Gulfood begins today

DUBAI — The world’s largest annual trade show for the food and hospitality industry Gulfood 2012 is all set for brisk business as world’s food producers bring international flavours to Dubai.

By Abdul Basit

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Published: Sun 19 Feb 2012, 9:52 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 11:17 AM

Over 88 countries represented from 110 international pavilions are attending the four-day premier food show, which is starting today.

Covering more than one million square feet of dedicated exhibition space, the event represents all corners of the globe with four new pavilions Algeria, Hungary, Kenya and Peru joining countries as far afield as Argentina, Australia, China, Chile, France, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, USA and Vietnam.

It’s going to be a record event this year as representatives from more than 3,800 companies from around the world arrive in Dubai to showcase their food and beverage products and services, according to the organiser — Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Running until February 22, the show has been sold out since October as exhibitors from around the world look to do business in the fast-growing Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

“The participation this year from so many international leading companies in the global food and beverage industry is a clear indication of the important position that Gulfood holds on a global level,” DWTC chief executive officer Helal Saeed Almarri said in a statement.

With many developed markets delivering minimal growth, the Middle East region represents huge potential for companies and Gulfood is a key facilitator for entry into these highly lucrative markets, Almarri said, adding: “We are looking forward to record sales and business opportunities for exhibitors and visitors this year.”

With Restaurant & Café Middle East and Ingredients Middle East running co-located at Gulfood, the event covers the full spectrum of the industry, from ingredients through to food processing, packaging, retail, hospitality and distribution. Gulfood also plays a key role in highlighting the latest industry advances, trends and innovations through the Gulfood Conference which this year will be opened with a keynote speech by Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE.

Recognition and reward of excellence within the region’s food and beverage industry comes through Gulfood’s much anticipated Gulfood Awards. A record number of entries has been received this year, with 20 categories that have been be judged by an international panel of independent industry experts.

Culinary skills will also be showcased at the prestigious Emirates International Salon Culinaire which, in association with the Emirates Culinary Guild, hosts 1,300 chefs in heated competition before a panel of 25 distinguished international judges. The Baking & Pastry Guild Competition enjoys its third year of success at Gulfood, with specialist focus on innovation and creativity in baking.

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com


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