Gulfood 2008 will build on 'massive' global success

The 2007 edition of the show attracted 2,471 companies and 37,618 trade visitors, marking the largest event in the exhibition's history, in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers.

In addition, some of the deals signed at the show amounted to US$140 million, with a number of other major deals closed in the weeks following the event.

'In response to the enormous international interest and industry demand generated by Gulfood 2007, we have secured additional exhibition space to enable its continued growth as the key business platform for the food, foodservice and hospitality industry,' said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Gulfood.

'Following the event, we have seen a number of major deals announced that will have a significant impact on both the regional economy and that of a number of major trading partners,' he added.

Malaysian companies generated orders valued at US$10.32 million at Gulfood 2007, according to figures from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), with a further US$32.24 million in sales negotiated in the period following the event.

Brazil's exports of cattle beef - worth US$35 million in 2006 - should double to over US$70 million this year, driven significantly by the country's participation in Gulfood, according to the Brazilian Beef Industry and Exporters Association (ABIEC).

Antonio Jorge Camardelli, Executive Director at ABIEC, explains: 'Gulfood provided us with much closer contact with potential partners and customers, including many from countries where we have been working hard to increase our footprint, such as Egypt.'

India was another major beneficiary, with India's Minister for Food Processing Industries, Subodh Kant Sahai, visiting the show to discuss the potential for increased investment in India's food processing sector from GCC-based companies. India is seeking Rs1000 billion in investments in its food processing industry infrastructure by 2015.

In addition, an overwhelming majority of exhibitors have also posted positive feedback, citing the high volume of trade and new business meetings as the principle benefit of participating in Gulfood.

The next edition of Gulfood will take place from 24 - 27 February 2008.

Gulfood 2008 - The 13th Gulf Food, Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 24 - 27 February 2008.