Top companies from the local and international markets will discuss and showcase latest developments at Seafex, one of six hospitality and niche food trade shows co-located under the umbrella of the Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW), next month, in Dubai, UAE.

Seafex, the region’s largest dedicated seafood expo, powered by Gulfood, will take place from September 18 to 20, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

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, said a statement.

According to the Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), countries such as the UAE consume an average of 33 kg per capita a year, almost double the global average of 18 kg.

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 $7.3 billion by 2021.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, exhibitions and events management, DWTC, said: “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.”

“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,” she added.

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 the event, 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 the event 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.”

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, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service