In its biggest ever international line-up Gulfood 2006, the region’s most successful food, drink, foodservice and hospitality equipment exhibition, opens today with over 1,800 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. A number of Serbian, South African and Armenian food companies are showcasing their products, equipments and services for the first time in the Middle East.
The region’s food and beverage industry is one of the fastest-growing worldwide, particularly since over 90 percent of the Gulf’s food is imported. According to industry sources, the incredible growth of the GCC’s hospitality and leisure segments offers international manufacturers major avenues for business development.
“Gulfood exhibition has grown significantly over the years, both in terms of exhibitors and trade visitors, and is an ideal platform for those engaged in the business to target new business opportunities. Dubai is the world’s largest re-exporter, 72 per cent of its imports are rex-exported to 160 countries, and offers access to an estimated two billion consumers in the region. The regional franchising market is valued at US$ 14 billion out of which fast food accounts for US$ 5.6 billion,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of Gulfood.
Some of the major participants at Gulfood 2006 are agricultural processing firm Archer Daniels Midland; consumer foodstuffs importer Aramtec; food and drinks manufacturer Bomba; Latin American food conglomerate Empresas Carozzi; food processing equipment company Stork Food Systems and French beverage specialist Lorina; among others.
Other companies gearing up for the show include Serbian Fruit representing fruit juice company Nectar, wild mushroom specialist Marni and dried fruit manufacturer Agranela; Aroma presenting Serbian red pepper; snack and confectionary manufacturer Pionir; Williamson Fine Teas of UK; and Gardiners of Scotland.
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 conferences deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.
