Line up of Gourmet Exhibitors Announced for International Fine Food Festival

Premium exhibitors to showcase the best locally and internationally sourced products available in the UAE

Dubai, 21 August 2012

The International Fine Food Festival has today announced the line up of exhibitors and partners for the inaugural event, taking place at Meydan Grandstand between October 30^th and November 2^nd 2012. The show is set to highlight fine foods and beverages available in the region, particularly those that are premium quality, ie slow grown, line caught or matured. This experiential event will give a new perspective on foods, encouraging nose-to-tail eating, as well as giving consumers, chefs and food buyers intimate access to suppliers, distributors, retailers and producers - in essence the farmers and growers.

The festival aims to support local farmers, initiatives and small businesses as well as more well-known international brands. One of the key local farmers to be exhibiting is Organiliciouz, a local organic farming initiative run by an Emirati family. Founded and headed by Obaid Bin Ghubash, Organiliciouz was established in response to the growing need for healthy, organic and sustainable produce in the UAE. Organiliciouz has been operating efficiently since 2010 and is one of the first farms to be awarded with the Emirates Organic Product Mark stamp.

Bin Ghubash commented, "We feel very passionately about spreading awareness of the importance of a healthy diet and the benefits of organic food, especially for children's health. The International Fine Food Festival is the perfect platform for Organiliciouz to educate people on the benefits of eating organic, and the festival's values are in line with the high standards that we have set ourselves so we very much look forward to the event where we will be unveiling the launch of our very own farmers market."

Organiliciouz products are currently available in five retailers across the UAE, including the farmer's markets held by Baker and Spice, with plans for their own farmers market to be announced during the International Fine Food Festival.

From local to global, another exhibitor cementing the International Fine Food Festival's commitment to sustainability is Royal Culimer seafood processing. The fresh seafood importer offers honest food of the best quality at fair prices across the UAE and supports sustainable fishing initiatives around the world, including environmentally responsible tuna fishing in Vietnam. The company will mark the International Fine Food Festival with the launch of their modified atmosphere packaging, which contributes to helping fresh seafood maintain a longer shelf life.

As a key sponsor of the Festival, high-end kitchen appliance supplier, Teka, will provide further support for sustainable dining with the exhibition of their latest eco-friendly range, focusing on induction hobs and eco-friendly technology. Teka will also be supplying ecological hardware for all of the on-site kitchens at the festival, ensuring a sustainable experience for chefs and consumers alike.

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, another significant sponsor, will be present at the Festival where a selection of its students will gain invaluable experience working amongst top local and international chefs at The Chef's Table. The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management is a world-class academy that trains students in the art of all things culinary.

Leading Hotels of the World, which boasts one of the most prestigious hotel portfolios globally, and Les Trois Rois, one of Europe's oldest 5* hotels situated on the banks of the Rhine River in Basel, Germany, are proudly associated with, and key sponsors, of the International Fine Food Festival also.

Key exhibitors of the International Fine Food Festival include Oakleaf European, a leading importer of exotic food products and produce including cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, from authentic French markets; Balqees Honey, suppliers of Royal Sidr honey directly from the desert mountains and valleys of Yemen, who will not only be exhibiting but also sponsoring the Balqees Warm Dessert Challenge where contestants will have 40 minutes to produce a warm dessert using Balqees Honey; Chez Charles, an online gourmet grocer supplying a selection of produce handpicked from across the world; Gourmet Point, a supplier of premium oils, jams and syrups including La Tourangelle; Astrea, an authentic and renowned Greek olive and olive oil supplier; and Eireann Group which supports small to medium sized Irish Enterprises and exports their products to the Middle East.

The International Fine Food Festival is the first real gourmet food event in the UAE to feature both international food suppliers and distributors, and local producers, particularly those with an emphasis on traditional methods, sustainable and/or organic production. "The International Fine Food Festival reflects the increase in demand for high quality produce in the region and the shift of dietary habits here from processed goods towards a more protein, dairy and high value ingredient market. The festival is an excellent opportunity for specialist producers to introduce their produce to the region and gives local farmers and suppliers the chance to interact directly with their customers" commented Claire Tinston, managing director of Kraken Events and founder of the International Fine Food Festival, "In this market landscape, the reliance on imported goods will always be necessary, however the interest and demand in fresh and local produce is growing. The International Fine Food Festival reflects the best quality of both from some very passionate suppliers. We hope that this will be a celebration of food that consumers, exhibitors, farmers, buyers, distributors, students, and of course chefs can enjoy, share, taste and learn from."

The festival takes place at The Meydan Grandstand between October 30^th and November 2^nd 2012, to register for attendance or for more information, please log on to www.ifffestival.com

-Ends-

About International Fine Food Festival
The International Fine Food Festival 2012 is set to offer an exceptional showcase of the best locally and internationally sourced produce. Held at Meydan Dubai October 30^th - November 2^nd 2012, the event will focus primarily on gourmet fine food and beverages; particularly those which are slow-grown, premium quality, line caught and matured foods which will encourage nose-to-tail eating and a new perspective on foods.

At the heart of the International Fine Food Festival are two prestigious and engaging competitions for chefs, The Golden Toque Middle East award and the Amuse Bouche contest aimed at junior chefs. Event visitors can experience the excitement and taste competition entries through The Chef's Table or cast their vote for the Amuse Bouche platters.

The Posh Picnic is a unique opportunity for visitors to the Festival to meet with exhibitors and therefore speak directly with the farmers, producers, manufacturers and suppliers. Each of the exhibitors in this food market will have the opportunity to supply products to The Golden Toque Middle East.

For further press information please contact
Shaye Ueckermann at Fifth Ring
E: shaye.ueckermann@fifthring.com
T: +971 372 0101
M: +971 5 6 263 1262