Leaders of global food industry congratulate Gulfood organisers as visitor count far exceeds expectations

Visitor numbers also surpassed all expectations this year, with more than 23,500 visitors from 126 countries crossing the threshold on the third of the exhibition's four days.

"Almost every exhibitor and pavilion organiser surveyed said they were very satisfied with their success at the 10th Gulfood, and praised the trade show's high-quality visitor structure", said Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre. "The continuing success of the event and constant requests from industry professionals has driven the decision to make the biennial event an annual one.

"With every edition, Gulfood has expanded exponentially across all sectors, drawing international manufacturers and regional and local buyers from both established and new markets across the Middle East, Africa, India and Eastern Europe," Al Marri said. "This year has been our best, we crossed our target of 20,000 by the third day."

Mr. Al Marri said the two-year gap between exhibitions had been restricting the potential of the fast-growing hospitality sector in the Middle East. "This market is growing so fast that there needs to be a show every year to keep the region abreast sourcing possibilities, and to bring the best of the world to the Middle East," he said, announcing that the next Gulfood would be held from February 19 to 22, 2006.

The exhibition, which featured the latest innovations in a cross-section of hospitality-related industries from food and beverage to catering equipment, processing and packaging and hotel supplies achieved the desired objectives of strengthening Dubai's reputation as a hub for the global food, beverage and foodservice trade. Much of the exhibitor feedback praised the exhibition's unique visitor structure - which included the leading international suppliers and buyers from the trade and catering markets - and its professionalism.

South African company Orley Foods, who have been active in the Gulf market for the last decade, were among the trade show's most vocal proponents. "Following Gulfood 2003, our business increased by 100 percent in the region, and based on the response we have received at Gulfood 2005, we expect the same kind of growth if not more," said Saul Abrahams, Marketing Manager for Orley Foods. "This has proven to be the ideal venue for us to access not only the Middle East market, but also the growing markets for customized food ingredients in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka."

"Our decision to participate in Gulfood was based largely on the show's incredible 73% growth since 2003," said Sreejith Narendran, Sales Supervisor for the PLET branch. "Having our principals alongside us and the opportunity to talk with the important investment decision-makers directly and quickly was vital to our success. Even for those established in the region, Gulfood provides an unmissable opportunity to establish valuable contacts quickly and efficiently over just four days."

From Central Asia to Africa, dozens of countries who had never before participated in Gulfood made an appearance this year. Norbert M. Koeningstein, Marketing Manager for Sadia International, commented on the significant increase in the number of visitors and the global reach of the exhibition.

"Gulfood 2005 is noticeably larger than Gulfood 2003, and we have had substantial interest and enquiries from countries like Jordan, Syria and Iraq," he said. "This is certainly the preferred platform for the hospitality industry even for providers like us, as it provides the opportunity to assess our competitive position by making a direct market comparison."

Mr. Steensen of the Denmark Consulate in Saudi Arabia said, "From a Danish point of view, we have certainly appreciated the professionalism and standard of Gulfood. In view of the success of the show, Denmark will organise a national pavilion at Gulfood 2006."

Kiki Galanopoulou of the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board, Greece said, "It is a perfect show because all the Greek exhibitors have reached their targets meeting away traders throughout the 4 days. Of course, HEPO are planning to return in 2006. We are happy with the organization as the set-up was excellent. Everyone has complimented on the quality of visitorship at Gulfood this year."