Dubai

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WOP DUBAI 2015 set new records in exhibitor and visitor numbers

WOP DUBAI 2016 will take place November 13–15 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The 2015 edition of WOP DUBAI – the only dedicated exhibition for fresh fruits & vegetables trade in the Middle East – turned out to be the region’s most important annual platform for fresh industry members to meet and do business.

For the seventh consecutive year, the show WOP DUBAI was under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality.

The show, held October 5-7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was inaugurated by H.E. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director- General of the Dubai Municipality and organised in cooperation with Dubai Municipality.

The overall outcome of the show this year once again reflected the huge growth in the trade of perishables in the Middle East, organisers said in a press release. They said it proved the position of WOP DUBAI as the only trade fair for fresh produce in the region as well as strengthen the emirate of Dubai as an important destination and a worldwide trading centre for fruits and vegetables.

WOP DUBAI achieved strong growth in 2015: with 205 exhibitors from 30 different countries – an increase of 20% – and 25% more exhibition space rented out. In terms of visitors, 11% more people attended, taking total visitor numbers to 4,923. They came from 76 countries.

The exhibitor companies were very satisfied with the visitor response, and many registered as exhibitors for next year even before the trade fair ended. Some also signed up for much larger exhibitor spaces.

International interest in WOP DUBAI increased once again in 2015. There were official country pavilions representing 14 countries: Egypt, Australia, Belgium, China, France, Italy, Kenya, Moldova, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, Mauritius and Spain.

This year the event will once again be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre – the most prestigious exhibition center in the Middle East – with a bigger space booked in order to provide exhibitors with more services and space options in halls 5, 6 & 7.

WOP DUBAI 2016

Date: 13 – 15 November

Location: Dubai World Trade Centre

Halls: 5, 6, 7.

More info: http://www.wop-dubai.com/

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Gulfood 2016 promises more tastes, trends and trade

Its 1st Russian pavilion and the 3rd Halal World Food, an upscaled visitor experience and three new indoor halls will be among the features of Gulfood 2016, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Sunday February 21 to Thursday February 25.

Its 1st Russian pavilion and the 3rd Halal World Food, an upscaled visitor experience and three new indoor halls will be among the features of Gulfood 2016, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Sunday February 21 to Thursday February 25.

Billed as the world’s largest annual food and hospitality trade show, Gulfood is expected to draw more than 5,000 international companies from 120 countries, cementing its standing as a leading global food trading platform. And among the 85,000-plus visitors from more than 170 countries expected, it will host international heads of state, ministers, government officials and national trade associations from five continents.

‘More Tastes, More Trends and More Trade’ are promised for the 2016 edition of this specialist event, which will welcome tens of thousands of finished food suppliers, bulk commodity wholesalers and exporters. Its first Russian national pavilion will be one of 114 national pavilions. Another highlight will be the prize ceremony for the 2016 Gulfood awards – designed to celebrate excellence and innovation across every category of the global food industry – taking place at a gala dinner on the first day of the show.

“Gulfood is internationally renowned for providing a trusted and accessible platform for the world’s food industry to meet, transact and trade out of Dubai – one of the world’s most diverse, energetic and vibrant trading hubs,” said Trixie LohMirmand, DWTC’s senior vice president of exhibitions and events management.

“As global food producers and traders establish new supply routes to reach customers and monetise opportunities in emerging markets, the heightened visitor experience will enable industry heavyweights to make strategic purchasing decisions with trusted suppliers, all while consolidating the UAE’s key role as a major transshipment destination for food products and hospitality equipment,” she said.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Halal World Food, the world’s biggest annual Halal food sourcing trade event, will leverage Dubai’s mounting credentials as a global Islamic Economy capital and increase the emirate’s share of year-round trading in halal foods.

“This is now an essential prerequisite for any supplier looking to establish a foothold in the world’s fastest growing food industry sectors with the global Halal market expected to reach US$10 trillion by 2030,” LohMirmand said.

From specialty and fine food, to the widest range of organic food and drink, Gulfood is an opportunity to discover unique products from hundreds of specialist producers and over 110 international pavilions. Specialty areas covered are artisanal products, children’s products, ethnic food, fair trade, gift packs/hampers, gourmet & fine food, Halal products, health/wellness products, organic products, private label, ready meals and special diet products.

Image source: Gulfood

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Entries open for 2016 Gulfood awards

Gathering 5,000 food and beverage exhibitors from over 120 countries, the Gulfood show is billed as one of the world’s most important annual food and hospitality shows and an unrivalled chance to source and select from an incredible global product showcase.

