
Trade Fair Overview
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The F&B Networking Hub by SIAL Middle East – E-summit and Meetings achieved record results during its virtual sessions that were organised. Over 700 global experts and specialists from 65 countries, alongside 57 local and international media outlets, attended both the e-sessions and the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Virtual Platform.
Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb AlMheiri, Minister of State for Food and Water Security, inaugurated the F&B Networking Hub by SIAL Middle East – E-summit and Meetings, the virtual event organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC), in collaboration with Comexposium and the support of its strategic partners, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, under the SIAL Middle East brand and in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Virtual Platform.
The F&B Networking Hub by SIAL Middle East was designed and developed by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC), in collaboration with the Comexposium Group and the event’s strategic partners, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation. The event succeeded in attracting twice the number of sellers anticipated to participate in the platform meetings. Participating buyers increased by 438%, compared to expectations ahead of the event, for over 900 meetings over five days, starting from 23 November.
The virtual platform witnessed a significant international participation, with over 120 sellers from 20 countries, and 377 buyers from 45 countries. The event allowed exhibitors specialised in the food, beverage, hospitality, and the dates industry to meet virtually and conduct business. The event was introduced as a response to ongoing global measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Buyers predominately came from the UAE, Israel, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and India. Meanwhile, sellers included representatives from Canada, Cameroon, Singapore, Malaysia, Palestine, South Korea, France, Afghanistan, Poland, Tunisia, South Africa, Russia, Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, Jordan, Italy, Mauritania, and the UAE.
The 19 speakers focused on the challenges facing the global food, beverage, hospitality, and dates industry following the pandemic, as well as the opportunities for the sector over the upcoming 24 months. Discussions focused on ongoing strategies and policies to meet the priorities of the National Food Security Strategy 2051.