With the Middle East and its neighbouring regions identified as one of the key growth markets for the food and beverage industry, Gulfood, the Middle East’s largest food, drink, foodservice and hospitality exhibition, is set to attract more than 45,000 industry professionals to Dubai in February 2010.
The dedicated trade show which runs from 21 – 24 February 2009 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), has gained a reputation as the gateway for real business opportunities within the region, and an unprecedented 3,300 companies will be participating this year.
Considered a key emerging market by the industry, alongside the likes of China, Russia and Latin America; countries in the GCC, North Africa and India have been earmarked as ‘windows of opportunity’ for the food and drink industry according to the 2009 A.T.Kearney Global Retail Development Index.
While developed markets have endured economic hardship and sharp decline in sales over the past year, emerging markets have enjoyed continued growth, with eight of the top 20 countries in the Development Index in the MENA region. The United Arab Emirates makes the biggest jump in the Index this year, moving up to 4th from 20th last year, thanks to an economy that has remained relatively sturdy during the global recession.
“With almost 90% of Middle East countries dependent on food imports, tremendous opportunity exists for food importers, packagers and manufacturers of food processing machinery to generate bigger, better, business at Gulfood,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the exhibition. “In addition, with the high population growth rate of the region, the availability of high quality certified raw materials and increasing consumer income levels, the food and beverage sector is set for fast and profitable growth.”
“Gulfood provides an ideal platform for businesses involved in every segment of the food and beverage industry to both source and showcase their products and services,” he added.
“We are working closely with our most valued trade clients to provide a package of measures to increase the value-offering at the show,” said Almarri.
Gulfood 2010 will be the biggest event in the show’s 15 year history, taking up one million square feet of dedicated space and leveraging its regional influence to highlight the latest trends, innovations and developments in the industry. Restaurant & Café Middle East and Ingredients Middle East run concurrently with the show, creating a 360° industry offering for buyers and vendors.
This year also marks the introduction of a number of value-added initiatives for both exhibitors and visitors, including the inaugural Gulfood Conference. Taking place during the four day exhibition, the conference brings together international experts to discuss future trends and critical issues in the food and beverage industry and the relevance of these for the regional markets. Trade visitors can register their interest by visiting www.gulfood.com/conference.
The Gulfood Conference complements the Dubai International Food Safety Conference which runs during the show and is organised by the Dubai Municipality to address food safety systems, regulations and best practices.
Also new this year is the launch of the Gulfood Majlis Club, a commercial networking platform for senior industry professionals to network and develop new business opportunities, and one that recognises the importance of Gulfood as a serious trading platform for the global food and beverage industry in the region.
Excellence in all elements of the industry will be recognised during Gulfood 2010. The prestigious Emirates International Salon Culinaire, in association with the Emirates Culinary Guild, continues to attract more than 1,000 chefs to compete in front of a panel of 25 distinguished international judges, while the recent announcement of the 1st Gulfood Awards will be recognising the achievements and innovations of the region’s food and drink industry.
“Our success in delivering tangible business benefits, coupled with Dubai’s unrivalled position as the central trading and distribution hub for the Middle East, has established Gulfood as on of the worlds’ most important events for the global foodservice and hospitality sector,” said Almarri. “We will continue to support the industry needs, promote knowledge exchange and recognise excellence in the industry with new initiatives and activities.”
Gulfood is strictly a trade-only event and is open to business and trade visitors from within the industry only. Industry business professionals on the day of the show will be able to buy either a Day Pass for AED 60, or a Four Day Pass for AED 120. Gulfood is open from 11am – 7pm from Sunday 21 February 2010 to Tuesday 23 February 2010 and from 11 am – 5pm on Wednesday 24 February 2010.
