Press Release
Worldfood Azerbaijan - 2009
The international "WorldFood Azerbaijan" exhibition, which was held in the Heydar Aliyev Sport and Concert Complex in Baku, ended on 27 May. This year, the exhibition was especially significant as WorldFood Azerbaijan celebrated its 15th year. This anniversary is proof that food exhibitions work effectively to bring together producers and consumers. The event offers many opportunities for doing business as Azerbaijan formulates its own food strategy.
The opening ceremony, on 25 May, was attended by Mr. Ilham Huseynov, Chief of the Trade Events and Exhibitions Department, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Dr. Carolyn Browne, British Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan; Mr. Hulusi Kilic, Turkish Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan; Mr Edward Strachan, Regional Director of the ITE Group; and other officials.
The opening ceremony began with a welcoming speech from Dr. Browne. The ambassador, speaking in Azeri, said that she was pleased to be present at the opening of "WorldFood Azerbaijan": "I am particularly pleased that the exhibition has been organised by a British company, ITE Group, and its partner in the Caucasus, Iteca Caspian. I would like to wish all the participants of the exhibition success and productive work."
At the opening ceremony Mr. Kilic noted that the exhibition industry is rapidly developing in Azerbaijan, with events being held every month: "Azerbaijan's food industry is growing every year and interest in this exhibition is growing concomitantly. Many new Turkish companies are taking part in the event. Despite the fact that Azerbaijan's economy is focused on oil and gas, the non-oil sector is gaining more important economic positions." At the end of his speech, Mr. Kilic wished the participants of the exhibition much success.
Mr. Huseynov then read out a welcoming letter from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In the letter it said that in recent years the exhibition has turned into a business platform for producers and consumers from the food industry, and that the yearly "WorldFood Azerbaijan" exhibition is improving the country's image.
Mr. Strachan congratulated everyone on the anniversary of "WorldFood Azerbaijan": "This anniversary is a special moment in the life of the exhibition. It means that the exhibition is already a tradition for the country. Over the years, "WorldFood Azerbaijan" has turned into a regular meeting place for businessmen. Businessmen know that every May they can come to Azerbaijan and take part in the exhibition. I want to emphasise that throughout the years we have worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the management of the Heydar Aliyev Sport and Exhibition Complex for hosting the exhibition."
After the official part of the ceremony VIPs, government officials, representatives of major companies and the press were given a special tour of the exhibition.
For 15 years the event has demonstrated the achievements of Azerbaijan's food industry, and presented leading companies from around the world. "WorldFood Azerbaijan" takes place in the central hall and the outside area of the Heydar Aliyev Sport and Exhibition Complex. Ninety companies from 19 countries took part in this year's exhibition. The countries represented included Turkey, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Lithuania and Ukraine. Holland, Serbia, Lebanon and Thailand were represented for the first time this year. Belarus, Pakistan and Russia were represented by national group stands. The achievements of Tambov Region in the food industry were presented on a separate stand. Many local companies, including leading companies involved in Azerbaijan's food industry, took part in the exhibition. Regional companies from Lenkoran, Gebele, Oghuz, Imishli, Zagatal, Geychay and other areas of Azerbaijan participated in the exhibition. About 60 % of the exhibition's participants were local companies; the remaining 40% were foreign. 20 % of the companies were taking part in the exhibition for the first time.
The special thing about food exhibitions is that visitors not only get to see and touch the exhibits but also to taste them. Colourful exhibition stands draw visitors in not only with their appearance but also with their wonderful aromas and the small appetisers on offer. This year, producers and distributers paid a lot of attention to the quality and the environmental friendliness of products.
Eight Belarusian businesses took part in the exhibition: Krasny Pichevik, a confectionary company; Akvadiv, a spirit and vodka distillery; Minsk Kristall, Belalko, Bellakt, a producer of dairy products and baby foods; Rogachevsky Milk Cannery; Lidsk Milk Cannery; and Bobruisk Tractor Parts and Units Plant. In addition, the directors and specialists of the Belarusian companies Bobruiskagromash, Bobruiskcelmash, Elizovo Glass Works and Promagroleasing visited Azerbaijan during the exhibition to hold discussions on cooperation. Belarusian businesses are keen to add to the assortment of food products already beloved by Azerbaijani consumers with new goods that offer traditional Belarusian quality.
