Gulfood: Global trailblazer

THE theme The World of Good, The World of Food chosen by Gulfood 2019 underscores the trade show’s position as a global trailblazer in the F&B sector and its propensity to serve a spectrum of offerings from innovative food practices, emerging trends in the halal space, organic and sustainable food alternatives, and immersive features, alongside a platform for B2B and B2C interactions and synergies.

The event takes place from February 17-21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. More than 1,000,000 square feet of exhibition space stands witness to 5,000 exhibitors from across 120 countries display their products, services and more. It was complemented by Michelin-starred chefs introducing their indigenous culinary rarities to global visitors through live cooking demonstrations, classes and interactions.

Major trends unveiled at this year’s event were of paramount significance:

• Dubai plans to be the world’s first city to achieve ZERO food waste.
• Gulfood Global Industry Outlook Report 2019 compiled collaboratively by Gulfood and Euromonitor International forecasted an annual CAGR of 3.33% for the MENA region’s F&B sector over the next five years.
• Internet coming to the kitchen will see Artificial Intelligence and IoT (Internet of Things) have the biggest influence.
• Smart Kitchens will have a huge influence on abating labour and food preparation efforts.

The Gulfood Innovation Summit on the sidelines of the event was a new three-day conference series, that brought together a global gathering of industry decision markers, thought leaders and major bellwethers who having mastered their craft, brought in their expertise to tackle major opportunities and challenges that presented themselves across countries.

The European Union, Bulgaria and New Zealand were first-timers at the country pavilion end, whereas individual participants from Guatemala, Iraq, Luxembourg, Maldives, Nepal, Norway, Papau New Guines and Tanzania made their debut appearances.

Gulfood has upped the ante this time with the show attracting in excess of 98,000 attendees from slightly less than 200 countries with a motive to re-energize their marketing potential, reconnect with peers, suppliers, cooperative partners and allies from across the globe, access new markets and explore potential synergies for mutual profitability.

Four eminent chefs, namely Chef Francesco Guarracino; Chef Roberto Segura; Chef Saradhi Dakara and Chef Manal Al Alem lead four teams, from Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East in the first ever Gulfood International Culinary League. Each was accorded an hour to prepare a three-course meal displaying culinary delights that reflected their indigenous flavors and local heritage.   – ZAINAB MANSOOR