Bahrain to host International Food Technology and Food & Hospitality Expos in 2008

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Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) and fairtrade Messe-und Ausstellungs GmbH & Co. KG participated in a symbolic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on 1st October 2007 to mark the staging of the first food tec middle east (The Middle East's International Food, Beverage & Packaging Technology Exhibition & Conference) and food+hospitality middle east (The Middle East's International Food, Beverages and Hospitality Exhibition).

Martin Maerz, in his capacity as Managing Director, represented the Heidelberg-based fairtrade Messe- und Ausstellungs GmbH & Co. KG at the signing ceremony. Mohammed Fathalla, Acting CEO, signed the MoU on behalf of Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA). Mr. Fathalla was joined by other Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) officials including Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, Director - MICE, Destination Marketing & P.R.; Narjis Al Moosawi, Advisor and Suresh Murthy, Advisor.

Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) functions under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Hassan Abdulla Fakhro, the Minister of Industry & Commerce.

Unprecedented
An unprecedented trade exhibition in the Region, food tec middle east 08 is dedicated to the food, beverage and packing technology industries whilst the food+hospitality middle east 08 aims to bring together retailers and exporters of food stuff and hospitality equipment into the Region. Both exhibitions have been allocated 6,000 square metres of exhibit space at BIEC.

Bahrain was selected as the setting for food tec middle east 08 and food+hospitality middle east 08 exhibitions due to its proximity to the Northern Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, said Mr. Maerz. 'In addition, many of the top international players such as Coca-Cola, Del Monte, Kraft, Nestle and Pepsi Cola have set up licensing agreements with local manufacturers to produce their brand.'

Studies confirm that from US$1 billion in 1995, the food processing sector in the GCC states has grown to become a nearly US$ 7 billion market with annual investment per factory rising from US$ 5 million to over US$ 9 million, Mr. Maerz further explained.

'Since 1996, our company, fairtrade, has been organising the largest food technology fair in the Middle East, which is iran food + bev tec held in conjunction with iran food + hospitality and iran agro. This year, the three events attracted 605 exhibitors from 22 countries with Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Spain participating with official national pavilions,' he stated.

'We have signed the MoU with Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) for the two trade shows which we envisage to become annual events in Bahrain in response to the request we have received from some of our exhibitors as well as European national associations to organise a food & hospitality and a food technology fair for the Gulf and Middle East.'

According to Mr. Fathalla, 'This is a very important step forward in realising the objectives of Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) to increase its portfolio of international events that would enhance Bahrain's reputation as the gateway to the lucrative markets of the Northern Gulf region. We are delighted to announce the formation of this new joint venture partnership with fairtrade and to be working with an international exhibition organiser with considerable experience and a solid reputation in the industry.'