Dubai gears up for 2013 Gulfood event

TWENTY-FIVE years and going strong, Gulfood is all set for the opening on February 25, 2013. The four-day event, which has had a well-deserved reputation amongst exporters for delivering spectacular returns on investment, will once again expect international exporters seeking new sales from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, to be in attendance.

Gulfood provides a trade and sourcing platform without equal, “where international flavours find world-class business,” according to the event organiser. At what has been recognised as the region’s premier knowledge exchange, companies will gain insights on industry developments from around the globe, additional training, competitions of prestige, and live events. The show covers beverage and beverage equipment, food and drink, food service and hospitality, ingredients, processing and packaging, as well as restaurants and cafés.

Recent advertising emphasises the five main programs to be held concurrent with the exhibitions, namely the Gulfood Awards, the Emirates Culinary Guild Salon Culinaire competition, the four Gulfood conferences, networking via the Gulfood Majlis Club, and the holding of the 3rd Baking & Pastry Guild Middle East competition.

Gulfood Awards

Now on its fourth year, the Gulfood Awards celebrates exceptional people and companies behind the region’s food and drink industry. It is the region’s leading and most-sought after accolade for providing winners that much-needed “independent and prestigious endorsement of their achievements”. By acknowledging and celebrating excellence in 23 categories, the Awards has aimed to recognise (and in consequence champion) innovation, the highest levels of service and the very best standards, and to enhance the region’s international reputation for excellent food and beverage products and services.

Gulfood exhibitors (and exhibitors of Ingredients Middle East, the event that runs alongside Gulfood) may join the competition as long as they meet the criteria for entry for any Award category. The organisers enjoin executives to enhance their company’s exposure and “take advantage of being in the spotlight by nominating your company for the 4th Gulfood Awards”. Eight categories and 23 awards are to be coveted, and there is no limit to the number of categories to submit. Entries are open to products, services and initiatives launched in the Middle East since 1 March 2012, and these will be judged by an international panel of independent industry experts.

The Emirates Culinary Guild Salon Culinaire

A series of practical and display-based culinary competitions, The ‘Emirates Culinary Guild Salon Culinaire’ is open to professional chefs, pastry chefs, cooks and bakers. Competitions are designed for individual competitors and team events. More than 1,300 young chefs have competed here to become stars of the future, showcasing their talent from practical cooking to buffet and banqueting show pieces through a wide range of skills and techniques.

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