Singapore food and beverage companies expect Gulfood 2013 sales to surpass $20m

Singapore companies generated their highest onsite sales at Gulfood last year, recording a 35% increase from 2011. Singapore's F&B exports to the GCC reached a total of $258m in 2012.

According to International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the government agency promoting the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and international trade, the GCC is now the sixth largest destination for Singapore F&B exports and is the country's largest export market outside Asia Pacific.

"The GCC is one of the fastest-growing global markets for Singapore and we see great potential to satisfy consumers' increasing appreciation for Asian cuisine. Gulfood has proven to be a key enabler for our F&B exports to the GCC. As our companies set their sights on growing their presence in key regional markets, particularly in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it is at Gulfood where major distribution deals to these countries are cultivated. We are expecting to break last year's Gulfood sales record to reach another trade milestone between Singapore and the GCC," said Mr. Lester Lu, Regional Director in Dubai for IE Singapore.

From 25 to 28 February, the Singapore pavilion in Halls 7 and 9 of the Dubai World Trade Centre will showcase the inventive fusion of flavours for which the country is renowned, as well as its latest halal offerings and convenient packaged goods that make cooking Asian cuisine at home easy.

Organised by the Singapore Food Manufacturers' Association (SFMA) with the support of International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and the Singapore Manufacturers' Federation (SMF), exhibiting companies at the Singapore pavilion all meet the country's stringent food safety standards, recognised as among the most rigorous standards globally.

Singapore's top food exports to the Middle East remain milk and dairy products, cooking sauces, chocolate, as well as edible oils. However, beyond these consistently strong exports, Singapore companies are also pursuing growth opportunities in the categories of health and wellness, convenient foods, gourmet cuisine and halal-certified foods.

Joining the Singapore pavilion at Gulfood 2013 will be seven first-time exhibitors and 37 returning exhibitors. A main focus of participants this year is reproducing Singapore's distinctive national dishes from ready-made sauces and seasoning mixes.

"The cultural diversity of the UAE, coupled with its extensive trade links to the rest of the world, creates major growth opportunities for Singapore F&B companies. Asian cuisine is becoming more popular in the region and Singapore food, with its mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay flavours, plays to this trend," added Mr Lu.