Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum inaugurates Gulfood 2006

With over 1,800 participants from more than 60 countries, participants from international and regional food companies are showcasing their products, equipments and services for the first time in the Middle East.

"The development that Dubai is witnessing is reflected across all industry sectors and areas of which Gulfood 2006 is a prime example", said Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum, Director General - Department of Information.

"This year's exhibition witnessed a 15% increase in space and I am pleased to note that there has been a wide and growing participation from some the largest international companies looking to establish in the region's markets",

added Sheikh Hasher.

The region's food and beverage industry is one of the fastest-growing worldwide, particularly since over 90 percent of the Gulf's food is imported. According to industry sources, the incredible growth of the GCC's hospitality and leisure segments offers international manufacturers major avenues for business development.

"Gulfood 2006 has witnessed a phenomenal start with visitors arriving from all over the world; it has been a very busy first morning. The initial feedback from participants has been very positive ranging from visitor numbers to promising business deals already underway", said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of Gulfood.

Some of the major participants at Gulfood 2006 are agricultural processing firm Archer Daniels Midland; consumer foodstuffs importer Aramtec; food and drinks manufacturer Bomba; Latin American food conglomerate Empresas Carozzi; food processing equipment company Stork Food Systems and French beverage specialist Lorina; among others.

Other companies gearing up for the show include Serbian Fruit representing fruit juice company Nectar, wild mushroom specialist Marni and dried fruit manufacturer Agranela; Aroma presenting Serbian red pepper; snack and confectionary manufacturer Pionir; Williamson Fine Teas of UK; and Gardiners of Scotland.

Gulfood 2006 - The 11th Gulf Food, Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire, will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19 - 22 February 2006. The opening hours are 11.00 to 19.00 on the 19 - 21 February, and 11.00 to 17.00 on the 22 February.

Gulfood is strictly a trade-only event and is open for business and trade visitors only, proof of which must be provided at registration. General public and children are not allowed into the exhibition.