SEAFEX set to net strong demand from region’s hospitality industry

With fish and seafood a perennial menu favorite in almost every culture around the world including the MENA, the region’s first dedicated seafood trade show, SEAFEX, looks set to make waves when it launches on Nov. 19-21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
In a multi-billion dollar industry with a current annual global output of 145 million tons of seafood, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, seafood producers are increasingly looking to the Middle East for business growth.
This lucrative market with its diverse mix of nationalities and cultures has a strong preference for seafood. The UAE consumes more than 50 kg of fish and seafood products per capita per year according to Asmak International Fish Farming Company while the Emirates Wildlife Society’s recent surveys show that 66 percent of the UAE population eats fish at least once a week. Another example of the Middle East’s growing taste for seafood gastronomy is the 114 percent growth in 2010 for Scottish salmon, making the UAE the second-fastest growing market for the product in the world.
Organized by the DWTC, with its experienced Gulfood team bringing more than 25 years of expertise, industry knowledge and connections to SEAFEX, the show covers the full spectrum of the seafood industry, from the fresh catch to the consumer’s plate, as well as cold storage, shipping and logistics solutions.
“Seafood is one of the fastest growing segments in the global food industry, with several of our regional markets in the world’s top 10 in terms of consumption. We are, therefore, delighted to be offering a dedicated and comprehensive platform for both suppliers and buyers to source products, develop new supply chains and enjoy valuable networking opportunities at SEAFEX,” said Trixee Loh, SVP, DWTC.