Middle East’s Largest Ever Trade Exhibition Begins in Dubai as Middle East Foodservice Market Exceeds US$ 30 Billion
Gulfood 2009 Welcomes More Than 3,300 Companies from more than 75 Countries
Trade visitors from all over the world will arrive in Dubai for one of the most important events in the global food industry – making it the biggest trade event ever held in the Middle East.
The Middle East foodservice market is now valued at US$ 31 billion annually, more than 90 percent of food items in the GCC are imported, making the region the world’s biggest importer. The GCC food market is worth more than US$ 12 billion each year and new opportunities for producers and distributors are extensive.
Even with the global challenges facing international markets, the Middle East remains one of the fastest-growing in the world – highlighting the significance of Gulfood in providing tremendous opportunities for international business.
The 14th edition of Gulfood from 23 - 26 February 2009 is sold out at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and has expanded to Airport Expo Dubai to accommodate the increasing participation demands for the region’s largest trade exhibition for food, drink, foodservice and hospitality equipment.
For the first time, the exhibition will be hosted across two venues, providing more space and new product showcases to decision-makers looking to conduct some of their most significant business of the year. Also in response to demand, Ingredients Middle East is co-locating with Gulfood at Airport Expo Dubai to provide an increased offering to trade visitors.
“The current economic crisis is highlighting to global companies the opportunities in the Middle East food market, and Gulfood will be a focal point for those looking to support the long term growth and development of the hotel, restaurant and tourism industry in the region,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. “The global food industry considers Gulfood one of the most important events and the further expansion of the show is evidence of the vast business and trade opportunities available in the region in crucial times.”
Gulfood will welcome more than 3,300 companies from 76 different countries with over 800 new exhibitors including, Bateel, Choithram and Victorinox.
These companies will be joined by some of the world’s leading food brands such as Al Ghurair, Cargill, DITO Electrolux, Lamb Weston, Nestle and Unilever.
The largest national groups at Gulfood include Germany, Italy, Turkey and the USA. There are also six new country pavilions taking part including Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Palestine. The pavilions reinforce the global appeal of Gulfood and that it remains an integral part of the food industry’s business strategy.
In keeping abreast of the global shift towards the environment, various exhibitors at Gulfood will feature environmentally conscious products, DITO Electrolux will highlight its range of products which are designed and manufactured to be 60% recyclable, while Alto-Shaam will introduce its new EcoSmart product line which will help minimise environmental impact.
“Gulfood remains highly relevant and useful as an education platform for the hospitality community in the region. Its showcase of green initiatives by innovative companies and the concurrent conference on safety developments make it one of the most sought after events in the world. The relevance of Gulfood also reflects the strategic positioning of Dubai in the global market. Many new-to-market companies seek to benefit from Dubai’s strong connectivity at the heart of the international trade network,” added Al Marri.
Platinum sponsor for the fourth year at Gulfood is Etihad Salehia with its brand Datela, specialists in the production, development and processing of dates, chocolates, cookies and other confectioneries.
“Gulfood is the most important exhibition of the year in the region to expand our reach into new markets,” said Mr. Fahed Al Saleih, CEO, Etihad Salehia Company. “It is the only place where we can meet so many global companies who are looking to trade with us. We look forward to launching a series of new products at Gulfood which is in line with our strategy to provide consumers high nutrition value products with great taste.”
The fourth Dubai International Food Safety Conference, organised by Dubai Municipality, will offer an opportunity for knowledge sharing with many of the leading industry speakers from around the world.
Some of the many additional attractions taking place at Gulfood include the Emirates Salon Culinaire 2009 – organised by the Emirates Culinary Guild – featuring professional chefs from the UAE hospitality and food industry competing against each other to showcase the service and food concepts employed in the region’s world-class hotels and restaurants.
Gulfood will also host a series of management briefings on beverage trends, innovation and business opportunities in the Gulf region, organised by leading global consultancy Zenith International.
Gulfood is strictly a trade-only event and is open exclusively to business and trade visitors from within the industry, proof of which must be provided at registration. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be allowed into the exhibition.
Interested trade visitors are advised to pre-register online at www.gulfood.com where they can qualify for free entry. Industry business professionals on the day of the show will be able to buy either a Day Pass for AED 50 or a Four Day Pass for AED 100.
