Fi Istanbul's Success Demonstrates Unlimited Market Opportunities in Turkey, the Middle East & North Africa

AsiaNet 53047

AMSTERDAM, May 18, 2013 / PRN=KYODO JBN/--

         Staggering 3,000 Visitors + 150 Exhibiting Brands and

              Record Re-Booking Volumes for the 2014 Event

    Yes, we've got a lot to shout about and so we would like to start with a

huge thank you to all of our exhibitors who helped to make Food ingredients

Istanbul such a great success. As the only dedicated food ingredients event in

the region, last week's highly successful show demonstrates that this region is

thriving and thirsty for the very latest ingredients, solutions, innovations

and networking opportunities.

    We are delighted to announce that Food ingredients Istanbul exceeded all

forecasts and expectations with the impressive amount of 3,000 visitors and a

94% rebooking rate. As a launch event, Fi Istanbul welcomed attendees from over

80 different countries, filling all aisles and bustling exhibitor stands.

    It is clear that the industry responded well to this launch event. Building

on the high growth rates that the food industry is experiencing in this region,

Fi Istanbul provided a strong platform for all food and beverage manufacturers

to source from over 150 local, regional and international food ingredients

suppliers.

    The response from the exhibitors was overwhelming! Many claimed to have had

one of the best shows ever, with a high quality of visitors, a steady flow of

traffic during the 3 days and a good mix of visiting companies, including food

manufacturers from dairy, ice cream, confectionary, meat, poultry and many more.

    "Turkey, for a global company, is a very important market for us to be

close to our customers. Food ingredients Istanbul has been a great experience

to meet new customers in 3 days and share projects, prototypes, concepts and

innovations" Luis Fernandez, Vice-President Global Applications, Tate & Lyle

    Natasha Berrow, UBM's Brand Director, also commented, "Last week's event

really did surpass even our expectations! The positive response to this launch

event, the new Fi branding and signage provided the innovative environment that

such a growing region deserves."

    She continued "the record re-bookings are further indication that

exhibitors see Fi Istanbul as the place to continue to meet their customers and

to expand into this booming region. I'd like to express our appreciation for

the tremendous and ongoing support of all our customers."

    "We are very impressed by the quality of visitors; quality is more

important than quantity. We found a lot of good customers that we'll probably

start new business with" Stella Wu, International Sales Manager, JK Sucralose

    Visitor feedback also surpassed all expectations. The great mix of local,

regional and international food ingredients suppliers was complimented by many

attendees looking to source new ingredients from companies they never heard of.

    "I want to know new suppliers and I want to see some different varieties of

products that I can use for my customers. This is the first year for this

exhibition and it feels like it has being a successful opening and I'm sure it

will get greater and bigger in the coming years." Meleknur Tuzun, Sales

Manager, Agrana

    Fi Istanbul is a key part of the Food ingredients Global Portfolio strategy

to extend the its brand into new regions, offering exhibiting clients a

platform to engage with new customers and present their new business growth

opportunities. With the key focus on business development, innovation and

trade, in a region with one of the fastest economic growth rates in the world,

Fi Istanbul proved to be one of the most cost-effective platforms to source new

ingredients, grow market share and act as a stepping stone to this vastly and

yet close to untouched food industry.

    Notes to Editor:

    Photography

    About Fi ingredients Global - the trusted route to market since 1986

    Food ingredients first launched in Utrecht, The Netherlands in 1986 and its

portfolio of live events, publications, extensive database, digital solutions

and high-level conferences are now established across the globe to provide

regional and a global meeting place for all stakeholders in the food

ingredients industry. Over 500,000 people have attended our shows over the

years, and billions of Euros of business have been created as a result. With

over 25 years of excellence, our events, digital solutions and supporting

products deliver a proven route to market with a truly global audience.

    About UBM Istanbul

    UBM Istanbul was established in April 2012 to connect people and create

opportunities for companies wishing to build business between Europe and Asia,

meet customers, launch new products, promote their brands and expand their

markets. Premier brands such as Fi Europe, CPhI, IFSEC, Black Hat, Mother &

Baby Show, Jewellery and many others and will become an integral part of the

marketing plans of companies across more than 10 industry sectors.

    About UBM

    UBM plc is a global events-led marketing services and communications

company. We help businesses do business, bringing the world's buyers and

sellers together at events and online, as well as producing and distributing

specialist content and news. Our 5,500 staff in more than 30 countries are

organised into specialist teams which serve commercial and professional

communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively

and efficiently.

    For more information, go to: http://www.ubm.com

    SOURCE: UBM Live