Food Expo 2007 opens today in Muscat

The international exhibition, which will be held until December 4, will showcase a wide range of food products, the latest kitchen and catering equipment, hotel and restaurant supplies, food packaging technologies as well as all types of food service equipment. The exhibition timings on all days of the event are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The three-day trade exhibition is open only to visitors above the age of 18.

"We are inviting all professionals in Oman's food industry and hospitality industry to come to the exhibition and see the latest products and equipment that are now available or being introduced in the market," said C.J. Paul, general manager of Omanexpo LLC, the leading organiser of trade and consumers shows in the sultanate.

Today's inauguration ceremony will be attended by ministry officials, members of the diplomatic community, top executives of the participating companies and professionals in the sultanate's food industry and hospitality industry. After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, the chief guest together with the other visitors will then tour the exhibition to visit each stall and check out the products on display.

A total of 46 local and international companies are participating in this year's edition of the event, a good number of which are taking part for the first time to take advantage of major opportunities in Oman's vibrant food industry. The international exhibitors come all the way from countries like Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Germany, Italy, India, Turkey, UK, and the United Arab Emirates.

The local exhibitors, on the other hand, include leading companies such as Abdul Khalik Abdullah Habib Najwani & Partners LLC, Al Jabal Trading and Refrigerating Co. LLC, ELCO National Trading Co., General Electric & Trading Co. LLC (Genetco), Shah Nagardas Manji & Co. LLC and Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah (Muscat) LLC. The list of local participants also includes Al-Bariq Equipment LLC, Al Nab'a Equipment and Supplies LLC, Al Roofoof Hotel Supplies LLC, A'Safwah Dairy, Bhacker Suleman Jaffer, Bartech Oman, Carrier Transicold, Dhofar Beverage and Foodstuff Co., JohnsonDiversey, Nizwa Food Industries, Oman Tourism College, Premium Food Industries, Sohar Poultry Co. SAOG, Teejan Cleaners LLC, and The Food House.

Paul pointed out that, with the impressive number of companies taking part in Food Expo 2007, visitors are sure to find the products and equipment they need by visiting the exhibition. Among those that will be prominently displayed are gas and electric ovens, beverage products including tea and coffee, cleaning supplies for hotels and restaurants, refrigeration systems and freezers, processed food products as well as crockery and cutlery.

Food Expo 2007 is supported by AKAH Najwani & Partners LLC as the platinum sponsor and X35 Energy Ltd. of the UK as the silver sponsor. It is also supported by the OER Dossier as the official publication as well as the Times of Oman and Al Shabiba as media partners. Cooking demonstrations during the event are sponsored by Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Flavours Multi-Cuisine Restaurant.