Pakistani companies enjoyed a lot of attention from visitors. Suppliers of various types of rice and tropical fruits were compactly positioned on Pakistan's national stand. This was the first time that producers from this part of the world were represented at World Food Azerbaijan in such numbers and with such an assortment of products. The rice on display - from the traditional white and grey to all shades of brown and even pink - covered almost the entire geography of Pakistan's mountainous and low-lying regions. One of the companies which participated in the exhibition is a pioneer in the production of powdered flavourings in Pakistan.
The administration of Tambov Region presented the only science town in the Russian Federation, in the city of Michurinsk. The science town, which is based on three institutions of higher education, has gathered the best scientific minds in the area of fruit and vegetable production, viniculture and selection. Tambov Region displayed its agricultural products and school meals in glass containers.
Lithuanian Trading House, which will become an official distributor of Baltic foods, gave a presentation at the exhibition during which visitors were able to try various tinned foods, high-quality smoked foods, and most importantly, almost ten types of natural rye bread with lots of different fillings. During the presentation, the founders of the Trading House announced that before the end of the year they intend to start building a dairy plant in the Shamkir region.
Israel and Holland were represented at the exhibition for the first time by companies that produce equipment for greenhouses.
The Russian company Voskhod, which produces bread-baking equipment, took part in the exhibition for the third year in a row. The company has established relationships with Azerbaijani companies and agreed a contract for 40,000 USD to supply bread-baking equipment for 70 product types.
PalSud, a company from Lenkeran appearing at the event for the first time, produces about 20 branded dairy products. The company has recently started production of fruit yoghurts, cottage cheese, natural creamy butter, and has established an ice cream plant. The products were demonstrated on a stand that advertised the natural quality of the products on offer. PalSud received the prize from the organisers for the most successful debut.
The tea-packing company BETA regularly participates in the food exhibition. The Azerbaijani brand is already well-known, but taking part in World Food Azerbaijan is necessary to support the image of a successful company.
Behre's products attracted much attention. The company currently produces more than two thirds of the country's confectionary products, a sizeable share of which are exported to foreign markets.
The highlight of the event was Gilan Holding stand, one of the country's largest manufacturers and exporters of juices, alcoholic drinks, olive oil and other products. The company received the prize for best stand.
Medex presented a huge range of food laboratory equipment from about 20 well-known European and American manufacturers.
A visit by businessmen from the regions - Lerik, Lenkeran, Yardymly, Dzhalilabad, Belyasuvar, Sabirabad, Shirvan, and elsewhere - on the second day of the exhibition drew a wide response. Azerbaijan's regions present business opportunities for manufacturers of food equipment, refrigeration units, refinery hardware and agricultural machinery. The visit to "WorldFood Azerbaijan" was organised with the aim of introducing the latest equipment and technology to the regions. Judging by the reactions of both the exhibitors and the visitors, it seems the first steps to achieving this aim have been taken.
Amidst the financial crisis and the continuing trend of growing food prices, the Government of Azerbaijan has outlined a set of measures to further increase production in the food and agricultural industry. The now traditional World Food Azerbaijan exhibition is one of the most important events in developing the non-oil sector of the country's economy. Over the past 15 years, "WorldFood Azerbaijan" has turned into an effective business platform that enables participants to strengthen relationships, search for new partners and introduce the latest technology to Azerbaijan's food industry. The exhibition is recognised by UFI - The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. The sign "UFI Approved Event" is proof of the high organisational level of the event and its influence on business development and how the industry is shaped. The sign also verifies the statistics announced by the event. The organiser of the exhibition was Iteca Caspian LLC, part of the ITE Group. The general sponsor of "WorldFood Azerbaijan" was Azersun Holding. The organisers hope that, having reached this milestone, the event will acquire a new impetus and become a centre of activity for the food industry of the entire southern region.