Gulfood to open in new segmented format

dubai - The five-day trade show is expected to attract up to 90,000 food professionals

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) officials are confident a new segmented show format will be the next stage of the annual Gulfood exhibition's evolution, as the show prepares for the biggest format shake-up in its 30-year history.

Opening on February 26 (Sunday), Gulfood's five-day run is expected to attract up to 90,000 food professionals, with some 5,000 plus exhibitors from 150 countries vying for a stake in a multi-billion-dollar Mena F&B market. The show will also encompass the world's biggest annual halal food sourcing trade exhibition, Halal World Food.

For the first time, Gulfood will feature a segmented layout, with eight dedicated zones designed to ensure visitors get the most out of their visit by being able to quickly connect with their priority producers and suppliers. The eight dedicated segments at Gulfood 2017 are: beverages; dairy; fats and oils; health, wellness and free-from; pulses, grains and cereals; meat and poultry; power brands and world food.

According to Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president, exhibitions and events management, DWTC, the 22nd edition of the show will put 'business first' and retain its mantle as the world's largest annual food and beverage trade.

This year, Gulfood features 120 national pavilions with four countries - Azerbaijan, Finland, Malta and Somalia - represented for the first time. China, India, Italy, Spain, and the US will also mount their largest Gulfood pavilions to date. The international pavilions will be up against a host of regional country promotions, most notably from Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco.

Gulfood 2017 is a trade-only event and is open to business and trade visitors. The show is open 11am-7pm from February 26 to March 1 and 11am-5pm on March 2. Visitors can register on-site for entry fee of Dh350.

- business@khaleejtimes.com