Largest-ever Gulfood reaches new levels of international influence

According to organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), international companies are increasingly interested in the regional reach of Gulfood, to access over 2 billion consumers, while local firms are looking to establish a higher profile across highly competitive food sectors.

The 13th edition of Gulfood will take place from 24 - 27 February 2008 and is completely sold out. Registering a 20% increase in exhibition space, the event will now occupy all available space at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Middle East foodservice market is estimated to be worth more than $31bn annually. Of this, the GCC states account for almost $9.5bn, with meat, poultry and fish accounting for 30% of purchases by the foodservice sectors.

"Economically and socially, food and foodservices are hugely important sectors, as they cater to the growth and development of the tourism and hospitality industries. Gulfood is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage, and has evolved into a major forum for business and knowledge exchange amongst leading international buyers and suppliers,"

said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC.

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

Trade visitors to the exhibition will also be able to see hundreds of new launches and view products never before seen in the region. Companies including ADF Foods Ltd, which will be launching a range of breads, snacks and olive based pickles; Animo which will unveil new fresh brew machine; and OptiFresh and A Ronai LLC will be launching a new range of glass plates and bowls from 3D Glassware in Turkey.

In addition, Pinar are set to launch new Halal compliant beef and turkey range and new company, 'Baking Technologies' will use the event to launch into the Middle East region. The organiser predicts that this year's show will witness many multi million dollar deals signed throughout the four days.

The exhibition's global scope will be further reinforced by the number of new country pavilions making their debut at Gulfood 2008 including Ecuador, Hungary, Lithuania, Malawi, Northern Ireland, Poland, Switzerland and Uruguay. The profile of media attending the show is also becoming more international, with television crews from France, India, Japan, South Africa and the UK, as well as from across the Middle East region, set to attend.

"Gulfood has implemented a number of changes including Sectorisation, which will provide a firm basis for business development by exhibitors and trade visitors, ensuring that attendees are able to network with the most relevant suppliers for their specific needs," Al Marri added.

To help support this increasing specialisation within the market, DWTC has introduced new dedicated areas within Gulfood for specific products and services, ranging from processing, packaging and labelling machinery and equipment through to beverage and beverage equipment.

Industry specialist Zenith International will also host a series of Beverage Opportunity Workshops for the first time at Gulfood. The workshops will focus on the latest research and case studies outlining new approaches to the Middle East drinks market.

New for 2008 is the Restaurant and Café Middle East exhibition held alongside Gulfood, which will support companies in every part of the supply chain, including interior designers, tableware developers, contract furnishing suppliers and kitchen equipment companies. Participating companies include Al Accad, BASF, IFI, ISA, Profisys, Russel Partnership and Villeroy & Boch.

The 3rd Dubai International Food Safety Conference, organised by Dubai Municipality, will also be present to examine the challenges and issues in the Middle East market with renowned speakers from around the world addressing topics including food safety systems, new regulations and best practices.

The 13th Gulfood Exhibition will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 24-27 February 2008.Gulfood is strictly a trade-only event and is 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 exhibition.