As demand for seafood grows in the Middle East, the sixth edition of Seafex returns to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 18 – 20 September, providing a platform for regional suppliers to source seafood from around the world.
According to Euromonitor International, the fish and seafood market is expected to reach a value of US$ 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.”
Seafex is one of six hospitality and niche food trade shows co-located under the umbrella of the Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW).
The three-day event will showcase the catch of the day from international 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 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, which is considered the most exclusive seafood in the world.
Bekiu Kim Jung, drector 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. Founder, Clifford Krige, 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.”
Seafex also offers refrigeration companies the chance to showcase their solutions for fish and seafood storage.
Thai company ITC will highlight the freeze-drying technology of its 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 co-located with two other niche gourmet food shows – The Speciality Food Festival, a gourmet and fine food show, and Yummex Middle East, a showcase for the sweets, snacks, chocolate, bakery and ice cream industry.
DWTC’s fourth show co-located under Dubai International Hospitality Week is the GulfHost expo for the hospitality and food services sectors, and takes place alongside DMG’s The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show.
GulfHost brings together 2,000 exhibitors from international 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.
Free visitor registration is available now online at www.speciality.ae Registration will also be available at the show upon proof of trade status.
