Rice and Grains to swell Sial Middle East 2012 Exhibition and conference offering

New for this year is the integration of Rice and Grains into the Sial Middle East schedule.

Relocating from Dubai to Abu Dhabi as part of its future growth strategy, the cereals exhibition - now in its second year - is making the move in response to increased interest in the event from international markets as the region faces ongoing challenges in securing new food supplies as one of the world's largest basic commodities importers.

"Abu Dhabi is one of the largest purchasers of rice in the UAE as a direct result of its food subsidies programme for the people of the emirate. The integration of Rice and Grains into Sial Middle East complements the other offerings at the event and, with Abu Dhabi a major business hub for the region, exhibitors will benefit considerably from participation," said Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Sial Middle East and official spokesperson for Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority 'ADFCA'.

The GCC imports 90% of its food requirements and is entirely dependent on external markets to satisfy consumer demand for maize, rice and barley. According to an Alpen Capital report, cereals accounted for 43.7% of total consumption in 2011 and, with a population growing at three times the global average, food imports are expected to double to $53.1bn by 2020.

"The obvious synergies between the two exhibitions has allowed us to take the event to a logical next level, by creating a multi-stage platform that encapsulates the 'farm to food' cycle of the industry. This is a powerful vehicle which brings all the major local, regional and international players together to discuss demand drivers and current trends, and drive growth and innovation across the board," says Chris Fountain, Managing Director of Turret Media, organisers of Sial Middle East.

Rice and Grains will occupy Hall 6 at the November event, with over 150 industry heavyweights heading to the UAE capital to do business with the more than 10,000 professional food buyers expected to attend.

"The MENA region attracts the majority of exports from the world's major rice producers, as they look to expand their global reach and capitalise on market demand. Here in the Emirates, we have a well-established trading hub, a structured shipping infrastructure, ample storage facilities and a trade-friendly environment, among other things," said Mohammad Harfouch, Executive Director at Ideal Idea Events, organisers of Rice and Grains."

"And with the advent of new world-class facilities like the new Khalifa Port and the emerging Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi 'KIZAD', the UAE has the potential to cement its status as a launch pad for growth into new and existing regional markets with high value potential," he added.

Held in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority 'ADFCA', food importation trends and price hikes of various food staples are set to be a hot topic on the exhibition floor and various conference sessions.

Earlier this year, UAE President, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, issued a directive to extend the Ramadan food subsidies for nationals until the end of the year. The list of subsidised essential food products supported by government funding now includes rice, flour and pasta and is valued at a total of $1.9m.

Sial Middle East has grown rapidly since its inaugural edition in 2010, and in 2011 welcomed 466 exhibitors from 43 countries, and 9,707 visitors, representing a 55% and 34% increase on 2010 figures, respectively.

In addition to Rice and Grains, Sial Middle East will also incorporate a new event as part of a co-location agreement with the International Travel Catering Association 'ITCA', as well as hosting the Emirates International Date Palm Festival. The quartet of exhibitions will welcome more than 1,000 international exhibitors including 30 national pavilions from Argentina to Vietnam.