITC the opportunity to showcase their latest freeze-drying technology applied in their newest product – the Kryo’D freezer. Warot Lamlertpongpana, Coordinator for ITC said: “Our newly launched Kryo’D freezer was developed in collaboration with Thailand’s top university, KMITL, and uses an innovative approach to freeze drying that ensures the absolute freshness of the seafood is captured and maintained. We are confident in the demand for this excellent product, as well as our spiral freezer during SEAFEX.”
SEAFEX is conveniently co-located with two other niche gourmet food shows The Speciality Food Festival, the region’s only dedicated gourmet and fine food show for the food and hospitality industry and yummex Middle East, the region’s only dedicated showcase for the sweets, snacks, chocolate, bakery and ice cream industry. DWTC’s fourth show co-located under Dubai International Hospitality Week is the much anticipated GulfHost expo for the hospitality and food services sectors, and takes place alongside dmg’s The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show. The show brings together 2,000 exhibitors from the world’s top hospitality brands from across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
SEAFEX is for Trade and Business Professionals only and will be open from 10am – 6pm daily on 18 and 19 September and 10am – 5pm on 20 September. General public and persons under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry. Free visitor registration is available now online at www.speciality.ae Registration will also be available at the show upon proof of trade status. One pass provides free access to all six trade shows across Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW).
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