• HSBC

Global food industry shows faith in GCC market

  • United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, October 07 - 2009 at 12:29
  • PRESS RELEASE

The global food industry is targeting the GCC market as an opportunity for future growth, as GGC spending on food imports is set to more than double from $24bn in 2008 to US$ 49 billion by 2020 according to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

In a further sign of confidence in the region, hundreds of companies have already committed to next year's Gulfood exhibition which is organised by Dubai World Trade Centre.

More than 90 percent of the allocated space at the region's largest trade exhibition for food, drink, foodservice and hospitality equipment has already been sold, which takes place 21 - 24 February 2010, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

"Essential goods and services such as food and drink have remained strong during the past year, and there are many opportunities for growth in the GCC,"


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

"New international companies are looking to break into the Middle East for the first time, and the proven popularity of Gulfood highlights just how important this region is to their overall business plan."

Gulfood 2010 will take place all within one venue thanks to the opening of the new Sheikh Saeed Halls at DICEC, utilising the full one million square metres. Restaurant & Café, and Ingredients Middle East also take place alongside the show at DICEC to allow industry buyers to source everything in one visit.

Leading manufacturers including Al Thika, Baking Technologies, Cargill, Chalhoub, Del Monte, GEA, Ishida, Nestle, Symrise and Villeroy & Boch have already confirmed their place at next year's show. It is expected that the show will be a complete sell out by the end of the year.

"The Hershey Company is excited to exhibit for the first time at Gulfood 2010. Gulfood allows us to share with key retailers, distributors and buyers our exciting growth plans for our brands and products in the Middle East and surrounding markets," said Tim Dunigan, Senior VP International Sales, The Hershey Company.

The representation of 75 countries so far also 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.
Leading manufacturers have already confirmed their place at next year's Gulfood.
Leading manufacturers have already confirmed their place at next year's Gulfood.
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About Gulfood
Organised since 1987, Gulfood is the region's largest and most important industry event of the year and a strategic platform for buyers and sellers to conduct direct business face to face. The exhibition is a showcase for manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers from around the world, representing all of the key sectors within the food and hospitality trade.

The trade-only show reported record visitor attendance in 2009 with a total of 45,735 trade professionals from 148 countries attending the exhibition.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
As the organiser of Gulfood 2009, Dubai World Trade Centre offers nearly 30 years experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge.

Our team organises 18 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.

Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

For more information, please contact:
Jon Barber
Public Relations Manager
Dubai World Trade Centre
(+971) 4 308 6124

Jehad Kamal
Arabic Public Relations Manager
Dubai World Trade Centre
Tel: (+9714) 308 6087

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