Record number of UAE operators ready for Gulfood 2017
A record number of local food and beverage businesses are preparing to capitalise on the growing appetite for quirky and inspired global produce by launching their product lines at Gulfood 2017.
The 22nd edition of this major food and hospitality show will take place February 26 to March 2 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
About 400 Emirates based F&B companies will be in attendance, the highest number ever from within the UAE, organisers said in a press release.
They said many will introduce novel ranges of new world fare that aligns with the buying requirements of international visitors seeking the latest trending food concepts.
“The UAE’s food and beverage market is continuing its evolution as an international food and beverage capital thanks to forward-thinking operators looking to maximise their stake in a market expected to be worth a whopping AED82 billion by 2020, according to Euromonitor International.”
Market researchers have variously referred to the UAE’s “limitless investment appetite” thanks to its highly diverse, growing and relatively young population which is open to new taste experiences.
In line with this, Gulfood exhibitors will be presenting adventurous yet established product lines that have already proved popular in other parts of the world, the organisers said.
Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, Exhibitions & Events Management, at DWTC said recent research shows the UAE remains resilient and there are strong fundamentals for long-term optimism in the F&B sector.
“Innovation is coming into its own and the Gulfood exhibitor profile is awash with new and exciting concepts which are gradually transforming the end-user experience. This all holds out enormous opportunity for operators and suppliers who are looking to leverage the concepts and products within their own businesses and geographic footprints,” she said.
Gulfood 2017 will span more than 1 million square feet of exhibition space allocated to 5,000 international exhibitors, including more than 1,000 new-to-show food and beverage producers bringing something innovative to the table.
Segmented into eight of the largest commodity trading markets in separate halls, the event welcomes first-time participants Malta, Finland, Slovakia, Somalia and Azerbaijan amongst more than 120 represented countries.
It is a trade event open strictly to business and trade visitors. The show is open 11am-7pm from February 26 to March 1 and 11am-5pm on March 2.
For more information: www.gulfood.com
