The national semifinals of The Dates Connection, the contest launched by TUTTOFOOD in collaboration with HostMilano which draws a culinary trait d'union between East and West, with the absolute protagonist being the date in its contemporary reinterpretations.

A celebration of the most cosmopolitan haute cuisine

Not only desserts but also Wagyu tenderloin with Ajwa dates, lamb and date stew, braised short ribs with dates, and a first course, lamb and date ravioli by Italian chef Nicola Offredi: these are some of the culinary temptations of the Saudi Arabia semifinal held on Dec. 7 in Riyadh.

Also thanks to the support of Chefs' Association and Saudi Arabian Chefs' Table Circle, as many as 15 chefs, who can be watched on the youtube channel of the Emirates Culinary Guild, represent the best fine dining in the region: Chef Sanjay Thakur of Saudi Airlines Catering, Chef Nicola Offredi of Annabella Ristorante Italiano, and Chef Mohamed Panjbeer Mustafa of Saudi Airlines Catering. The jury chaired by Chef Thomas Gugler, President of World Chef, awarded Chef Sanjay Thakur for his braised beef short ribs with "Sukari" dates. 

Chefs' creativity meets business opportunities

The Saudi Arabian National Centre for Palm and Dates will particiate in TUTTOFOOD2023, presenting the Kingdom's more than 300 varieties to Italian and international markets: the Centre has chosen Fiera Milano as its long-term partner in Europe and the Middle East. The Saudi Culinary Academy, source of a new generation of Saudi and international chefs, also participated.

A time for networking among buyers, companies, media, associations and institutions, looking at a growing segment: in 2020, world date production was 9.5 million tons. The semifinals continue through March in Qatar, the UAE and Italy. The grand finale will be held in Italy in 2023, at a still top-secret venue. The initiative is part of the international journey toward the 2023 editions of TUTTOFOOD and HostMilano.

TUTTOFOOD 2023 will take place at fieramilano from 8 to 11 May 2023. Find out here how to be featured as an exhibitor. To participate as a professional visitor, go to this page.