Nothing half-baked about Gulfood theatre

Baking professionals from the Middle East and beyond are honing their skills in batter, biscuits, bread and various baking techniques in preparation for the first Middle East Baking Demonstrations, scheduled to run during Gulfood 2010.

The region’s largest trade-only exhibition for the food, beverage and hospitality industries runs from February 21-24, 2010, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

The Demonstrations section, organised as part of a collaboration between the recently-formed Baking and Pastry Guild Middle East, will showcase the skills, techniques and baking innovations of participating bakers and chefs in a purpose-built bakery theatre created by Baking Technologies.

The Baking and Pastry Guild provides bakers and pastry chefs in the region with access to training seminars, competitions and quarterly newsletters, as well as future bakery and pastry lunches and dinners.

Trixee Loh, senior vice president of Gulfood organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), commented: “Providing a platform to showcase industry innovation and facilitating knowledge sharing are integral elements of Gulfood and this year’s introduction of the Middle East Baking Demonstrations is an excellent example of this.

“Baked products, especially bread, form the culinary cornerstone for cultures around the world, so interest in this sector is likely to be strong.”

Running alongside Gulfood is Ingredients Middle East, a dedicated exhibition covering every aspect of the industry including everything from the process and supply of raw materials and cultivating ingredients to the final product.

The number of bakery ingredients companies has tripled within the show this year, in line with the significant growth in the Middle East sector.

Leading bakery companies including Backaldrin, Masterbaker and Puratos will be demonstrating master techniques, whether in artisan breads, perfect pastries or creative cookie-making.

Trade visitors will be able to learn new skills from the international demonstrators who will be manning the bakery theatre during the four-day exhibition.

Brian Ballinger, a member of demonstration organiser the Baking and Pastry Guild Middle East, said the opportunity provided by Gulfood to target professionals in this sector of the industry could not be matched.

“We are delighted to be working together to introduce the first Middle East Baking Demonstrations,” he asserted.

“Successful baking is reliant on a combination of top quality ingredients, special skills and closely guarded secrets; we hope to share all with our fellow professionals during the demonstrations.”
 

For more information, and to register for free entry, please visit www.gulfood.com/business or www.ingredientsme.com.