Launched first in 2008, Iraq Agro-Food has been serving the developing Iraqi market as a specialized agriculture technology, food, food processing and packaging exhibition.
Since its inception, the event has become of one the leading trade shows in the country attracting hundreds of industry-related businesses, key- decision makers and industry experts in addition to the Regional Government and Iraqi Central Government officials.
With the support of prime trade promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, trade unions and associations, ministries and embassies, Iraq Agro-Food is the fastest growing and leading international exhibition catering to Iraq’s food and agriculture needs.
Turkey is one of the biggest national participants at this important fair held in Erbil. Food Turkey Magazine interviewed two exhibitors about the performance of the fair:
MAZHAR ALTUNKAYA, Foreign Trade Manager, ALTUNKAYA GROUP0
How was Iraq Agro Food 2013? Were you satisfied with the performance of the fair?
It was behind our expectations.
What did you offer at the fair? Did you have any novelties this year? Did your stand arouse interest from the visitors?
We offered some competitive food and beverage products and our stand was the biggest and more attractive stand at the show.
How would you rate international food fairs? Which ones are the most important ones?
I think all of them are important events.
Which fairs are you planning to exhibit in 2014?
We will go to Prodexpo Russian and Gullfood Dubai.
How do you foresee the Turkish food industry in the future?
Turkey’s food industry has registered a steady growth in recent years. The Turkish food industry has important export opportunities due to the diverse agricultural products available in the country. In this case, Turkish food industry will continue to grow.
SADI DIKER, Foreign Trade Manager, FINE FOOD:
How was Iraq Agro Food 2013? Were you satisfied with the performance of the fair?
We were not expecting huge attendance for such a new market however we had many visitors but we could establish a few serious contacts and had a general idea about Northern Iraq market.
What did you offer at the fair? Did you have any novelties this year? Did your stand arouse interest from the visitors?
As Fine Food we produce frozen vegetables and fruits. We tried to introduce these products at the fair. The main item we tried to market in that fair was our new product frozen sweet corn kernels which aroused interest from the visitors.
How would you rate international food fairs? Which ones are the most important ones?
For Fine Food most important fairs are Anuga – Cologne and Sial – Paris are the most important fairs.
Which fairs are you planning to exhibit in 2014?
As Fine Food we are going to exhibit at Sial – Paris and Foodex – Tokyo in 2014.
How do you foresee the Turkish food industry in the future?
It will continue its growth in the future and will get bigger with more value added products.
