Kassatly Chtaura managing director Nayef Kassatly comments: “2009 was an average year and we expect to do the same in 2010, with no major improvement.”
As Friedrich Ingredients founder Reinhard Friedrich notes, “money is tight”.
“We hope that business will improve in the region after second quarter, but most probably it will take a few more years to recover,” he predicts.
Extrexport general manager Antonio Tena does not believe 2010 will be a fantastic year for the Middle East F&B industry, but ends on a positive note: “Those firms succeeding in these turbulent waters will be in an excellent position once the good winds are back.”
With plenty of exciting offerings to draw visitors in, there is no doubt exhibitors will see a lot of interest; whether that will be converted into revenue-driving deals remains to be seen.
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Dubai World Trade Centre exhibitions director Mark Napier reveals what to expect from the different show components:
- Ingredients Middle East
“Businesses locally, regionally and internationally are under intense pressure to provide safe, high-quality and innovative products to customers and at the same time ensure profitability.
Ingredients Middle East is a key global product showcase and sourcing platform for any food or beverage business in the region, and visitors will gain unrivalled access to the cutting edge innovations, new product developments and expertise of international suppliers and manufacturers in the industry.”
- Restaurant & Cafe Middle East
“Aesthetics, ambience and efficiency are essential elements in the hospitality industry business. Restaurant and Café Middle East covers every element of the restaurant and café trade beyond the food – offering visitors the latest in décor and design, equipment and technology to ensure they are equipped with the necessary tools to enhance their customer experience and benefit their bottom line.”
The first ever Gulfood Conference
“The new Gulfood Conference brings together international experts to discuss future trends and critical issues in the food and beverage industry and the relevance of these for the regional markets. Keynote speaker Saed Al Awadi, chief executive of Dubai Export Development Corporation, will highlight Dubai’s credentials as an international trading hub and the gateway to the business opportunities, while Alex Andarakis, chief executive of Al Islami Foods, will provide a detailed overview of the global halal landscape, the responsibilities and opportunities for companies operating in this domain, as well as a practical roadmap for realising revenue in this market.”
Goli Vossough, project manager, Gulfood
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