Largest ever Gulfood already sold out

Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition, has fully sold out with more than 1 million square feet of exhibition space, four months ahead of the show.

An unprecedented 3,800 exhibitors will participate at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 27 to March 2, 2011.

Gulfood will host participants from 150 countries. More than 80 national pavilions including new country pavilions from Armenia, Bangladesh, Hungary, Iran, Libya, Morocco, New Zealand, South Africa and Sweden confirm Gulfood as the platform of choice for the world’s food & beverage industry.

“Dubai has emerged as the key ingredient for the global food industry. Its unrivalled trading network, infrastructure, easy accessibility and open market policy give Dubai its status as the business centre of the Middle East,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of the Gulfood exhibition.

“Gulfood reflects this status, providing the food & beverage industry with a global platform for trading, networking and showcasing their products and services that is unequalled anywhere in the world.”

The GCC and neighbouring regions have become key target markets for the global food industry, and the generation of global growth from the MEASA region has been critical for many companies.

Ideally positioned as the gateway between East and West, Dubai is the definitive route into these fast growing markets for a diverse range of industries, including food and all its related sectors.

According to Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Dubai’s food product exports alone exceeded AED 11.4 billion in 2009, while its re-exports of food products for the same year stand at AED 6.9 billion.

Gulfood 2011 will be the biggest event in the show’s history in both size and number of exhibitors. Together with co-located shows Ingredients Middle East and Restaurant & Café Middle East, the exhibition provides the only complete 360° showcase of the latest trends, innovations and technological developments in the industry.

In addition to the new country pavilions, a number of leading industry players have been successful in booking a first-time place at next year’s Gulfood. Global food packaging and processing solutions giant Tetra Pak looks set to command an impressive presence at the show.

Riccardo Castignetti, marketing director Tetra Pak Arabia said: “Gulfood is certainly the most important industry exhibition in this region and we look forward to being present at the show next year. Under the umbrella theme “Passion for Innovation” we will be showcasing innovation at its best, highlighting many areas of our business that add value to our partners – food and beverage producers in the Greater Middle East region as well as around the globe.”

Leading Saudi Arabian conglomerates, Al Rabie, Nadec and Savola will also be making their respective debuts at Gulfood, as will locally-based beverage and snack company Masafi and European heavyweight Dupont.

The importance of knowledge exchange is both recognised and implemented at Gulfood, with the annual Gulfood Conference bringing together top international experts under the theme “Global Trends, Regional Opportunities”, and the Dubai International Food Safety Conference, organised by the Dubai Municipality, addressing essential food safety systems, regulations and best practices within the manufacturing, retailing and food service sectors of the industry.

Additional business opportunities are nurtured through the Gulfood Majlis, a discreet but focused environment for senior industry professionals to network and develop new business opportunities.

Excellence in all elements of the industry will once again be recognised during Gulfood 2011. The prestigious Emirates International Salon Culinaire, in association with the Emirates Culinary Guild, continues to attract more than 1,300 chefs to compete in front of a panel of 25 distinguished international judges, while the high profile Gulfood Awards will once again recognise the achievements and innovations across 19 categories of the region’s food and drink industry.

Following its inaugural success this year, the Baking & Pastry Guild Competition finals will take place during Gulfood 2011, showcasing the bread and pastry making prowess of regional and international talent alongside live seminars during the four day show.

Senior Vice President for DWTC, Trixee Loh said: “Tremendous opportunity exists for all segments of the food, beverage and hospitality industry at Gulfood. Whether to maximise brand exposure, explore new markets, conduct profitable business deals or gain new insights into the latest trends and developments within the industry, this is an exhibition not to be missed. Our waiting list affirms that.”

Gulfood is strictly a trade-only event and is open to business and trade visitors from within the industry only. Complimentary registration is available in advance online. Industry business professionals on the day of the show will be able to buy either a Day Pass for AED 75, or a Four Day Pass for AED 150. Gulfood is open from 11am – 7pm Sunday 27 February 2011 to Wednesday 2 March 2011.

For more information, please visit www.gulfood.com.