BUSINESS

SEAFEX ’17 key platform to meet regional demand

August 15, 2017
The fish and seafood market is expected to reach a value of $7.3 billion by 2021
The fish and seafood market is expected to reach a value of $7.3 billion by 2021

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. According to the Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), countries such as the UAE consume an average of 33kg per capita a year, almost double the global average of 18kg. It is clear that SEAFEX, the region’s largest dedicated seafood expo, powered by Gulfood, becomes more important every year in helping to keep the pipeline of seafood between suppliers and the F&B, retail and hospitality sectors open and flowing.

Taking place on Sept. 18-20, 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, SEAFEX is one of six hospitality and niche food trade shows co-located under the umbrella of the Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW). 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.

“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,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management DWTC. “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.”

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 SEAFEX, 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 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. Clifford Krige, Founder of Cederberg Fishing, 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.” — SG


August 15, 2017
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