World Food Moscow enjoyed a bumper year in 2010, according to figures released this week, registering increases in both exhibitor and visitor numbers.
The exhibition, which took place on 14-17 September, featured 1,250 exhibitors, (154 more than in 2009) attracting a record attendance of over 60,000 with 12 per cent growth in registered visitor numbers.
'This year's exhibition has been a huge success, proving that Russia's food industry is back in business,' said event director Tom Higginson. 'Exhibitors reported a marked increase in interested visitors and renewed optimism amongst customers regarding business in the coming year.
'We were pleased to welcome a number of new exhibitors this year, who found potential importers and distributors for their products and received encouraging feedback from representatives of supermarkets and restaurants, eager to stock their products,' he added.
A variety of domestic and international companies competed for visitors' attention at the show, with companies displaying their latest products and services and new national exhibitors including Iran, Denmark, Sweden and Canada.
For the first time, 56 companies participated on the new European union stand, demonstrating the quality of EU products and offering complementary tasting sessions, seminars and workshops.
Next year's show is scheduled for 13-16 September, with plans afoot to add one more pavilion to the show.
'Our exhibitors are now working hard to covert the contacts they have made at the exhibition into real business,' said Mr Higginson. 'For us, meanwhile, we're already looking to 2011 and we're delighted to be able to expand into our sixth pavilion.
'As usual, a good number of exhibitors have indicated their intention to return,' he noted. 'We look forward to working with them and following their progress in Russia over the next year.'