Entries close on January 29 for the Gulfood Awards, which are designed to celebrate excellence and innovation across every category of the global food industry.
Now in their seventh successful year, the awards are being held as part of the Gulfood show, taking place at the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Sunday February 21 to Thursday February 25, 2016.
The finalists and winners in the 2016 awards will be announced during a special gala dinner in Dubai on the first day of the show February, February 21.
The 22 award categories include:

  • Best new functional food or drink
  • Best new Halal food
  • Best new fast food product or innovation
  • Best new frozen or chilled food
  • Best artisan or local food
  • Best health education initiative
  • Best new foodservice innovation
  • Best environmental sustainability initiative
  • Best consumer marketing campaign
  • Best trade stand
  • Gulfood Outstanding achievement
  • Best foods company, and
  • Best newcomer brand or business

Gulfood show a global product showcase and trade platform

Gathering 5,000 food and beverage exhibitors from over 120 countries, the Gulfood show is billed as one of the world’s most important annual food and hospitality shows and an unrivalled chance to source and select from an incredible global product showcase. As one of the largest fairs in the Middle-East, it is very popular among importers and exporters of agro products and a crucial trade and business platform in a region with ever increasing demand – exhibitors and visitors from almost every country in the world meet at Gulfood to conduct cross-border business and establish international contacts in the trade arena.
Last year Gulfood attracted 84,642 total trade attendees, 64% of whom came from non-United Arab Emirates (UAE) countries, with a total of 156 countries covered, and 83% of visitors were looking to purchase within the next 6 months.
From specialty and fine food, to the widest range of organic food and drink, it is the opportunity to discover unique products from hundreds of specialist producers and over 110 international pavilions. Specialty areas covered are artisanal products, children’s products, ethnic food, fair trade, gift packs/hampers, gourmet & fine food, Halal products, health/wellness products, organic products, private label, ready meals and special diet products.

Safeguarding the UAE’s food security

The show venue, the Dubai World Trade Centre, is within the business hub of Dubai, the city which is itself a hospitality, trade and tourism hub for the Middle East. A majority of UAE imports are traded through Dubai, its biggest city.
And according to UAE Minister of Economy Sultan Al Mansouri, food imports into the UAE – which buys in 85% of its food – are poised to rise from $100 billion (Dh367 billion) in 2014 to $400 billion in the next decade. Due to the lack of arable lands in the UAE, the government plans to develop farmland in other countries to help to secure food supplies amid increasing demand and it is also urging diversification of the sources of imported food so as to hedge against any crisis.
The UAE has already invested in agro-food initiatives in Namibia, South Africa and in several Arab countries including, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan and Egypt, Al Mansouri said.
Within the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – food consumption is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% between 2014-2019 to reach 51.9 million tons by 2019 and food retail in the GCC is forecast to be worth $155 billion by 2018.

Gulfood 2016

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Barakat Quality Plus adopts shift work to better serve hospitality sector

Part of Barakat Group, BQP produces cut vegetables and fruits, ice cream and fruit juice. It has 95 varieties of juices and 200 different ice creams flavours. It is also retailing soups and salads.

The newest development at UAE-based food and beverage company Barakat Quality Plus (BQP) is that the company has introduced shift work. This move reflects the company’s focus on hotels, which account for 75% of turnover received overnight, according to BQP managing director Michael Wunsch. Among the advantages of the change is that BQP’s fleet, which was previously only in operation for 8 hours, is now better used. Also, the long queues in receival areas and dense traffic in the city during day can be avoided at night, Wunsch said.

Growth in airlines business

BQP’s turnover is directly linked to the hospitality sector and 2015 has not been a year of growth. Summer tourism in the UAE declined about 20%, mainly because Ramadan is now in summer. Also the high value of the US dollar against the euro affected tourism from Europe.

However, BQP’s business with airlines is growing every year by about 5% and it has a new business with its own vending machines, starting with 25 machines, mainly in hospitals and government offices offering juices and salads. All the investment and operations are done by BQP itself.

Part of Barakat Group, BQP produces cut vegetables and fruits, ice cream and fruit juice. It has 95 varieties of juices and 200 different ice creams flavours. It is also retailing soups and salads.

BQP going public

Another key development is that BQP is going public. Forty percent of its capital will be listed in an IPO (initial public offering.) Also, it is investing in a new logistic centre serving both its factories, one objective of which is to facilitate its night deliveries.

MM

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French potato delegation to showcase high quality products at WOP trade show 2015

The French Potato Delegation, FEDEPOM, will attend the WOP 2015-World of Perishables in presence of six diversified companies to showcase high quality of farm products to the local market. The French Federation of potato Packers and Traders will have a stand on the exhibition and will be located Stand E10 – Hall 3 at the Dubai World Trade Centre from the 5th to the 7th of October 2015.

