Gulfood wows

The region's biggest food and hospitality show did not disappoint attendees FROM a modest start in 1987, when the Gulfood exhibition recorded nearly 1,600 visitors and 65 exhibitors, Gulfood 2010 displayed exponential growth in terms of visitor traffic and diversity. Showcasing more than 3,300 exhibitors from over 150 countries, the must-see event was held at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre from the 21st to the 24th of February 2010. It was an event that witnessed the convergence of the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent and placed UAE on the map as the hub of the regional food and hospitality business. This year, Gulfood 2010 also proved its reputation as the most diverse showcase of exotic food and as the region's biggest hospitality show that brought together experts to discuss current and future trends and critical topics that continue to affect the global and regional food markets. The overwhelming response at the exhibition is a reflection of the regional food industry in general. Not only did the exhibition focus on mainstream food, beverage and the hospitality sector but also paved way for the halal food segment, an industry sector which has grown to be considered a mainstream economy in itself. Covering one million square feet of dedicated exhibition space, Gulfood 2010 held host to new entrants from Kuwait, Libya, Sudan, Peru and Portugal. Inaugural Gulfood Awards This year, Gulfood 2010 also marked the inauguration of the Gulfood Awards, a feature designed to recognise and award excellence across the regional food and beverages industry. The award winners included the following companies: ● Best New Non-Alcoholic Beverage - Tangent VENGA Func t iona l Infusions, leading producer of non-carbonated, functional beverages ● Best New Frozen or Chilled Food - Rafic Marrouche Restaurants ● Best New Fast Food Product or Innovation - Nähr-Engel GmbH, leading manufacturer of dehydrated potato products ● Best Newcomer Brand or Business - Gourmet House Farmed Caviar ● Best New Health Food or Beverage Ingredient - Flor de Sal d扙s Trenc, producer of special sea salt ● Best Packaging Innovation - Florde Sald'Es Trenc ● Best Food service Product or Technical Innovation - Henny Penny Corporation, global food service solutions provider ● Best Environmental Initiative - Convotherm Electrogate, developer and producer of quality combi steamers ● Best Marketing Campaign - Al Ghurair Foods, subsidiary of the Al Ghurair Group dealing in various food products ● Best New Functional Food or Drink - Elite Naturel Organics, Inc., producer of 100% natural fruit juices ● Best Health Education Initiative - Del Monte Foods ● Best New Baked or Confectionery Product - Etihad Salehia, leading producer of dates in Saudi Arabia ● Best New Halal Food - Al Islami Foods, a leading producer and supplier of quality halal food products (see Boardroom Connection beginning on page 12 - Editor) ● Best Marketing Campaign - Al Ghurair Foods, subsidiary of the Al Ghurair Group dealing in various food products ● Best Stand above 100m² - Baking Technologies, supplier of machinery and systems for the bakery and confectionary industries ● Best Stand Below 100m² - Nadiya Ltd, luxury Arabian dates provider. These exhibitors conferred with the awards were selected from over 150 entries across 15 categories from 26 countries, judged by an international panel of experts. Excellent response from trade visitors Exhibitors were ecstatic at the overwhelming response of customers and associates, not only from within the UAE but the entire region. Philippos Trikomitis, managing director of Philippos Trikomitis & Sons LimiNIke Dunk SB MID