Trade ministers and top-level decision makers feature prominently among global food industry delegations descending on Gulfood 2019 – one of the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade show, which returns to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 17-21 February – as international food producers aim to cater for soaring food demands across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Amongst the 5,000 local, regional and international exhibitors displaying innovative, new-to-market products and solutions to service the region’s rapidly evolving food industry landscape, national zones from West to Far-East will shine a light on how established and emerging food producing markets are adapting to meet the MENA region’s food and beverage needs, where food and beverage sales are estimated to reach 130 billion dollars in value by 2021, according to Gulfood Global Industry Outlook Report 2018.
EUROPE CAN ANSWER REGION’S FOOD NEEDS
Making its Gulfood debut this year, the European Union (EU) will highlight the diversity and quality of food products from across the 28-country bloc led by Agriculture and Rural Development EU commissioner Phil Hogan. The UAE ranks as the EU’s 13th biggest export market for agri-food products, the value of which reached USD3.3 billion in 2017. The EU’s presence will complement its member states’ individual stands at Gulfood by focusing on live cooking shows and masterclasses in Gulfood’s Tastes of the World area. Chef Charles Soussin, from France and Celebrity Chef Mona Mosly from KSA (jury of Top Chef Arabia) will demonstrate the quality and adaptability of EU products through exclusive recipes mixing European and Arabic flavors. The high level of interest from national trade agencies and organisations reinforces Gulfood’s position as a ‘global food trade power brand’, say show organiser.
GULFOOD ON TOP OF THE MENA AGENDA
“The Middle East and Africa are poised for robust F&B growth between now and 2021, which puts Gulfood top of the agenda for existing exporters and market newcomers,” explained Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events, DWTC. “Dubai’s strategic position as a re-export hub and gateway to growth markets underpins why Gulfood remains such a vitally important event for trade delegations worldwide”. Gulfood 2019 is a trade event open strictly to business and trade visitors. The show is open 11am – 7pm from February 17 – 20 and 11am – 5pm on February 21. For more information, visit the official site.