SIAL Middle East 2019 closes with nearly $2bn trade deals

The 10th edition of the food, beverage (F&B) and hospitality exhibition, SIAL Middle East, closed on a high note, recording trade deals crossing Dhs7.2bn ($1.96bn), official news agency WAM reported.

The three-day event drew in 23,000 industry participants and visitors, recording a 13 per cent higher footfall than last year, a statement said.

The event – organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) with French “Comexposium” group, and in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) was held over an exhibition area of 22,000 square metres. The number of new exhibitors reached 16, in comparison to 8 last year, while the number of UAE exhibition companies totalled 76, the statement said.

SIAL Middle East 2019 hosted interactive sessions and competitions while offering insights into the latest F&B trends along with topics related to food production, innovation and its future.

The event also hosted the UAE National Coffee championships, that convened the world’s best baristas to take part in the “National Latte Art Championship” and the “National Cezve/Ibrik Championship“. The event also held the debut Gahwa championships to revive the traditions of Arabic coffee.

Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, director general of ADAFSA, said: “We are pleased with the high turnout witnessed by the exhibition in its tenth anniversary edition, and its success in attracting elite food companies, major food suppliers and investors from all over the world.”

“The authority’s participation resulted in the signing of a number of cooperation agreements related to food security, food safety and sustainable agricultural development and support for local farmers with a selection of national institutions and private sector companies in areas closely related to the elements of food and biological security and agriculture.”

Saeed Al Mansoori, executive director of IDEX, a subsidiary of ADNEC, said: “SIAL ME drew the participation of 1,143 exhibitors with an increase of 5 per cent compared to last year’s edition, 31 country and specialised pavilions.”