Trade event records million dollar deals across all sectors: equipment, packaging, ingredients, technology, and logistics.
Led by Selen Fair Services, Turkey has been the most leading foreign national exhibitor.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The second edition of Gulfood Manufacturing 2015, the largest and most influential F&B manufacturing trade event in the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia (MEASA) region drew to a close in Dubai on 29th October, having delivered exceptional order books, confirmed deals and new market opportunities for its 1,500 international exhibitors. The key platform for the manufacturing, processing, packaging, logistics and service sectors of the F&B industry, the show generated millions of dollars in sales, with a number of exhibitors reporting complete sellout of their stands – a largely unreported occurrence for a trade event of this kind.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and organiser of Gulfood Manufacturing said: “From all perspectives Gulfood Manufacturing 2015 can be considered a success. Having launched the show in 2014 to deliver everything a growing region-wide F&B manufacturing industry needed, it is clear from the immediate increase in exhibitors, launches and business deals, as well as the enormously successful 2,000-strong hosted buyers program that drove record sales this year, that we are meeting our objective.
“The F&B manufacturing industry is critical for each market in the MEASA region to be able to service and supply their growing populations with a sustainable, safe and secure food supply, and to positively contribute to their respective economies currently under strain from the weight of imports. It is clear from our exhibitors’ results that businesses in this region are serious about developing the sector – investing, learning and expanding.”
With ingredients a core element for manufacturing, Gulfood Manufacturing proved a valuable marketplace for sourcing, as well as accessing the latest innovations in the industry. Food equipment manufacturers reported brisk trade throughout the event, with strong sales generated across all specialist sectors.
Trade visitors to the show were equally pleased with the ability to source equipment for specialist needs.
The business opportunities presented by the burgeoning Halal food industry were highlighted at Gulfood Manufacturing, in particular for specialist ingredients and equipment manufacturers.
With packaging a critical component in maintaining the safety and integrity of food and beverage products, particularly in markets such as the MEASA region where harsh climates and a still developing infrastructure are factors, Gulfood Manufacturing played an important role in facilitating trade and connections with local, regional and international manufacturers and suppliers.
Adding significant value in the form of knowledge exchange, the Gulfood Manufacturing Conferences enjoyed strong attendance at all three summits – Next Generation Manufacturing, F&B Innovations and the Food Logistics Forum. Offering insights on industry developments, critical business factors and best practice in the industry, the three day agenda included keynote addresses from senior representatives of government and private sector.
“There is clear recognition of Gulfood Manufacturing as an essential platform for the industry, and over the past three days has delivered far-reaching connections, facilitated record business deals across the board, and contributed to the ongoing development of F&B manufacturing in the region. We look forward to continuing this success in 2016,” said LohMirmand.
Gulfood Manufacturing 2016 will take place from 7 – 9 November 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
