Mark Napier, exhibitions director at Dubai World Trade Centre, had the task of organising Gulfood. He takes time out from his busy schedule to share some insider knowledge
How long have you been organising the show for?
I have been organising Gulfood for three years now. I love it because every year the show develops into something bigger and better. With an unrivalled track record for delivering record business deals, quality customers and entry into lucrative new markets, Gulfood is now a key element in the business plans of food, beverage and hospitality companies around the world.
The sheer scale of the event is probably the biggest challenge we have as an organiser. With over 3,800 exhibitors and nearly 1 million square feet of exhibition space, there is never a dull moment! Fortunately we have a very experienced team who are as passionate about this show as I am.
| Advertisement |
Did you have anything new planned for 2012?
Every year, Gulfood aims to deliver a show that is more valuable than the previous year and we have seen year-on-year growth for every aspect: exhibitor participation, footfall and product and service offerings. This year’s event will see a record 107 international pavilions joining over 65,000 trade visitors from more than 150 countries.
With representatives from every corner of the globe, it confirms Gulfood’s position as the world’s largest annual trade show for the food, beverage and hospitality industry.
In addition, given the size and how busy it is, we have made improvements by making it easier to visit the event and get right down to business with fast-track entry channels, as well as making the provision for more networking zones.
Daily newsletters and SMSs also keep visitors posted on the daily agenda, conference sessions, live competitions and other exciting features.
What do you think the Gulfood awards will bring to the industry this year?
Since their launch in 2010, The Gulfood awards have become a hotly anticipated element of the show. They recognise the excellence and passion of the individuals and companies behind the region’s exceptional food and drink industry. This year, 20 categories will be judged by an international panel of independent industry experts.
Why do you think the Middle East is the most exciting region in the world to be in the F&B business?
With home markets increasingly over-saturated, many of the world’s food trade companies are looking to emerging markets to deliver sustainable growth.
The Middle East is strategically positioned at the centre of trade between East and West, with a world-class logistics, trade and business infrastructure and a progressive approach to its expansion to meet growing demand.
Jebel Ali port will undergo a US $850 million expansion in 2012 and the cargo-dedicated Dubai World Central Airport is on track for an increase in capacity, making Dubai the hub for the re-export market into the Middle East, Asia, Africa and increasingly, Eastern Europe.
With so many attributes to facilitate trade and economic growth, The Middle East is a fantastic place for brisk business within F&B and attracts the brightest and the best within the industry.
Article continues on next page...
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
