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Regional food logistics sector in focus at Dubai summit

Dubai, August 5, 2014

Shaping an economically-sustainable region food logistics infrastructure following decades of investment in the GCC’s aviation and maritime infrastructure and free zone trade hubs will be the top agenda at a leading exhibition and conference in Dubai in November.

The inaugural Gulfood Manufacturing will run from November 9 to 11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Due to climactic conditions and land use restrictions, about 90 per cent of the Gulf’s current food demands are met with imports – an over-reliance which will see the value of GCC food imports reach Dh194 billion ($53.1 billion) by 2020 according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

However, the regional imports far exceed demand and the GCC’s position as a major logistics hub for the global food industry is aided by significant re-export trade, it said.

Food-specific logistics remain a core component of the logistics industry in the UAE, which is anticipated to reach Dh99 billion in 2015, while Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) figures show the UAE currently re-exports nearly 50 per cent of its imported food products to other GCC countries, Russia, India, Pakistan and East Africa.

The UAE, the world’s biggest re-exporters of goods such a coffee, tea, sugar and rice, was responsible for approximately 90 per cent of global rice re-exports in 2010.

The World Bank has projected that the Mena region’s food market could exceed Dh3.65 trillion ($1 trillion) by 2030.

The event will prioritise the food logistics debate with a dedicated forum highlighting current trends and solutions for effective implementation across the multi-sector sphere.

Food Logistics Middle East, a specialised show within Gulfood Manufacturing, will bring together global industry experts to tackle challenges such as connectivity, demand and supply, transportation, storage, commercial vehicles, facilitators and service providers, IT and technology, warehousing, materials handling and logistics suppliers and operators.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, Exhibition and Events Management, DWTC, said: “Even in the recession resistant and inelastic food industry, the challenge of hyper-efficient and cost-effective logistics affects every component of the supply chain – from production to consumption.

“With growing demand set to add further pressure to the global food logistics infrastructure, Gulfood Manufacturing will provide a dedicated platform for manufacturers, suppliers and service providers from across the region and beyond to improve international connectivity, handling and supply chains.”

The show will feature more than 1,000 global food manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, including a world-class line-up of international brands.

The industry heavyweights will participate in themed sectors or within more than 24 national pavilions including Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Switzerland, Taiwan, China, Thailand, India, Italy, Austria, France, the US, the UK and Germany – also the show’s official country partner.

It will also host a Food Safety Conference, which will highlight issues related to regional food safety. - TradeArabia News Service




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