Gulfood gives the big picture

The key message for Gulfood 2010 is bigger, better business, says Gulfood project manager Goli Vossough, who spoke to Hotelier Middle East about the exhibition’s exciting expansion

By how much will Gulfood grow in 2010 compared to 2009 and previous years in terms of floor space, anticipated exhibitor numbers and anticipated visitor numbers?

Gulfood is the fastest growing trade exhibition in the Middle East with year-on-year growth anticipated for every aspect of the show — exhibitor participation, footfall and product and service offerings.

With an increase in floor space of more than 20%, this year’s exhibition will take up one million square feet of space to showcase the latest products, trends and industry innovations from more than 3300 participating companies. We anticipate more than 45,000 visitors from over 152 countries worldwide.

From where is that growth derived?

With the Middle East and neighbouring regions targeted by the global food and beverage industry as key growth markets for the forthcoming decade, the importance and influence of Gulfood has reached new levels.

Dubai is increasingly exporting food products around the world with around AED 3.5 billion (US $950 million) traded in 2008 according to recent figures from Dubai Export Development Corporation. The emirate also re-exported AED 4.1 billion (US $1.1 billion) worth of food products in 2008.

Gulfood is without doubt, one of the most important trading platforms for the global food and beverage industry in the region, which is reflected in our growing number of exhibitors and the number of countries participating. There will be 76 countries represented at Gulfood 2010 with country pavilions such as Argentina, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Spain, Turkey and the US all reporting unprecedented growth at Gulfood. This year we also welcome new companies from Kuwait, Libya, Peru, Portugal, Sudan, Ukraine and Uruguay.

What areas in particular are you expanding or introducing for the 2010 edition and why?

With 20% increase in floor space we are now able to triple the size of Ingredients Middle East and locate it alongside Gulfood in the new Sheikh Saeed Halls, creating an all-encompassing environment for the food industry. The Processing and Packing sector will now also have its own dedicated area, reflecting the impressive growth in this area of the food industry in the past 12 months.

We have also introduced new country pavilions including Columbia, Peru, Portugal and Uruguay.

What key trends have you noted in 2009 that you are responding to with the 2010 edition of the show?

Many visit Gulfood knowing they can hear about the latest industry trends as Gulfood is used as a yard stick for the industry. There are many different trends that will impact the show, from the latest flavours to more sleek designs in restaurants and cafés.

The fundamental trends we have recognised in the industry are increasing pressure to deliver more cost effectively without compromising quality and the need for more creative marketing of culinary offers to continue to excite and interest end users and grow the bottom line.

As Gulfood attracts 3300 exhibitors and 45,000 trade visitors and provides a strong trading platform for them to share knowledge and inspiration, we are launching the first Gulfood Conference under the title ‘Global Trends in Food, Beverage & Processing’. One of the highlights of the first day is a debate entitled ‘Top Ten Trends: The Industry Debates’.

Why did you decide to introduce the Gulfood Conference and what will the event discuss?

In an industry that is as fast-paced and competitive as the food and beverage industry, knowledge exchange and keeping abreast of market trends is critical. Keynote speaker Saed Al Awadi, CEO of Dubai Export Development Corporation, will highlight Dubai’s credentials as an international trading hub while Alex Andarakis, CEO of Al Islami Foods, a pioneer in the GCC’s processed halal food market, will provide a detailed overview of the global halal landscape and the responsibilities and opportunities for companies operating in this domain.

The conference will allow delegates to meet the business leaders driving growth in one of the most important global markets, glean information and market analysis, and identify new methods, efficiencies and opportunities to win new customers and grow business.

What else is new for 2010 and why?

This year we launch the annual Gulfood Awards, which will recognise the passion of individuals and companies behind the region’s exceptional food and drink industry. With 21 categories designed to reward innovation and excellence, the search is on for the best food and drink brands, services and suppliers.

We will also launch the Gulfood Majlis Club — a commercial networking platform for senior industry professionals to develop new business opportunities.

Restaurants in the Middle East are increasingly looking to the ‘wow’ factor to compete by introducing live cooking and interactive concepts — how does Gulfood respond to that trend?

Gulfood provides an excellent platform for the global industry to showcase the very latest innovations, product offerings and techniques from around the world.

The importance of the region’s F&B industry is reflected in the considerable investment many exhibitors make in the production of their stands and in the high-profile chefs and industry personalities that are invited by companies to demonstrate their products during the exhibition. We will also welcome many new companies this year bringing innovative products to the Middle East. They include global brands such as Hershey, Kraft and Symrise.

Of course, the much anticipated Emirates International Salon Culinaire provides an excellent opportunity for chefs to showcase their expertise and challenge existing boundaries in the world of food. This year more than 1300 chefs will compete for top honours in a number of internationally-recognised categories. They will be evaluated by a panel of 25 renowned experts, mandated by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) to judge culinary events across the globe.

What will be the key message from Gulfood 2010?

The key message for Gulfood 2010 is bigger, better business. As the largest and most influential trade exhibition in the region for the F&B industry, it has never been more important for businesses and professionals to see and be seen at Gulfood.

GULFOOD’S TOP TRENDS

Some of the trends being highlighted by exhibitors at Gulfood, Ingredients Middle East and in the processing and packaging sectors of the show include:

Quick fix: Convenience is becoming increasingly important, with time-saving products such as ready-to-eat ingredients reporting universal growth. We expect to see more ultra-quick foods, bagged salads and side dishes that are still healthy.

Fancy: People are choosing premium, gourmet foods. Fish in particular is undergoing a gourmet makeover globally, with a number of new exhibitors at Gulfood this year introducing new breeds and products.

Layering of flavours: Flavoured oils and vinegars, pairings of fruity and tangy flavours and Asian, Central American and Latin American flavours are in vogue.

Low, no and less: Low fat trumps low carb in what people seek in labels. Trans-fats are on their way out. Demand for low calorie and light products will continue to grow. Watch for allergen-free claims on food labels.

Source: Gulfood 2010 organiser Dubai World Trade Centre.