Highlights of Gulfood Manufacturing 2015

HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and UAE Minister of Finance, led the opening of Gulfood Manufacturing 2015, as well as concurrent events, Speciality Food Festival, Sweets & Snacks Middle East and SEAFEX on October 27 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). He was joined by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) and a number of leading UAE business chiefs and VVIPs.

Gulfood Manufacturing expected over 1,500 suppliers from 56 countries, and more than 30,000 professional visitors from the fast-growing Middle East, Africa and South East Asia (MEASA) seeking the latest in ingredients, processing equipment, supply chain services and new business opportunities.

The trade event featured 31 national pavilions including those from Austria, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Taiwan, UK and USA.

The conferences, namely Next Generation Manufacturing, Food Logistics and F&B Innovation, expected 1,200 delegates.

Gulfood Manufacturing attracted some 15,000 buyers, including delegations Jumeirah Group, Dubai Duty Free, Emirates Flight Catering, Spinneys, Carrefour and Saudi Arabia’s Manuel Supermarket chain.

“There is no doubt that this region represents a hotspot of business opportunity for the F&B industry, and is evident in the global interest that Gulfood Manufacturing has attracted. The innovations and latest products, technologies and services being showcased here this year could deliver the difference for companies in the region looking to scale, gain market share and deliver better bottom line performance,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events, DWTC.

Gulfood Manufacturing is scheduled to return next year from 7-9 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Concurrent events

Running alongside Gulfood Manufacturing were the Speciality Food Festival, Sweets & Snacks Middle East and SEAFEX, which together saw attendance from 600 local and international companies.

“We have raised the bar again this year with our trio of niche food events,” said Khalid Al Fahim, Show Director of the Speciality Food Festival, Sweets & Snacks Middle East and SEAFEX. “In addition to C-Level purchasing delegations from leading regional hospitality and retail brands conducting multi-million dollar product sourcing excursions, our highly-specialized food events feature the UAE’s first-ever National Ibrik Championship, seven Italian masterchefs in thrilling live cooking demonstrations and a series of Italian-themed pizza, risotto, pasta and espresso making competitions at the 7^th Italian Cuisine World Summit.”

About 200 local and international exhibitors participated in the Speciality Food Festival, many from Italy, Spain, Portugal and France. According to organizers this event is growing 20% y-o-y.

Compared to last year, Sweets & Snacks Middle East 2015 grew 25%, with more than 300 specialized exhibitors in attendance. It promises exhibitors and visitors a bigger and more exciting show in 2016 when it celebrates its 10 year anniversary.  

This year, SEAFEX also broke its record with participation from 110 exhibitors from 26 countries.