WITH GCC demand for fresh fish products expected to grow approximately eight percent per annum up to 2030, an international selection of local, regional and global fish suppliers, producers and aquaculture centers are preparing to reel in regional buyers at SEAFEX 2015 - the region's biggest trade fair and sourcing platform for the international seafood industry, running on Oct. 27–29 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). According to a report by the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), per capita fish consumption across the GCC is estimated at 10 kilograms per year. Courtesy of its high disposable income and strong, high-end year-round tourism, the UAE leads regional per capita consumption rankings at 24 kilograms per year – five kilograms higher than the global average. With the regional fish industry worth AED1 billion a year, increasing domestic fish production to reduce trade deficits remains a core focus for GCC governments. Heavy investment in pioneering fish farming initiatives has resulted in a regional fund being established in 2014 to assist GCC countries' aquaculture projects, while the UAE is planning to set-up the Middle East's first sturgeon caviar and salmon farm in 2016. While boosting domestic fish production will help meet rising regional demand for fish, the reliance on imports will remain. Fish consumption in the UAE alone is predicted to cross the 900,000-tonne barrier by 2030 and the entire GCC fishing industry currently only produces 392,000 tons of fish per year. According to the Ministry of Economy, the UAE contributes 75,000 tons - or 19 percent - of the regional production total. “This year's largest-ever edition of SEAFEX will offer producers and buyers an unrivalled platform to source and explore new sales avenues, distribution channels, technology advances and regional expansion opportunities,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, DWTC. “The global fish processing industry is at an interesting stage in its evolution. Regional governments have acknowledged that, on an international level, aquaculture farming centers are catching or have caught up with traditional capture fisheries. SEAFEX provides access to both sectors and unites more than 150 specialist exhibitors from across the global fish production industry with the right partners from leading regional hotels, restaurants, caterers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and procurement officials from across the food processing sector.” In addition to new country pavilions from Morocco – Poland, Norway and UK, Belgium-based SEAFEX newcomer Vichiunai -– one of Europe's largest producers of crab sticks, surimi products and fish – will join other seafood suppliers from USA, Spain, Singapore, Denmark and Thailand. Closer to home, European Sea Food - a Dubai-based company importing, exporting and trading all varieties of seafood – is participating for a third-straight year. With domestic holding aquariums with a capacity of over 20,000 kilograms of various live products, European Sea Food will exhibit its giant lobster range at SEAFEX 2015. UAE-based East Fish Processing LLC, a member of Thomsun Group, will leverage SEAFEX 2015 to launch a new line of breaded and marinated products under its EASTCO brand. With an import network bringing in the finest lobster, shrimps, crabs, shellfish, cephalopods and fish from strategic sources across the world, East Fish Processing LLC's new EASTCO products include marinated fish fillets and marinated shrimps with ‘Lemon & Cilantro' and ‘Tandoori' flavors. Also at SEAFEX 2015, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) is organizing Purchasing & Supply Seminars provided by certified professionals where attendees will earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificates. Finally, the annual SEAFEX Awards will again recognize the seafood industry's leading industry innovations and launches at a Gala Dinner on the 1st day of the show. Open daily from 10a.m.-6pm Oct. 27- 28, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on October 29, SEAFEX 2015 is organized alongside Sweets and Snacks Middle East and The Speciality Food Festival. The three niche food shows are for trade and business professionals only. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be permitted entry. — SG
