Chocolate and coffee lovers from across the Gulf region gathered in Bahrain last week to savour some of the region's best creations at a major expo.

A total of 29,100 visitors attended the second edition of the Bahrain Chocolate and Coffee Fair exhibition - which ran from December 7-9 - double the number of visitors at the inaugural edition (15,000 visitors).

Held under the patronage of the executive chairman of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), the expo allowed visitors to savour some of region's best chocolates and coffee.

Yasmine Jamal, CEO of Bidayaat (Events Starts) - organisers of the expo, said that the exhibition attracted a large number of visitors and once again confirmed the unprecedented success of this first specialised exhibition in Bahrain and its ability to attract families specifically from Bahrain in particular and the Gulf countries in general.

"Last year we were able to attract 15,000 visitors, which is a very big figure for a specialised exhibition in Bahrain, but we have raised the challenge this year when we decided to double the number of visitors," Jamal said.

Jamal said that the exhibition's ability to attract 60 companies specialised in the manufacture and trade of chocolate and coffee this year from Bahrain, the Arabian Gulf and the world also reflects the success of efforts to enhance the reputation of the hospitality industry in Bahrain as a whole.

She also expressed her pride that the exhibition has for the second consecutive year brought together industrialists, shop owners, shops and interested parties under one roof and highlighted the best equipment, services and products from regional and international producers and suppliers. The exhibition offers the most international products and services related to the production of chocolate and coffee. Ideal for building fruitful partnerships and developing long-term business relationships.

The exhibition's role is to help Bahraini coffee and chocolate makers develop their business and explore new markets and open new horizons. - TradeArabia News Service