Bahrain is gearing up to host the Kingdom's first 'Food and Hospitality Expo,' which is dedicated to the food, beverage and packing technology industries, next year.

The expo is being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The week-long event, which opens on January 13 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, is being organised by Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (Beca) with support from Industry and Commerce Ministry and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

Speaking at a press conference, Beca acting chief executive officer Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen said the expo will be an important step forward for Beca to realise its objectives of increasing its portfolio of international events and enhancing Bahrain's reputation as the gateway to the Gulf.

The annual investment per food factory in the region has gone up to around $9 million every year, compared to $5 million 10 years ago, said Stanford-Kristiansen.

She pointed out that the figure was significant as historically, the Gulf has always been dependent on food imports, up to more than 80 per cent.

'With its affluent population, co-operative authorities and liberal trade policies, the GCC holds considerable market potential for food exporters and providers of hospitality equipment and services,' she said.

'Around 60 per cent of the population in Bahrain was aged below 20 years. With their high incomes and appetite for Western foods, these young people are boosting demand for snacks, convenience foods and restaurant meals,' she pointed out.

'The event, sponsored by Coca-Cola and dedicated to the food, beverage and packing technology industries, will bring together retailers and exporters of food stuff and hospitality equipment,' said Stanford-Kristiansen.

'The expo will have exhibitors from Thailand, India, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, the UK and other countries in Europe, the UAE and Bahrain.'

'The event opens at a most opportune time in a competitive region infused with a 'can-do' enthusiasm that extends beyond its tall skyscrapers and world-class Formula One racing circuits.'

Stanford-Kristiansen said recent research identified plans to invest $580 billion in more than 900 hotels and resorts across the Middle East before 2020.

'In addition, more than 200 projects worth $23 billion under construction in the Gulf are due to be completed in the next few years.'

She said Bahrain's proximity to Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE - where some of the food and hospitality sectors' biggest markets can be found - made it the ideal location for the expo.

'What also makes Bahrain the ideal location is the willingness of officials to work with companies to advance importation of food products,' she added.-TradeArabia News Service