Wednesday 24 / April / 2024
Muscat: The Food and Hospitality Oman expo began today at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, with a number of new Omani companies and a new country, Belarus, taking part.
The event was inaugurated by H.E. Ahmed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism, with participation from over 20 countries and more than 400 brands.
**media[948006]**
Eugniy Vvedensky, Director of the Exhibition Unitary Enterprise at Belarus' Chamber of Commerce, said, "For us this is a breakthrough, as there hasn't been a substantial participation of Belarus in trade fairs in Oman, and this is why our Ambassador to Cairo will make an appearance at the event. We invited businesses to participate in the expo and are glad that six businesses, each of them leaders in their fields of foodstuffs, decided to participate."
Several new Omani companies are also showcasing their products and businesses at the expo.
Faiq Saif al Jabri, owner of Al Jabri Foodstuffs said, "We are the first company to attempt to market smoked fish in Oman. We're hoping to attract retailers and supermakets to become major suppliers in the future."
Alexandros Mendorinos of Blue Waters, an affiliate of Oman Aquaculture Development Company, said, "Blue Waters is the first commercial scale aquaculture project in Oman that's actually producing. We've had almost 350 tonnes of top quality production in the past three months. This work is being done mainly by Omanis and the project is backed by the government."
The expo features special attractions including a three-tier cake competition, a barista competition, and a burger competition. Hussein Daboush, General Manager of Al Jabal group said, "Burgers are the new shawarmas in Oman, so we are excited to see this competition where chefs can test their skills to make the best burgers."
**media[948005]**
**media[948004]**
Afshin Mohammadi, GM of Al Rufoof Hotel Supplies and Trading, said, "Omanis are sometimes hesitant to work as baristas, so we wanted to have a competition that showcases the skills and artistry in the job."
Ammar Ahmed, Exhibition Director, said, "This is the 13th edition of the expo, which has run successfully for many years. Notably, Belarus is participating for the first time, and South Africa is looking forward to exploring the Omani market," adding that the event will go on until October 17.
