Food Expo 2006 showcases new products and equipment

The official opening of the three-day international exhibition was attended by ministry officials, dignitaries from the diplomatic community, top executives of participating companies, professionals from the sultanate's food and beverage industry, and other distinguished guests.

"Food Expo 2006 is now open to welcome all visitors who want to know about new food products, the latest kitchen equipment, and other products related to food preparation, food processing and food manufacturing," said C.J. Paul, general manager of Omanexpo LLC, the leading exhibition management company in the sultanate.

The timings of the exhibition are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Food Expo 2006 features over 55 exhibitors from Oman and from other parts of the world, and the products on display range from catering equipment, packaging products, bar accessories, kitchen utensils and refrigeration systems to various types of food products including biscuits, dates, canned goods, tea, processed meat products and energy drinks.

AKAH Najwani & Partners LLC, the largest catering equipment supplier in the sultanate and the major sponsor of Food Expo 2006, is heading the list of Omani companies that are participating in the international exhibition.

Other major participants include A'Saffa Poultry Farms SAOG, General Electric & Trading Co. LLC, Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah (Muscat) LLC, Al Bayader International LLC, Matrah Cold Stores LLC, Sohar Poultry Co. SAOG, and Oman Gulf Enterprises.

Food Expo 2006 also features the stalls of Al-Bariq Equipment LLC, Asha Enterprises, Bartechco, Business International Group, Consumer Supplies Co. LLC, Dan International LLC, Dhofar Beverage and Foodstuff Co. SAOG, General Development Services, JohnsonDiversey, Kalhat Services & Trading LLC, Nizwa Food Industries LLC, Oman Tourism College, Premium Food Industries, Sahara Foodstuff Production & Packing, and United Dates Factory Company LLC.

In addition to local participants, a large number of foreign exhibitors have also come to Oman to introduce their products to potential clients, distributors, and business partners. Among the countries represented are Brunei Darussalam, Italy, Germany, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, the UK, and the UAE. The international exhibitors include IMI International Ltd. of the UK, which is presenting Battery Energy Drink, the sponsor of Food Expo 2006.

Apart from Brunei, which has brought ten companies to the exhibition, a total of nine exhibitors from the UAE are also participating in the exhibition to make inroads in Oman's vibrant food industry. These companies are Al Accad C&G Trading, Al Barq Kitchen Equipment Co. LLC, Al Khaleej Sugar Co. (LLC), Barakat Quality Plus, Focus International FZCO, Malaysian Palm Oil Council, Palletco LLC, Sawas Kitchen Equipment Co., and The Food Centre LLC.

Food Expo is also supported by the Oman Daily Observer and Arabic Daily Oman as media partners. In line with the focus of the exhibition, cooking demonstrations will be conducted on all days of the event, courtesy of chefs from Al Sawadi Beach Resort.