Unlimited business opportunities at the truly international Gulfood 2005 - now featuring 11 new country pavilions

The exhibition's 11 new country pavilions are amongst the several compelling reasons to attend the four-day showcase, with nations as diverse as Argentina, Armenia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius and Portugal represented for the first time. The new additions bring the total of national pavilions to 36, with the USA, UK, Australia, Egypt, China, India, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Sri Lanka, and others who have renewed their participation.

The enhanced international presence will bring with it additional business opportunities and several insights into the current marketing trends in the world foodservice industry, making it an attractive platform for trade visitors and exhibitors alike.

'A city as vibrant and global in its outlook as Dubai deserves a culinary scene that is equally exciting and cosmopolitan,' said Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). 'Dubai is a leader in this field, catering to the diverse tastes of more than 100 nationalities present in this society, and part of its success is due to the fact that the city and its professionals are always up-to-date of global trends.

'Gulfood complements Dubai's success around the region and the world since it brings market leaders and the brightest minds in the industry together under one roof.'

The exhibition, currently in its 10th edition, is considered the sole industry gateway to the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, CIS and North Africa regions and its estimated two billion consumers. The additional country pavilions underline the appeal of the exhibition, as businesses seek a piece of the growing regional industry.

Participating with a substantial national pavilion, Portugal is one of the 11 new additions to Gulfood.

Fifteen exhibitors will represent the best Portugal has to offer across a wide range of product sectors for the hospitality industry. Portuguese products, known to add value through design and innovation, offer solid guarantees in terms of hygiene, safety and health, and a comprehensive after-sales service.

Dr. Carlos Costa, Portuguese Trade Commissioner, Portuguese Trade Centre said, 'We are delighted with our first participation in Gulfood 2005 as an independent pavilion. Part of the strategy for our trade centre is to proactively stimulate the Portuguese manufacturing companies and exhibitions like Gulfood helps us identify new business opportunities in this booming market, and match the Portuguese supply and existing demand here.'

'Our participation will show hotel equipment from refrigeration counters to industrial kitchens, including stainless steel kitchen equipment, professional knives and tableware, as well as cafeteria furniture and textiles. Portugal is also the world's third largest producer of household textiles. What distinguishes Portuguese products is the unique and diverse industrial character of the country. This ensures a perfect balance between the reliable quality of the products and satisfying the demands of discerning consumers from the region.'

The Canadian Pavilion will feature more than 25 companies representing a wide range of Canadian food products offers the economic advantages of its strong agro-industry.

'This is Canada's biggest and best participation to date,' said Heather Wynen, Agri-Food Program Officer at the Canadian Consulate in Dubai. 'The Middle East market is an important one for Canada - there is a great deal of opportunity here especially due to the growing population, expanding hotel and restaurant industry and the high volume of transhipment that occurs through Dubai. Dubai is an important hub for re-distribution within the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent and Asia.'

Elias Moukarzel, Deputy Food and Beverage Manager of the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers in Dubai and a newcomer to the UAE, said specialist industry exhibitions are crucial to the development of any organisation involved in the hospitality and food service.

Moukarzel is looking forward to his first visit to Gulfood next month, and believes it will offer a snapshot of the industry in the Middle East and around the world.

'It is definitely the best way to keep track of developments in the industry, and certainly puts you on the fast track toward innovation, all of which has an impact on what you can offer your customers,' Moukarzel said.

Organisers have added new features to make the exhibition as accessible and professional as possible. For the first time, trade visitors and buyers can register online at the bilingual website for ease of access to the exhibition. The opening hours of the exhibition are from 11 am to 7 pm from February 20 - 22, and until 5 pm on February 23.