Trade visitors from all over the world will arrive in Dubai for one of
the most important events in the global food industry – making it the
biggest trade event ever held in the Middle East.

The Middle East foodservice market is now valued at US$ 31
billion annually, more than 90 percent of food items in the GCC are
imported, making the region the world’s biggest importer. The GCC food
market is worth more than US$ 12 billion each year and new
opportunities for producers and distributors are extensive.

Even with the global challenges facing international markets, the
Middle East remains one of the fastest-growing in the world –
highlighting the significance of Gulfood in providing tremendous
opportunities for international business.

The 14th edition of Gulfood from 23 – 26 February 2009 is sold
out at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC)
and has expanded to Airport Expo Dubai to accommodate the increasing
participation demands for the region’s largest trade exhibition for
food, drink, foodservice and hospitality equipment.

For the first time, the exhibition will be hosted across two
venues, providing more space and new product showcases to
decision-makers looking to conduct some of their most significant
business of the year. Also in response to demand, Ingredients Middle
East is co-locating with Gulfood at Airport Expo Dubai to provide an
increased offering to trade visitors.

“The current economic crisis is highlighting to global
companies the opportunities in the Middle East food market, and Gulfood
will be a focal point for those looking to support the long term growth
and development of the hotel, restaurant and tourism industry in the
region,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. “The
global food industry considers Gulfood one of the most important events
and the further expansion of the show is evidence of the vast business
and trade opportunities available in the region in crucial times.”

Gulfood will welcome more than 3,300 companies from 76
different countries with over 800 new exhibitors including, Bateel,
Choithram and Victorinox.

These companies will be joined by some of the world’s leading
food brands such as Al Ghurair, Cargill, DITO Electrolux, Lamb Weston,
Nestle and Unilever.

The largest national groups at Gulfood include Germany, Italy,
Turkey and the USA. There are also six new country pavilions taking
part including Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Pakistan and
Palestine. The pavilions reinforce the global appeal of Gulfood and
that it remains an integral part of the food industry’s business
strategy.
In keeping abreast of the global shift towards the environment, various
exhibitors at Gulfood will feature environmentally conscious products,
DITO Electrolux will highlight its range of products which are designed
and manufactured to be 60% recyclable, while Alto-Shaam will introduce
its new EcoSmart product line which will help minimise environmental
impact.

“Gulfood remains highly relevant and useful as an education
platform for the hospitality community in the region. Its showcase of
green initiatives by innovative companies and the concurrent conference
on safety developments make it one of the most sought after events in
the world. The relevance of Gulfood also reflects the strategic
positioning of Dubai in the global market. Many new-to-market companies
seek to benefit from Dubai’s strong connectivity at the heart of the
international trade network,” added Al Marri.
Platinum sponsor for the fourth year at Gulfood is Etihad Salehia with
its brand Datela, specialists in the production, development and
processing of dates, chocolates, cookies and other confectioneries.

“Gulfood is the most important exhibition of the year in the
region to expand our reach into new markets,” said Mr. Fahed Al Saleih,
CEO, Etihad Salehia Company. “It is the only place where we can meet so
many global companies who are looking to trade with us. We look forward
to launching a series of new products at Gulfood which is in line with
our strategy to provide consumers high nutrition value products with
great taste.”

The fourth Dubai International Food Safety Conference,
organised by Dubai Municipality, will offer an opportunity for
knowledge sharing with many of the leading industry speakers from
around the world.
Some of the many additional attractions taking place at Gulfood include
the Emirates Salon Culinaire 2009 – organised by the Emirates Culinary
Guild – featuring professional chefs from the UAE hospitality and food
industry competing against each other to showcase the service and food
concepts employed in the region’s world-class hotels and restaurants.
Gulfood will also host a series of management briefings on beverage
trends, innovation and business opportunities in the Gulf region,
organised by leading global consultancy Zenith International.
Gulfood is strictly a trade-only event and is open exclusively to
business and trade visitors from within the industry, proof of which
must be provided at registration. General public and persons under the
age of 21 will not be allowed into the exhibition.

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 will be able to buy
either a Day Pass for AED 50 or a Four Day Pass for AED 100.