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'Exhibitions play an important role in driving trade for the UAE and a dynamic food sector is a key ingredient of a healthy economy. Both the style and quality of this year's show were highly impressive and the exhibitors are world-class. All of the hard work can be seen by the strong showing of visitors and the event's international presence - Gulfood continues to be one of the fastest-growing and largest events of Dubai,'
said HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade.
'We are honoured that Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna was present to open this year's Gulfood. Food exports and imports are a vital part of foreign trade and the presence of the UAE Minister responsible for this area reflects the importance that is being paid to encouraging stronger international links in this area,' said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Gulfood.
Having grown by more that 20 percent over the previous year's addition, the event is set to host over 2,500 companies as exhibitors, and is welcoming major trade delegations from Canada, Egypt, France, Iraq, Nigeria, Romania, Thailand and Vietnam.
Major exhibitors at this year's event include Nestle, IFFCO, and Ghirardelli Chocolate.
Following the opening ceremony, organisers acknowledged the support of exhibitors and sponsors, who have helped propel Gulfood 2008 into its position as one of the top-ranking international food, drink and foodservice event. The platinum sponsor for the 2008 edition of Gulfood is Etihad Salehia, one of the world's leading producers of Arabic sweets, dates and chocolates.
Gulfood has become a cornerstone event for the region's food and hospitality industries, with visitors attending from food and beverage, hotel, retail, catering, as well as the equipment and technology sectors.
Many multinational companies and national delegations have made Gulfood a key part of their sourcing strategy, given the wide diversity of companies exhibiting. The first day of trading at the exhibition saw a number of important deals closed, with several suppliers signing multi-million dollar trading agreements.
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Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
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