For more than a decade, Gulfood has been recognised as the Gulf region’s foremost food and beverage, foodservices and hotel equipment exhibition with this year offering the largest number of international pavilions and trade visitors from over 120 countries here doing business.
“The feedback from the Australian participants has been very pleasing, with one significant deal in consumer retail already in the final stage of negotiations – after the first day,” said James Wyndham, Deputy Consul General & Trade Commissioner, Australian Consulate General.
“Dubai is very much seen as the ‘Gateway to the Region’ for Australian business and, coupled with the facilities at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the country pavilion at Gulfood is a great platform for promoting ‘Team Australia’ to the Middle East,” added Wyndham.
Spokespersons from companies on the Australian Pavilion confirmed Wyndam’s comments with Starline Caterers, designers and manufacturers of conveyer baking equipment, expressing amazement at the level of interest in their product line, particularly from UAE-based companies.
Others, like Mandel Trading, said they had seen more leads than expected and that the fact that many people were expressing genuine interest was largely attributable to the organiser doing well to attract the right type of trade visitors.
Australia is not alone in its success thus far at Gulfood 2006. The Argentine Pavilion is host to a company that is dedicated to Halal foodstuffs and sells its Islamic compliant meat products not just for export into the Middle East, but into the South American market as well.
“Last year we came as a visitor and were so impressed that we returned with two stands – one for ourselves and one for one of the companies we represent [Parodi Apiculture],” said Aisha L. Hallar, Export Manager – Middle East, Hallar Trading Company, Argentina.
“As a Lebanese-Argentine family run business, we represent six companies who trust us to conduct business in this region. Having established good business connections at last year’s event, we have two stands this year and we hope to establish a permanent regional office in Dubai by 2007,” added Hallar.
Almost mirroring this sentiment Kuppersbusch, on the German Equipment Pavilion, indicated that while this is their first time at Gulfood, they are looking to establish an office in Dubai by the end of 2006.
Also making a strong showing this year are Egyptian companies exhibiting under their national pavilion.
“This is our first time exhibiting at Gulfood and on the first day we have seen serious negotiations established,” said Karim Fahmy, Export Department, Quality Standard.
“As an Egyptian company our priority is to establish greater trade and partnerships within the Gulf region. As the exhibition is now on an annual format I see that Gulfood’s growth will continue to help build the food and related industries in this region,” added Fahmy.
Confirming the levels of interest and continuing demand in the event, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of DWTC, said, “International participation on both the exhibitor and attendee sides is what has enabled Gulfood to grow as quickly and steadily as it has, and it is the excellent work and support of the country pavilion organisers which has driven this growth. We have every confidence that Gulfood’s pavilions – with their enormous track record of success – will continue to help form the foundation of our ongoing success in promoting this event.”
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.
About Gulfood
www.gulfood.com
Since 1987, Gulfood has been considered the Middle East’s and Africa’s primary business platform for food, drink, foodservice and hospitality equipment. The exhibition is a showcase of manufacturers, distributors and suppliers from around the world, representing all of the key sectors within food and hospitality.
In 2005, the 10th Gulf Food, Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire brought together 1,730 companies from 59 countries and featured 36 national pavilions. The show attracted 29,100 visitors from 127 countries including buying delegations from as far as Azerbaijan, India, Iraq, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia and the UK.
The Emirates International Salon Culinaire, organised by The Emirates Culinary Guild, held alongside Gulfood 2005, featured seminars, culinary competitions and demonstrations involving 850 international chefs.
Gulfood 2006 is set to build on the 73% growth of exhibition space experienced at Gulfood 2005.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of Gulfood 2006, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 25 years’ experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 12 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an strategic platform for business development in the region.
Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.
