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.
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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.
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