New priorities and challenges in processing and packaging in the global food and beverage industry will be reflected at in an upcoming event in Dubai.

Gulfood, the region’s largest food, drink, foodservice and hospitality exhibition will be held from February 21 to 24 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Many of the trends in processing and packaging will be reflected in the inaugural Gulfood conference ‘Global trends in food, beverage and processing’ which runs throughout the four days of the show.

“Rapid development and globalisation are changing the playing field as the region’s import and re-export markets bring international food practices to developing countries,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organisers of the show.

“Coupled with growing population numbers and diverse consumer habits, the opportunities are vast for emerging processing and packaging players that have the flexibility to adapt to their changing retail environments. International companies will be visiting Gulfood 2010 to capitalise on these opportunities.”

Almarri continued: “Trade professionals visiting this year’s show can expect to find the latest processing and packaging solutions to meet the demands of the evolving regional food industry.”

“From operational efficiency, quality control, food safety and consumer engagement, our exhibitors will showcase technologies and products to help regional businesses keep up with or ahead of the trends,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service