Packed with more space, more exhibitors and more special features than ever before, Gulfood 2010 looks set to welcome record-breaking numbers of visitors — and exhibitors from all over the world will be there to make the most of it.

As the region’s biggest F&B trade show, Gulfood has long been a staple of the industry’s culinary calendar.

Every year, exhibitors from all over the world flock to Dubai for the last week of February, looking to form new partnerships, establish regional distribution and cement old friendships.

But after a rocky couple of years surviving the economic downturn, this year’s exhibitors are proceeding with caution.

Some companies are simply looking to form good, old-fashioned distributor partnerships, or make contacts in the Middle East.

Joanne Adirim, chief executive and corporate pastry chef at HannahMax Baking — an artisan company that develops desserts for the HORECA industry — explains: “Our goal is to develop business with foodservice distributors who sell into both the HORECA industry and retail stores.”

Chocolate World sales manager Tommaso Santi adds that he will be seeking out local dealers who are not only able to “correctly represent our products, but also our philosophy”.

Meanwhile others are looking to attract visitors from further afield.

Solia marketing manager Odile Lavail notes: “Gulfood is an international fair; so we will be searching for new distributors in markets such as India.”

Story continues below
Advertisement

Diamond Meat Processing’s Zenath Group manager of business development Mohammad Naseem will also be taking advantage of the opportunity to form partnerships further afield, primarily in North and Central Africa.

For some old hands, the show acts as an excellent platform to refresh existing relationships, as well as make new ones.

Andy Mannhart AG business development manager Jomy John explains: “We aim to get constructive feedback from existing clients, to improve our service.”

A Ronai managing director Gavin Dodd agrees: “For our type of products it is very difficult to get anything tangible from any exhibition, but we hope that we will be able to continue reinforcing our message that we want to be a professional supplier to the hospitality industry. We will also be introducing our new sales executive, Lani Mandrea, who will be based in Bahrain.”

Sodiko sales manager Hilde Vanholst notes that personal relationships are key to success in this industry, adding: “Honesty and trust are vital; the relationship between producer and customer is very important and makes a big difference when building business.”

Other companies are seeking to launch new product lines with a bang. Heat and Control Pty Ltd marketing executive Amber Crowley reveals: “We will promote the latest processing innovations for the continuous food industry, specifically showcasing the Revolution Seasoning System (RSS).”

Similarly, Australian-based Capilano Honey will promote its new Snap ‘n’ Squeeze line, while J V Overseas Trading Limited — part of a business conglomerate crossing various sectors, but primarily focused on tea — will promote its new umbrella brand SUPER, while Willemse & van Engelen Bakkerijimachines, a manufacturer of jelly- and confectionary-spraying machines, will be demonstration various models at its stand.