Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 to reinforce Dubai’s food strategies

Identifying an urgent need to address growing food demand in the region, fuelled by a growing population with an increasing disposable income per capita, Dubai, boosted by its strategic geographical location, modern infrastructure, sociopolitical stability, and commitment to economic investment has moved to the forefront of the international food supply chain industry.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president, exhibitions and events management, DWTC, said: “Dubai’s geographical location, political stability, and world-class infrastructure support the food processing sector and food export trade. The continued growth of Gulfood Manufacturing is further evidence of how the world’s leading food industry providers view the show as a must-attend and Dubai as a preferred destination to both house and grow their global business.”

Backed by a visionary leadership committed to diversifying the country’s economy, whereby food trade currently accounts for 11% of the UAE’s GDP, Dubai has assumed a crucial role from manufacturing, processing, and packaging, to re-exports and the growing importance of food security. The UAE is already the world’s biggest re-exporter of rice, accounting for 81% of global trade.

Innovative government-backed initiatives such as Dubai Wholesale City and Dubai Food Park and private sector investment, highlighted by halal food producer Al Islami’s $27.2mn facility at Dubai Investment Park, Brazil’s BRF SA’s $150mn plant, and Abu Dhabi’s National Food Products Co’s $411mn facility at the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) have further cemented the UAE’s increasingly influential role in the food supply chain industry.

LohMirmand added: “Government and private sector investment in the industry complement Gulfood Manufacturing as all major stakeholders continue to work together in Dubai’s quest to become the primary hub in the global food production value chain.”

Emphasising the emirate’s high standing in the global food supply chain, Gulfood Manufacturing – the region’s largest food manufacturing, processing and supply chain event – will feature more than 1,600 local, regional, and international food supply chain suppliers and service providers with thousands of buyers. Exhibitors from more than 60 countries will be showcasing their latest innovations, including 30 national pavilions, with first-time participation from countries including Poland and across the CIS.

To ensure participating companies can connect with the right partners and investors, Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 will host the ‘Big Buyers’ Programme, which will host more than 2,000 pre-qualified buyers from across the Middle East and Africa, with a pre-determined budget to spend with participating exhibitors.

Also new for this year are the Gulfood Manufacturing Awards, which will recognise industry excellence in a glittering ceremony and gala dinner on the evening of October 31, while the innovation tours will offer visitors a memorable journey showing real-life innovations within some of the region’s top, award-winning food factories.

An industry-leading conference will also be held on the sidelines of the exhibition featuring in-depth analysis, debate, and discussion on topics including digitisation in the industry, smart manufacturing, big data, and analytics.

Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 will open from 10 am – 6 pm on 31 October and 1 November, and 10 am – 5 pm on 2 November 2017. The show is only open to F&B trade professionals and visitor attendance is free of charge.