GCC food imports to rise USD53.1 billion

With Dubai a central trading point between east and west, food imports to the GCC are projected to rise to USD53.1 billion (AED195 billion) in 2020 from USD25.8 billion (AED94.7 billion) in 2010 according to Economist Intelligence Unit figures. In the UAE, imports are set to grow from USD3 billion (AED11 billion) in 2011 to USD8.4 billion (AED30.8 billion) in 2020.

According to Dubai Municipality, food imports to Dubai rose 18% in 2011 at 6.7 million tonnes compared to 5.6 million tonnes in 2010 from 151 countries.

Reflecting the global profile and importance to exporters, many agricultural and export ministers are also expected to attend Gulfood to support their countries participation. To facilitate this high level ministerial support, Gulfood is proud to host the Ministers Meet, which is a programme of events where ministers with a portfolio encompassing global trade, export and agriculture will need to collaborate and broker future trade agreements, export initiatives and food security policy.

Providing context and direction to global trade strategy is also on the agenda at the strong conference line-up next year. Captains of industry and world-renowned experts will share their research and market analysis at the Food Leaders Summit where food and hospitality business leaders will debate and explore the commercial strategies that will shape the future of food trade both at home and abroad. Also capitalising upon the region’s fast-growing manufacturing base and business start-ups are dedicated programmes for Food Processing and Packaging and Entrepreneur or Foodpreneur? where the hottest trends for 2013 will be unveiled. Completing the line-up is the Franchise Workshop, an essential guide to food franchising to help industry professionals make the right decisions to acquire and manage a successful network.