GULFOOD VOX-POP

Exhibitors at Gulfood give us an insight into upcoming industry trends.

Baqer Mohebi Est head of sales and marketing for the HORECA division S Padmanabhan:

“Our health and wellness products are seeing steadily increasing interest.

“We are showcasing a lot of health and wellness products at the how this year – toward the end of last year we launched a healthy range of bread mixes, and this year we are launching a chocolate which contains healthy oxidants.

“We are also looking at an all-sour dough bread, which is very popular in this type of the world, and healthy.”

Monin beverage innovation director Tihomir Gergov:

“I think clients are looking for convenience, but across the Middle East in general, I think a big trend is taking off with regards to local ingredients.

“We’re seeing elements like cardamom, saffron, figs and mint really coming to the fore in this region.”

A Ronai managing director Gavin Dodd:

“The problem with trends from a tabletop perspective is that a lot of people have moved from patterned towards plain white products, but then say they want something unique - but it’s very difficult to create something unique that is then practical as well!”

Advance Baking Concept (ABC) managing partner Jad Charafeddine:

"A lot of people are looking at convenience and cost cutting – so that's what we're really gearing our operations towards. We offer a professional product, you don;t need a whole bakery within your operation, or all that manpower and expertise. We offer a start-to-finish solution which is accessible to all."