Global Food Industry Congregates in UAE

The representation of new countries in the largest trade exhibition in the region for food, drink, foodservice and hospitality equipment - Gulfood - heralds the international market's recognition of the exhibition as an essential event on the food business' calendar, and emphasises its appeal as a vital platform for industry growth.

Gulfood 2009 will boast new country pavilions including Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Hong Kong and Pakistan.

His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority paid a visit to the exhibition and was shown the new products being showcased this year.

More than 75 countries are participating at this year's exhibition with many looking to materialise the opportunities with senior industry leaders.

"Many multinational companies recognise Gulfood as a key part of their business strategy," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event. "The opening of the exhibition marks the start of a significant four days for the global food industry as thousands of companies from around the world come to Dubai to meet with some of the most influential players operating in the market providing tremendous opportunities in the region."

As a reflection of the globalisation of the food and beverage industry Gulfood will be hosting more countries than it has since the inception of the show. The variety of countries signed up for Gulfood this year creates a truly international flavour as top-quality products from foreign homelands are displayed at this prestigious global gathering.

Amin Majeed, CEO of Pakistani company, S.T. Food Industries, a manufacturer of ready-to-eat meals said: "Gulfood will provide us with tremendous exposure to international markets as we will be able to show our foods products to companies and visitors from the US, Europe and the Gulf. The exhibition draws people from around the world who come to focus on the food industry and generally we see a lot of potential for attracting buyers. We believe that this will prove to be a fruitful event for our future."

"We recognise the value of Gulfood in launching brand new products, as we are doing this year, and the opportunity to pursue the possibility of joint ventures with countries in the region or internationally,"

said Branko Fures, Private Label Manager, Consumer Health Division, Atlantic Grupa - part of the Croatian pavilion.

Turkey, Italy, France and the US constitute the top four largest pavilions occupying a combined space of almost 6,000sqm. Britain also represents one of the leading pavilions, with UK exports to the Gulf States rising by 24.4% in 2008 to Dhs1.2bn.

"In the context of increasing globalisation in the food and beverage industry, businesses have to adapt to a changing market and capitalise on opportunities outside of their borders. Foreign markets are a huge opportunity for expanding a business and Gulfood provides the most effective setting for like-minded professionals to meet and pursue these opportunities," added Al Marri.
For the first year Ingredients Middle East will be co-located with Gulfood. Ingredients Middle East caters to suppliers of raw material and ingredients for food, beverages, and health food being held at Airport Expo Dubai.

The fourth Dubai International Food Safety Conference, organised by Dubai Municipality, will offer an opportunity for knowledge sharing with many of the leading speakers from around the world. The conference opens tomorrow with a keynote presentation from the Minister of Environment and Water, Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad and the Director General of Dubai Municipality, Hussein Nasser Lootah.