Gulfood rises above unprecedented economic challenges to boost business confidence in region

Gulfood has surpassed the expectations of global watchers to transcend economic challenges and deliver its most successful edition in its history.

The achievement and substantial growth highlights Gulfood as a vital event driving the food industry in the region. Organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has released independently audited figures which initially show that a record number of trade visitors attended this year's exhibition. Gulfood attracted 45,489 visitors from over 152 countries at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and at Airport Expo Dubai (AED).

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, said:

"Gulfood's achievement at this critical time is an indisputable testament of the global confidence in the exhibitions capabilities to deliver and increase business and investments much needed to boost the economy. More significantly, it reaffirms Dubai's leading position as the world's most strategic and influential business hub. We continue to deliver maximum return on investment for participants amidst unprecedented economic conditions."

The size and number of country pavilions at this year's exhibition has also exceeded expectations. More than 3,300 companies, from 76 different countries participated in the four day exhibition utilising Gulfood as a platform to launch new products and expand operations in the GCC. Many international organisations also used the event to explore business ventures and foster better trade relations with emerging markets.

"If someone arrived at Gulfood 2009 from a different planet, they wouldn't realise there was supposed to be a global credit crisis," said Rabie Issa, Regional Business Manager, Nestle Professional. "We have been extremely satisfied with the quality of the enquiries from both the local and regional trade visitors."

The commendation of this year's show by participating companies was a result of the high calibre of visitors and quality business leads. Many suppliers now look to the Middle East market and recognise its growth potential. Gulfood presented global firms with a key platform to refocus priorities and assess strategies during current trading conditions.

"We have been amazed by the response at Gulfood 2009. Gulfood has injected total confidence back into the food and beverage market," said Shireen Abdul Karim, Media and Marketing Manager, X35 Energy. "We have signed contracts with eight international distributors in six GCC countries, including the UAE. The deals done total around US$ 2 million with more contracts likely to be signed in the coming weeks," she added.

"The sheer size of Gulfood this year was impressive. Gulfood is the gateway for us to meet prospective clients and the constant flow and number of visitors exceeded our expectations," said Austin Dias, Marketing Manager, Saudi MasterBaker Ltd.

"Gulfood this year is much bigger than the previous years. The excellent organisation of the exhibition is impressive and business is growing. Gulfood provides the brilliant opportunity to expand our business network," said Salah Al-Heresh, Deputy General Manager and Commercial Manager, Al-Herash Industrial and Trading Co.

Gulfood remains highly relevant and useful as an education platform for the hospitality community in the region. Its showcase of green initiatives by innovative companies and the concurrent conference on food safety organised by the Dubai Municipality makes it one of the most sought after events in the world. Trade visitors looking to support the long term growth and development of the hotel, restaurant and tourism industry in the region also found strong business opportunities.

"As evidenced by the overwhelming exhibitor response, in times of global economic challenges and financial instability, it is even more vital for corporations world-wide to continue to engage and interact - the business meetings, conferences and exhibitions held at DWTC will remain the platform for this networking and will in turn stimulate opportunities that bring long-term economic benefits not only to Dubai, but to the wider Middle East Region," said Almarri.

"In line with the strategic plan of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we are working to sustain our target of 1-1.5% contribution to Dubai's GDP on par with global benchmarks such as Singapore and Hong Kong in the events and exhibitions sector. Our aim is to provide better experiences that deliver 'Destination Dubai' to every visitor, as we move forward with our vision to make Dubai the world's leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences and events," concluded Almarri.