A taste of the Mediterranean comes to London

Often described as the birthplace of European civilisation, the 10,000km of Mediterranean coastline borders some of Europe’s most fascinating countries, whose rich cultures and traditions, stretch back thousands of years.

Known to the Romans as the Great Sea, the calm waters became a central superhighway of transport, trade and cultural exchange in ancient times and the footprints of those settlers and conquerors remain in the archaeological sites, monuments, architecture, art writing and music that perfectly litter the landscape.

Today the area is a still a powerful centre of trade and the 21 countries that border the Great Sea embrace a range of cultures, races, languages, folklore, passion and music that artfully mix European, Asian and African influences.

To celebrate this unique region The Mediterranean Show is coming to London, 28 – 30 September at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London to showcase the famous products, unique exports and amazing investment opportunities that originate from the countries of Southern Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa for the first time.

Says Bulent Ipek CEO of the Mediterranean Show: “We have created an event that will be the market leader for Mediterranean lifestyle and trade in the UK. With an exciting mix of features and exhibitors, it will create the perfect opportunity for visitors to sample the sights, sounds and tastes of this diverse region.”

UK visitors will be treated to a heady mix of property, food, travel, lifestyle and entertainment at The Mediterranean Show. Visitors from the 1.5 million strong Mediterranean population in London, not to mention the thousands of avid London shoppers will be able to snap up products from all over The Med at the Shopping Promenade. Demonstrating how historic cultures and traditions have merged with global trends to create distinctive products there will be a whole host of goods on offer from home furnishings, art and fashion to cars, electrical goods and books.

With so many importers and buyers in one place, The Business Galleria is one of the most important aspects of The Mediterranean Show. Designed to encourage networking and to put British importers, wholesalers and buyers in touch with Mediterranean companies wishing to export to the UK market, exhibitors will have the chance to congregate here to meet new business contacts and make deals away from the crowds.

Those wishing to catch up on business at home can use The Plaza Internet Café whilst The Export Forum will be giving visitors the chance to learn about the mechanics of international trade from the perspectives of those in the know.

Thanks to the Mediterranean’s outstanding natural beauty, stunning beaches, azure waters and delicious food it continues to thrive as the world’s leading travel destination accounting for 30% of global tourism*.

Cheap flights and a resurgence in cultural tourism continue to attract vast numbers of tourists and the show offers companies involved in the travel and leisure market an excellent chance to attract potential customers. At The Travel Show visitors will be able to find out everything there is to know about traveling to the Mediterranean; whether it be flights, cruises, tours and hotels all the latest and must see destinations will be represented.

The global property market is booming and the Brits are spending more on international property than ever before. Spain and France continue to top the list of the most popular overseas destinations whilst emerging markets of Turkey, Croatia and Morocco will be represented alongside all the old favourites.

The Property Fair will create a unique opportunity to access potential purchasers whilst The Property Forum provides an opportunity for businesses to present their expertise in a non-sales environment. Visitors planning to purchase property abroad will be encouraged to attend seminars covering key issues including variations in property law and new ways of raising finance.

London is one of the world’s great gourmet cities filled with culinary curiosities to die for and thanks to London’s massive Mediterranean population there is a huge demand for specialty ingredients. The Food and Drink Market will be a food lovers’ delight and a superb opportunity for producers, importers and wholesalers to introduce their brand to the UK market.

The centerpiece of the show is The Mediterranean Showcase, a live celebration of the region’s culture on stage. Traditional dancers, live musicians and entertainers from across London will be performing and visitors can soak up the atmosphere over a drink and a bite to eat at the Food Court.

The Mediterranean Show will be the largest event of its kind in the UK, bustling with a mix of importers, buyers, Mediterranean businesses and consumers all attracted by the vast array of products and unique opportunities that such a varied and culturally rich show affords.

The Mediterranean Show takes place at The Business Design Centre, Islington, London, N1, from Friday 28 to Sunday, 30 September. Opening times are 10.00am – 6.00pm (5.00pm Sunday). Entry to the Show costs £5 on the door but is free for pre-registered visitors. For more information or to pre-register, log on to Themediterraneanshow.co.uk.

* Source: Environmental News Network, 2000