Four influential trade shows dedicated to niche sectors of the global food industry has attracted thousands of trade visitors to the Dubai offering them added value and new business opportunities.

The events - Speciality Food Festival, Sweets & Snacks Middle East, Sweet & SnackTec Middle East and International Travel Catering & Services Exhibition (ITCA) Dubai were officially opened by Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Chamber, on Sunday.

Conveniently co-located to offer sourcing and cross-selling opportunities for both visitors and exhibitors, the debut Speciality Food Festival joins Sweets & Snacks ME, Sweet & SnackTec ME and ITCA Dubai, said organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

'It is clear from the international exhibitor participation that all four shows have attracted, that the Middle East markets are key for business growth across all sectors,' said Trixee Loh, senior vice president, DWTC.

'All shows offer an excellent environment for sampling and sourcing innovative and exclusive ingredients and products, while facilitating valuable networking, learning and trading opportunities for time-pressured industry professionals,' he added.

The region’s first ever dedicated gourmet and fine food show for the food and hospitality industry, the Speciality Food Festival, provides a much needed platform for the showcasing of ultra-premium gourmet food products from around the world.

Countries from as far afield as French Polynesia, Argentina and Italy have joined the region’s suppliers of high-end gourmet products at the three-day show. Australia and France pavilions house a range of exhibitors from their respective countries.

Regionally, gourmet products such as halal, organic and seafood have been earmarked as key growth sectors for the food and hospitality industry, the official said.

Dubai alone imports food products from around the world with Dh26.7 billion ($7.26 billion) traded in 2009, according to Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing figures.

With a broad range of premium ingredients and finished food products, the Speciality Food Festival provides a cornucopia of culinary delights – from the finest wild caviar, artisan merino sheep cheese, exotic fruits and fresh organic produce, to special breed halal meats, exotic Moroccon argana oil and honey from the mountains of Iran.

One of the fastest growing food and beverage markets in the world, the Middle East is predicted to deliver strong double-digit growth across the board, from sweet and savoury snacks, confectionery, gourmet food products and specialist products for the burgeoning regional travel industry.-TradeArabia News Service