Gulfood welcomes the world

EVENT: 14TH GULFOOD EXHIBITION

DATE:    23 – 26 FEBRUARY 2009

VENUE: DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, & AIRPORT EXPO DUBAI, UAE

Gulfood, one of the world’s top exhibitions for the food, drink, foodservice and hospitality industry is preparing for its biggest edition yet with four exciting days of dedicated events and programmes, including the co-located Ingredients Middle East Exhibition, Restaurant & Cafe Middle East, Emirates International Salon Culinaire, the renowned Dubai International Food and Safety Conference and a comprehensive programme for the beverage industry.

To meet the increased industry demand, Gulfood will expand to a record 80,000 sqm, and will for the first time be held at two local venues; the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Airport Expo Dubai.

Airport Expo Dubai will provide a showcase for hundreds of products and exhibitors now able to participate for the first time, including major new country pavilions such as Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Iran, Kuwait, Pakistan and many more.

Gulfood will welcome over 3,300 international companies from more than 150 countries keen to establish and build upon the regions reputation as an important trading hub. With over 90 per cent of food items in the GCC imported, new opportunities for producers and distributors are extensive and this growing market has attracted 80 government-sponsored country pavilions specialising in the food and hospitality sector such Bulgaria, Iceland, Montenegro and Russia, among others, as well as representation from government trade bodies and export associations.

All of these features will provide the region with a comprehensive, one-stop-supply-shop where visitors and exhibitors can learn about the dynamics of each country’s food industry, discuss business and trade opportunities, and network with companies from every major producer nation.

Gulfood will provide a tailor-made environment to each visitor and exhibitor in the following areas:

• Ingredients Middle East

Ingredients Middle East will co-locate with Gulfood to form one of the world’s first exhibitions to bring together the industrial sector with food manufacturers and processors. The co-location will form the definitive trade platform in the region and deliver a unique global perspective for industry professionals.

• Restaurant & Cafe Middle East

Held alongside Gulfood, Restaurant & Café Middle East is a highly specialised trade exhibition designed to meet the needs of industry professionals involved in every step of the restaurant and café set up and operation. Trade visitors will be able to source from hundreds of suppliers showcasing everything from interior designs, tableware and furnishings.

• Emirates International Salon Culinaire

The world renowned Emirates International Salon Culinaire aim to dazzle trade visitors and exhibitors alike with cookery demonstrations; live cooking competitions; ice carving demonstrations; buffet and banqueting showpieces; pastry and sugar set pieces; and bakery and confectionery innovations.

• Dubai International Food and Safety Conference

The 4th Dubai International Food Safety Conference, organised by Dubai Municipality, will also be present to examine the challenges and issues in the Middle East market with renowned speakers from around the world addressing topics including food safety systems, new regulations and best practices.

• Beverage Opportunity Workshops

Organised by Zenith International one of the world's leading drinks consultancies, the Beverage Opportunity Workshop will provide a comprehensive programme for the beverage industry and offer research and insights into issues that are critical to the beverage sector in the region.

Gulfood exhibitors from across the globe will be able to leverage their investment in Gulfood to build a strategic business platform, take a bigger share of business with the region, and utilise Dubai’s position as a re-exporting hub. With dedicated areas within Gulfood, visitors will also find it easier to find the right suppliers for specific products and services – offering visitors a comprehensive A-Z solution for the entire industry.

The 14th Gulfood Exhibition, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and Airport Expo Dubai from 23-26 February 2009. A complimentary transport service for visitors between the two venues will be available.

Interested trade visitors are advised to pre-register online at www.gulfood.com where they can qualify for free entry. Industry business professionals on the day of the show can buy either register at Airport Expo Dubai for free entry to both venues or visit Dubai International Convention Centre and purchase a Day Pass for AED 50, or a Four Day Pass for AED 100.