Indian food companies discover new opportunities in Dubai

A host of leading companies and organisations from India are taking space at this year's exhibition.

These include major industry groups like the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Coffee Board of India and the Spice Board of India, as well as more specialised companies like Mrs Bector's Foods Specialities, Beez India Natural Products and Antarctica Equipments.

More than 80 companies and organisations will be participating at this year's event as part of the Indian national pavilion or individually as independent exhibitors.

"India is launching a major drive to increase exports of agricultural and processed food products to the Gulf countries and attract investment in the sector. The six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and surrounding region offer huge potential for Indian food, since the region has historically been reliant on imported products,"

said A.S. Rawat, General Manager, APEDA.

Figures from APEDA demonstrate the significant opportunity that exists for Indian food exports.

Food exports to the GCC region are worth an estimated $3bn a year, with agricultural and processed food exports from India to the UAE alone accounting for more than $273m. Total annual trade between India and the GCC currently exceeds $15bn, 15% of India's total foreign trade.

Within specific food sectors, the region is increasingly important for achieving long-term strategic goals. India currently exports US$875 million a year worth of spices, with the Middle East as a key export and re-export market. The country has set a target of increasing spice exports to $10bn in the next ten years.

The Indian Spice Board will be exhibiting at Gulfood 2008, with an exclusive pavilion for exporters. Deputy Directors Lakshmikutty and Jagadeesan will attend the event to represent the Spice Board.

As one of the leading event organisers in the Middle East, DWTC has been actively working to facilitate increased participation from Indian companies. Today's event was part of its annual road-show to India to promote Gulfood 2008.

Elly Habt, Project Manager of Gulfood from DWTC, said: "The strong participation of Indian companies at Gulfood 2008 will make an enormous contribution to the overall success of the event, since Indo-GCC business development is a major attraction for visitors and exhibitors."

Gulfood 2008 is set to welcome more than 2,500 companies from 70 countries who specialise in the food, drink and hospitality sector. Building on the large international presence at this year's show, over 86 percent of these leading suppliers are from outside of the UAE.

The global scope of Gulfood this year will also be reinforced by the number of new country pavilions making their debut this year, including Ecuador, Hungary, Lithuania, Malawi, Northern Ireland, Poland, Switzerland and Uruguay.

According to APEDA, the Middle East is already a target market for more than three-quarters of India's main export products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, various meats such as sheep and goat, confectionery and dairy items.

New for 2008, is the inaugural event Restaurant & Café Middle East. Held alongside Gulfood this exhibition will showcase the latest innovations in interiors, equipment, supplies and services, providing innovative and practical solutions to Architects, Baristas, Executive Chefs, Designers, Food and Beverage Directors and Proprietors.

As a significant event on the global calendar, Gulfood offers excellent business and trade opportunities for Indian companies looking to tap into this highly lucrative market.

The 13th Gulfood Exhibition, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 24-27 February 2008.

Photo caption: Indian food companies see major potential for growth in trade with the Middle East.

Gulfood & Restaurant & café Middle East are strictly trade-only events and are open to business and trade visitors from within the industry only, proof of which must be provided at registration. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be allowed into the exhibitions.