fhp arabia exhibition announces 13th edition

food/hotel/propac arabia, organised by Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions is Saudi Arabia's only dedicated international platform covering all aspects of the Kingdom's food, beverage, hotel, catering, and associated processing and packaging industries.

The 2007 edition attracted in excess of 11,000 professional visitors from across Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries and exhibitors reported deals running into many millions of US dollars.

A spokesman from the organiser commented, "With over 90% of both visitors and exhibitors intending to return in 2008, fhp arabia promises to surpass all show records, providing visitors with an extensive exhibitor profile of both international and leading Saudi companies showcasing a diverse range of products and services," he added, "fhp arabia will continue to be seen as a vital element in the Saudi business calendar and an essential ingredient in the Kingdom's professional food industry menu."

Visitors were entertained throughout the exhibition by two enthralling attractions, the
Top Chef & Art de Table features. Housed in an auditorium especially constructed for the event, TopChef attracted so much interest that the contest was soon oversubscribed and the auditorium was packed to capacity throughout the event. Each evening included themed cooking demonstrations that made this a unique culinary experience for visitors.

Another attraction that delighted visitors was the 'Art de Table' competition where leading hotels participated for the coveted award.
With a food industry worth around US$26 billion, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the single largest market in the Gulf Region. With one of the Region's largest and fastest growing populations, forecast to increase from the current 27 million to 47 million by 2020, and an annual economy in excess of US$250 billion, the Kingdom is expanding every aspect of its food, beverage and foodservice sectors.

A flourishing economy, its rapidly growing population, high disposable incomes and greater exposure to international trends have all helped to heighten Saudi consumer awareness and demand across the entire spectrum of the food and beverage sectors. This is especially true amongst the younger population (60% are under the age of twenty) where lifestyle changes are leading to ever increasing numbers of new, modern western style fast food outlets, supermarkets and hypermarkets to cater for the diverse ranges of food and beverage demanded by these discerning consumers.

Rapid expansion within the food and drink industry has in turn led to an increased demand for all forms of packaging machinery and supplies, from fresh produce packaging to fast food containers, from bottling to PEP containers. This is a market not only striving to satisfy its own demands, but is also developing its export trade to neighbouring countries. As a result nearly three quarters of all investment, valued at over US$ 2billion per annum, into the Gulf States packaging industry is in Saudi Arabia. Currently some 75% of Saudi Arabia's packaging products are used within the food and beverage industry.

food/hotel/propac arabia, its location in Jeddah, a city that not only possess the headquarters of the majority of the large Saudi importers and distributors but also accounts for 80% of all foodstuffs imports through the Jeddah Islamic Port, and a market that imports the vast majority of its requirements, continues to be the Kingdom's National Showcase and the Region's International Forum providing a perfect marketing platform for this vibrant and lucrative market.