Singaporean food and beverage companies showcase 'Best in Asia' at Gulfood 2013

Located in Halls 7 and 9 of the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Singapore pavilion will showcase the latest food innovations and flavours with readymade, Halal and healthy products, demonstrating why Singapore products truly are the 'Best in Asia'.

The Singapore pavilion is organised by the Singapore Food Manufacturers' Association (SFMA) with the support of International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and the Singapore Manufacturers' Federation (SMF).

IE is the government agency driving Singapore's external economy by promoting overseas investments of Singaporean companies and international trade.

A key platform for the promotion and distribution of Singapore F&B products into the Middle East and neighbouring markets, Gulfood delivered more than $20m in sales for Singapore exhibitors last year. F&B exports to the GCC totalled more than $258m in 2012, demonstrating the continued popularity of Asian flavours and dishes in the region.

Recognised as the gastronomic capital of Asia, Singaporean cuisine is internationally renowned for its quality and diversity, with a range of Indian, Malay and Chinese influences. Singaporean celebrity chef, restaurateur, TV personality and author Violet Oon will conduct live cooking demonstrations incorporating ingredients from exhibitors into simplified versions of usually complex Singaporean recipes.

Given the strong market opportunities offered by the Middle East market, more Singaporean companies are manufacturing Halal-certified products. Ellaziq Pte Ltd, Halal food specialist, will bring its latest assortment of chilled, frozen and shelf-stable meats to the trade show. Exhibitor Sin Mui Heng Foods Enterprise (SMH), the first Singaporean dim sum company to have received Halal certification in 1997, will launch its halal-certified Chilli Crab and traditional Custard Salted Egg Buns during Gulfood.

A variety of ready-to-eat food products to simplify the preparation of authentic Singaporean cuisine at home will also be introduced to the Middle East, including Prima Taste's quick and easy 'Chilli Crab La Mian' noodles, and San Food Industries' innovative 'San Grill Singapore Satay' meal of tasty meat skewers and a velvety peanut sauce prepared in a mere two minutes.

Singapore remains on trend with health and wellness foods that have taken the global F&B industry by storm, and which are gaining in popularity in the GCC region. Leading Asian dessert manufacturer Tan Soon Mui Food Industries will introduce its 'Sensoh Grass Jelly', an entirely natural drink made from mint plants that helps regulate body temperature and digestion, while top Singaporean beverage manufacturer, Gold Kili, will introduce its new 'Matcha Ginger Latte'. This instant latte blends the medical benefits of ginger from Southeast Asia and the antioxidants of green tea from China and Japan.

"The GCC is now the sixth largest export market in the world for Singapore food manufacturers and Gulfood is without doubt the most important launch platform for Singaporean F&B products into the region," said Mr. Lester Lu, Regional Director for IE Singapore in Dubai.

"Participating at Gulfood has most certainly facilitated the growth of Singapore's F&B exports - sales generated from the show in 2012 were 35% up on the previous year. With the largest range of new halal, healthy and convenient products being launched to the Middle East market this week, we look forward to the Singapore pavilion generating strong growth in 2013," he added.