GulFood 2013 prepares to welcome global food industry to Dubai for biggest event on record

Running until 28 February 2013 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), this year's edition is the biggest in the event's history, taking up more than 113,000m² of dedicated exhibition space including the new 12,000m² purpose-built Zabeel Pavilion which has been specially constructed for Gulfood.

The show has been sold out since October, demonstrating its importance for food producing nations around the world looking to do business in the fast-growing Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

"Gulfood's importance on a truly global scale cannot be disputed: not only has the show enjoyed substantial growth year on year without exception, and attracted participation from countries around the world, but the show now commands a place on the calendars of heads of state, government ministers and official delegations looking to strengthen relations at the highest level," said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, DWTC, organiser of Gulfood.

H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade for the UAE will meet with visiting country ministers and heads of trade delegations to conduct bilateral talks on the opening day of Gulfood. In addition, she will deliver the keynote address at the Global Food Leaders' Summit, a conference for senior executives from some of the world's leading food and drink companies.

The Summit is one of four key forums included in this year's Gulfood 2013 Conferences line-up, which also includes the Food Packaging & Processing Forum; Food Inspection Conference and a Franchising Workshop. More than 50 of the world's experts, food specialists and business leaders from all sectors of the industry will provide essential insights for business success in the region.

Recognition and reward of excellence within the region's food and beverage industry comes through Gulfood's much anticipated Gulfood Awards which will take place at a gala dinner tomorrow evening. A record number of entries have been received this year, with 23 categories that have been judged by an international panel of independent industry experts.

Culinary skills will also be showcased at the prestigious Emirates International Salon Culinaire which, in association with the Emirates Culinary Guild, hosts 1,500 chefs in heated competition before a panel of 25 distinguished international judges. The Baking & Pastry Guild Competition enjoys its fourth year of success at Gulfood, with specialist focus on innovation and creativity in baking.

Gulfood is strictly a trade-only event and is open to business and trade visitors from within the industry only. Gulfood is open 11am-7pm from February 25-27 and 11am -5pm on February 28.