Global food processing industry majors praised Gulfood Manufacturing’s
inaugural edition, which concluded at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
recently. A sector-specific spin-off of Gulfood (which takes place in
the emirate in February every year), the three-day event hosted over
1,100 companies from 56 countries (including 26 official country
pavilions), and was attended by 26,329 visitors from 156 countries.
The
show, billed as one of the largest dedicated food processing trade
events in the Middle-East, Africa and South-East Asia (MEASA), was
spread over 50,000sq m of exhibition space.
“The fact that
Gulfood Manufacturing was so big and popular on its first outing
highlights the demand for a specialist show in this sector,” said 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 would 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,” he added.
The show 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, and brought cutting-edge 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, Food & Beverage Manufacturers’ Business Group and managing
director, Al Islami Foods.
“Previously, local food processors
had to travel to Germany or Italy and visit companies one by one to see
the latest machinery, which was very difficult. The fast-moving consumer
goods (FMCG) industry is constantly changing, and it is not easy to
stay on top of technology innovations or consumer trends,” he added.
“As
a dedicated platform, Gulfood Manufacturing eradicated these problems
and raised the bar. It would take the local and regional food processing
industry to the next level. The show recognises that there is a great
opportunity for local companies, and gives everyone a chance to gain
more know-how and to buy on-the-spot. It hits the nail on the head,”
Lootah said.
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