The second edition of the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE), being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 27th to 29th November, began today, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA).

The exhibition saw the attendance of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who was accompanied by high-level officials, including Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director-General of ADAFSA, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, and Dr. Abdel Wahab Zayed, Secretary-General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, along with a number of senior officials.

Organised by ADNEC Group in a strategic partnership with ADAFSA, the second edition of ADIFE features over 550 local and international companies, an increase of 19 percent as compared to last year, with displays of the latest products and innovations in food manufacturing and production. Exhibitors this year include companies from more than 50 countries worldwide, including 12 countries participating for the first time.

Al Ameri highlighted the exhibition’s goal of encouraging investment in the food sector by providing a comprehensive platform to showcase its potential, in line with the UAE’s vision of advancing production across local food and agricultural industries to boost food security.

ADIFE plays a role in achieving this vision by enabling local companies and manufacturers to adopt the best international practices and standards, promote food safety, integrate advanced technologies, and enhance the quality of national products through strategic partnerships that strengthen the food supply chain locally, regionally and internationally, he added.

For his part, Al Dhaheri said that the event supports the UAE’s vision to boost its competitiveness in sectors, including the food and agriculture sector, as it brings together leading global experts, businesses and visitors concerned with this vital sector to explore promising opportunities.

Attendees can look forward to discussing potential business growth and expansion opportunities, learning about the latest trends and innovations, establishing partnerships, and developing business relationships, he added.

ADIFE is seeing the participation of 1,300 of the largest international brands that will highlight the latest trends and innovations in the food and beverage sector. Covering an area exceeding 28,000 square metres, the exhibition provides an ideal platform for participants to meet major buyers, discuss investment opportunities, establish partnerships, and conclude business deals.

This year’s edition recorded an increase in the number of international pavilions from 17 to 26, a growth rate of 53 percent compared to the previous edition. The number of international buyers has also increased from 220 buyers to 260 buyers, an increase of 18 percent.

The 2023 agenda comprises a wide range of activities and accompanying events that highlight the most important issues related to food production, as well as a number of specialised international workshops and competitions. A highlight of these features is the ADIFE conference, which will host 30 esteemed regional and international speakers sharing their experiences and expertise in this vital sector.

In addition, the exhibition will offer a platform to facilitate bilateral meetings between buyers and sellers in various supply chains, with the exhibition expected to see the signing of several contracts, deals and partnership agreements between government and private entities.

ADIFE is being held in conjunction with the ninth Abu Dhabi Dates Exhibition, organised by the ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation. This year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi Dates Exhibition will see the participation of 20 countries, including 3 countries participating for the first time, in addition to 79 brands displaying 65 new products.