While Gulfood 2015 saw a host of major companies bringing their latest products and offers, the event also saw plenty of smaller businesses looking to make an impact and capture new markets.
Among them was Koita, exhibiting for the first time with its own stand, within the American pavilion. The company has offices in Chicago and Dubai.
The company distributes a range of American snacks, including Cap Cod potato chips and Snyder’s pretzels, as well as Gococo coconut water, which has no added sugar, and its own branded organic milk.
Speaking to HotelierMiddleEast.com, founder and CEO Mustafa Koita explained how, while retail had been the focus until now, he was now in discussions with the horeca industry.
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“At this conference, we’ve been approached by a tonne of horeca guys. And our coconut water has shown up at some of the hotels, the brunches. There’s a whole rehydration thing going on.
“We’re not there yet, but I think we will be there quickly.”
He also detailed how the company had grown over the last three years, building on the increasing demand for organic and healthy food and snacks.
“This is the first year we’ve had our own stand, and it has been so good,” he explained. “We’ve gone through all the growing pains of a smaller company, and we’re learning to do things on our own. Working with the government of food compliance and teaching people about organic.”
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