Record sales reported from first two days of Gulfood

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A number of multi-million dirham deals were already confirmed by the close of business on the second day.

The event, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is also seeing the highest number of new product launches in the show's history, as companies from over 70 countries look to present their latest designs to visitors from around the world.

More that 2,500 companies are exhibiting at this year's event, filling 60,000 square metres at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and - with a high volume of potential customers - many exhibitors are looking to use Gulfood as an entry-point to new markets.

Etihad Salehia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's largest producer of dates, is reporting strong results from its first two days at the event.

Talal Hamoud, Commercial Manager, Etihad Salehia, said: 'This is our third year at Gulfood and we have seen a tremendous 50% increase in the number of visitors since last year. We are already receiving requests from Europe, Japan, Iran, Qatar and Bahrain and have begun processing an order from within the Kingdom that will be one of the most significant we have ever received at an exhibition.'

Nestle Waters, the world's number one bottled water producer, also reported a strong response from the exhibition so far.

'Gulfood is a major event for us. We are definitely seeing a major increase in customer inquiries and anticipate more in the period following the event. Additionally, other elements of the show - like the dedicated seminars - have been tremendously useful for professionals in the drinks industry,' said Ahmed Elleissy, Deputy General Manager, Nestle Waters.

With the largest-ever British pavilion at Gulfood 2008, companies from the UK are launching a series of products, ranging from major British brands through to niches products. Key companies on the pavilion include Weetabix, Aunt Bessie's and AG Barr, producers of Irn-Bru.

In particular, the stand is hosting a number of new launches for fish and seafood products. UK fresh fish exports to the GCC have doubled since 2005, with smoked and dried fish reaching almost £1m (Dhs7,219,520) in sales.

Singapore is also benefiting from a strong presence at this year's event. Jimmy Soh, Chairman of the Export Club of the Singapore Food Manufacturers Association (Singapore Pavilion), claimed: 'When Singapore started participating in Gulfood five years ago, there were about seven companies participating. Now, we have 22 companies representing Singapore food manufacturing industry and UAE food and beverage imports from Singapore reached Dhs445m in 2007.'

Participants at the Singapore pavilion report a 15 percent increase in the confirmed customer requests this year from the first two days of the show.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, said:

'The main driver of the Gulfood exhibition is to promote business development and strengthen trading ties. We are delighted with the reports of strong sales from across the exhibition and are confident that we will be setting new records by the close of the event.'

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.

Pre-registration is now closed. Interested trade visitors are advised to register on the day of the show where they will be able to buy either a Day Pass or a Four Day Pass.