The opening ceremony of the first trade fair in Turkey to combine all aspects of the food industry under one roof, FOTEG ISTANBUL 2009 took place on Thursday 5th March with the fair running through to 8th March 2009, in Hall 1-2 of the Istanbul Expo Center.

The opening was performed by Mr. Vedat Mirmahmutogullari, Permanent Under-secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Mr. Bekir Çakici, General Manager of HKF Trade Fairs. Mr. Vedat Mirmahmutogullari opened the fair with these words: “To bring together the industry at this time of crisis and to actually increase overseas participation is an indication of the success of FOTEG ISTANBUL 2009.” Mr. Bekir Çakici added these words: “Trade fairs are the mirror of a country’s industry and with no country escaping the global economic crisis, it is gratifying to actually increase participation.”

FOTEG ISTANBUL 2009, The International Trade Fair For Food Processing Technologies, organised by HKF Trade fairs for the 7th consecutive occasion bringing together participants and visitors to the most productive of platforms.

Recognised as the most prestigious international exhibition quality certification, FOTEG ISTANBUL 2009 is the first Turkish food industry trade fair to have won the right to be designated a UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) Approved Event. FOTEG ISTANBUL 2009 brings together under one roof: food processing equipment and technologies; food packing, storage and distribution solutions; food ingredients and additives; bakery machinery and equipment; with the addition this year of a food safety and hygiene section.

FOTEG ISTANBUL 2009 is the most important fair for the food industry, once again managing to bring together the industry’s professionals from home and abroad, strengthening business ties, opening up new markets and developing business opportunities. At the same time the fair brings together top executives of the Turkish food industry to follow the latest developments and technology on show.

461 companies participated, of which 208 are Turkish while 253 are from 28 different countries worldwide.