The French Potato Delegation, FEDEPOM, will attend the WOP 2015-World of Perishables in presence of six diversified companies to showcase high quality of farm products to the local market. The French Federation of potato Packers and Traders will have a stand on the exhibition and will be located Stand E10 – Hall 3 at the Dubai World Trade Centre from this October 5-7.

FEDEPOM is the Federation of French potatoes traders, with over 70 members, representing over 80% of market players in France. This year, and for the first time, FEDEPOM will present six companies to introduce to the UAE and the Middle East market the French diversity of potato varieties such as: Agatha, Anabelle, Melody, Caesar, Mozart, Franceline, Charlotte, Bintje, Vitelotte, Ratte. UAE companies could avail of this opportunity to enter into new business partnerships.

France is one of the biggest producers of potatoes in the world, with a farmland of 120,000 ha, and a production between 5 and 6 millions of tons last year. The potato is also very important in the history of France. Indeed, the French pharmacist Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, who recognised the nutritional values of the potato, promoted its human consumption and production in France. Dr Parmentier’s crowning glory was when his recipe “hachis Parmentier” was served to Louis XVI and the Queen of France – Marie-Antoinette – in 1785.

FEDEPOM will be located at the following stand: SE10 – Hall3 – WOP 2015- DWTC.

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Kibsons starts banana imports and building of new cold store

SPECIAL me KIBSONS

“Everything has its challenges, but the fruit and veg business is moving in a positive direction here in the Middle East,” according to Daniel Cabral, senior import manager at Kibsons. Annual turnover has been increasing by 12-13%, something he expects to continue in the near future due to improving market conditions and the new business activities this generates. “We are also confident of increasing our market share thanks to our year-round service offering consistent quality and supply volumes.” The company has just started the distribution of bananas and pineapples, with deliveries to both supermarkets and wholesalers in Al Aweer and other emirates. 
“A one stop shop” is the winning concept of the company, which offers more than 300 items on a daily basis. The group has 300 employees and 40 distribution trucks. “We also remain one of the three market leaders in airfreight imports.” This business unit so far represents 25% of turnover and is growing at the same rate as shipments. Vegetables and berries are the main two air cargo categories. The US is Kibsons’ number one berry supplier, representing 70% of volume, while Europe (Holland) is the main source of vegetables; Australia for stone fruit, grapes, cherries and mangoes; and Thailand and Vietnam for exotics. On average about 50 different kinds of items arrive each day by airfreight, and 250 in the course of a year. 
Citrus, apples, pears, grapes, kiwis and stone fruit are the main items. The main sources for citrus fruit are South Africa, Spain, Italy, Chile, the US, Brazil and Australia. “Since there is no local production we have no disease control restrictions on South African imports.” Oranges, lemons and easy peelers are all popular in the region. “We are increasing our sourcing from Egypt and Spain, with Navels and Valencias from November until March,” Daniel said. 
No chances are taken with quality – Kibsons complies with both HACCP for food safety and OHSAS 18000 on occupational health and safety. “We also have several other protocols in process, namely ISO9001, ISO14000 and 22000 for environment and food safety,” he said.
The company is building a new cold store to increase its storage and distribution capacity. Located near the market, it will be ready by early 2015 and will complement the existing one – which has a 2500-pallet capacity – with triple that storage, while also equipped with 12 cold stores and 6 banana ripening rooms.

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Pan Fresh starting catering division and retail activity

SPECIAL uae PAN FRESH

The importer Pan Fresh International opened a new catering division in January in order to directly supply end customers such as restaurants, hotels and food service contractors. “We now hold a larger portfolio of about 80 fruit and 30 vegetable varieties, making us capable of supplying end users with the full range of products they need,” said commercial director Mohammad Ali Arjomandi. Smaller greengrocers and supermarkets are also among the targets of the new division, both in the UAE and other GCC countries. As a result, Pan Fresh has increased its fleet of 40-foot trucks from 15 to 25 units this season. It also operates 30 smaller trucks for local deliveries.
The overall import activity of the group continues to increase, in particular with more specialty varieties, like mangoes and pomegranates. The full exotic line is also more popular, such as mangustan, tamarillo and passion fruit. “Our overseas shipments have increased significantly. Today we offer a very competitive range of items from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and the US.” Pan Fresh has a proven track record with new businesses requiring more specialties, such as year-round cherry supply, kumquat, and so on. Half of its total imports are re-exports to other GCC countries and beyond, such as to the Caucasus.
The group today employs 200 people and saw sales rise 20% in 2013. Pan Fresh managers see market conditions as favorable for continued growth at the same rate. “Our success lies in providing our customers with the best service and product quality, and on-time delivery,” he said.