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Inaugural fair carves specialist show niche
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
December 12 , 2014
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Food processing industry heavyweights from around the world have praised the inaugural edition of Gulfood Manufacturing, which debuted in November as Dubai World Trade Centre's largest-ever trade show launch.
A sector-specific spin-off of February's annual Gulfood trade show, the three-day Gulfood Manufacturing hosted more than 1,100 companies from 56 countries - including 26 official country pavilions - and attracted 26,329 visitors from 156 countries.
Billed as the largest dedicated food processing trade event in the Middle-East, Africa and South East Asia (MEASA), the runaway success of Gulfood Manufacturing has prompted a host of local, regional and international food processing authorities to laud the inaugural show - which ran over 50,000m² of DWTC exhibition space - as a tailor-made platform to drive investment in the regional food processing sector.
"The fact Gulfood Manufacturing was so big and popular on its first outing highlights the demand for a specialist show in this sector," said His Excellency Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "The industry is always interested in discovering the next big thing in food processing and this exhibition opens up doors for businesses to expand and learn from each other. As a business channel, Gulfood Manufacturing will drive investment in the regional food processing sector as local and regional companies invest in equipment and machinery to improve their manufacturing and packaging lines."
One-stop-shop
Having provided a one-stop-shop for regional food processors to source the latest ingredients, processing machinery, packaging equipment and logistics, warehousing and cold chain solutions to enable faster, cheaper and cost-effective production of safer and more reliable products, Gulfood Manufacturing was praised for bringing the very best of cutting-edge, international business improvement solutions to Dubai.
"The growth of any economy requires industry, industry requires machinery and Gulfood Manufacturing brought that specialist equipment directly to us," said Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chairman of the Food & Beverage Manufacturers Business Group and Managing Director of Al Islami Foods.
Bridging the gap
"Previously, local food processors had to travel to Germany or Italy and visit companies one by one to see the latest machinery - it was very difficult. The fast-moving consumer goods industry is constantly changing and it is not easy to stay on top of technology innovations or consumer trends. As a dedicated platform, Gulfood Manufacturing eradicated these problems and raised the bar; it will take the local and regional food processing industry to the next level.
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