Balmont is among the four companies from Kyrgyzstan participating at the festival. PIC: Joelyn Baluyut/The Peninsula
The weeklong ‘Souq Waqif Exhibition for Honey and Dates’ kicked off yesterday and will run until March 11 located at Ahmad Square featuring over 160 exhibitors from 25 countries.
The fifth edition of the festival is distinguished as it showcases over 60 kinds of honey, with more than five kinds of dates, some of it “very rare,” Festival Supervisor, Khalid Al Suwaidi told The Peninsula.
“We are sure that there will be many people coming especially as we are showcasing very rare types of dates and honey products. Pricing ranges from very low, medium to high, depending on the product and what you are looking for,” Al Suwaidi said.
Of the 25 countries, four of them are exhibiting for the first time including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, and Serbia.
Over 24 farms for honey are participating while four local date farms.
On the first day of the festival, people were seen flocking to Ahmad Square even before the opening - more residents and tourists are expected to come during the run of the event as the country is experiencing cool weather.
Al Suwaidi further mentioned that an inflow of people is anticipated as the Holy month of Ramadan draws near and dates and honey are two of the customary sweets in breaking the fast. Of the more than 160 exhibitors participating at the festival, four of these are from Kyrgyzstan including Balmont, Kyrgyz Honey, Balary and Nocturne. Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Qatar, H E Chyngyz Eshimbekov who visited the festival said he is proud that these companies producing honey have been invited to the fair.
“Our honey from Kyrgyzstan is distinguished by its quality because it is produced from high mountain grass, it’s unique and it’s herbal grass, and therefore the quality is very clean and ecologically balanced – the output of honey is unique,” the envoy explained. Moreover, he narrated that among the best-selling honey products from his country is white honey.
The Ambassador highlighted that his embassy is looking forward to a flourishing partnership for the years ahead between Qatari companies and Krgyzstan-based producers.
Among the honey products that are being exhibited at the festival are Sidr, Wild Sidr, Manuka, Stingless Bee Honey, Acacia, Meadow, White Honey, Ginger Honey, and Mountain Flower Honey.
While date products are Halawy, Mazafati, Medjool, Jordan Banks Dates, Milk Chocolate Date Almonds, and Dates with coconut.
Souq Waqif Exhibition for Honey and Dates will run until Saturday, March 11, and opens from 3.30pm to 9.30pm.
