The most significant representation of leading food & beverage brands the Middle East North Africa region has ever seen will soon be converging in Dubai, as more than 140 major international food and beverage producers come together at the new Power Brands segment at Gulfood 2017. Represented by a contingent of major food industry heavyweights including Unilever, Nestlè, Del Monte and IFFCO, the throng of leading F&B brands will go on display at the 22nd edition of the world’s largest food and hospitality show, which runs at Dubai World Trade Centre from 26 February to 2 March.
A KEY AREA – Commenting on the influx of world-class food producers and distributors at the show, James George, analyst at Euromonitor International, said: Manufacturers and distributors alike are looking at the Middle East and North Africa as one of the key growth regions. This is mainly fuelled by a handful of markets particularly the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. With recent Euromonitor data highlighting that the global packaged food market is expected to reach $2.2 trillion by 2020, George revealed that Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa are prevailing as the key growth drivers of packaged food globally. Through new entrants or brand expansion, many brands will look to capitalise on the growth potential that these regions offer with significant investments across the region. The need for quality products and services will continue to rise as a growing population drive increased demand in the food and beverages sector, added Mr George. Capitalising on this growth curve, the new Power Brands segment at Gulfood will connect regional buyers with international producers and distributors of both high-end and household name food and beverage brands in one place.
POWER BRANDS – The F&B purveyors are among 140 headline names lining up for Gulfood’s first Power Brands feature. Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC said: With more than 5,000 exhibitors, Gulfood is the perfect springboard for major distribution players who are looking to demonstrate their innovative products and solutions to international retailers. The show will provide a unique experience for buyers sourcing a full spectrum of boutique and household name brands. Following unprecedented demand for space, the new Power Brands platform will read like a Who’s Who of the F&B world, reflecting the growing need for quality products and services in this region. Power Brands is one of eight dedicated segments now housed within Gulfood to ensure buyers can navigate the expansive show more effectively. The other sectors are: Beverages, Dairy, Fats & Oils, Health, Wellness & Free-From, Pulses, Grains & Cereals, Meat & Poultry and World Food.
