Global bakery associations and technology providers from more than 50 countries are set to showcase innovations and technologies at the inaugural Gulfood Manufacturing event in Dubai, UAE, next month.

Members of the US Bakery Equipment Manufacturers Association (Bema) and other leading international producers of high quality food manufacturing equipment will aim at aiding the productivity and business efficiencies of the Middle East’s burgeoning bakery sector players at the event, from November 9 to 11, said a statement.

The region’s bakery sector is continuing to flourish, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for more than $4.3 billion worth of bakery products, according to Global Industry Analyst, a contingent of international associations and companies aiming to capture a lion’s share of the growing regional requirement for bakery equipment.

Kerwin Brown, Bema president and CEO, said: “With Gulfood Manufacturing so focused on manufacturing, we knew it would be an excellent gateway to growing markets for our members. In particular, the quick-serve restaurant growth and much-needed bakery support in the Middle East, Africa and Indian sub-continent are of interest to our members, who can bring the required automation and quality equipment to regional wholesale producers.

“By hosting the Bema Pavilion, we are allowing North America’s leading bakery equipment manufacturers and ingredient companies to engage with food producers in new and important markets. Bema members also recognise the opportunity and the importance of the developing food processing markets in the Middle East, Africa and Indian Sub-Continent.

In addition to selling directly to GCC markets, Bema members are looking to expand their business by engaging new agents and distributors that can sell and support their machinery and products.

Stewart Macpherson, owner of Canada-based Unifiller Systems, said the company will leverage Gulfood to highlight its product line-up of depositors, filling machines, transfer pumps, cookie extruders, decorating equipment and automated production lines.

“This exhibition presents a unique opportunity to partner with key food producers in a lucrative market. With food safety, rising commodity prices and a focus on reducing waste always at the forefront of food producers’ business strategies, Gulfood will bring together high-powered purchasers from around the world to source the latest tools to aid their business efficiency,” he said.
 
“We are looking to establish our presence in the UAE and beyond to provide regional food and baked goods producers with high quality, durable and versatile equipment that reduces product waste with minimal downtime and will significantly help regional businesses streamline their operations through increased production yield.”

Macpherson also noted a growing need for more hygienically-produced products in markets that are becoming more regulated.

“Producers are looking for equipment solutions that prevent floor, hand or air contamination, and our equipment allow producers to deposit, fill and transfer products without human effort, thereby reducing contamination possibilities.”

The event will also feature the two-day ‘Bakery Innovations Summit’ presented by Knowledge Partner, Bakery Initiatives of the Netherlands, which will provide a specialist platform for investors and industrial bakeries to meet regional and global bakery sector experts to share knowledge and develop strategies amid increasing market demand for innovative offerings.

“The Middle East region, along with parts of Northern, Central and Southern Africa, have seen continued growth in the bakery industry and now is the right time for us to cater to the demands of this flourishing sector,” said Mark Salman, managing partner, Bakery Initiatives.
 
“Considering the immense opportunities available within the sector, Bakery Initiatives, as a one-stop solution provider, views Gulfood as the perfect springboard to meet and network with potential partners and showcase our expertise in offering tailor-made bakery consultancy services, bakery concepts and turn-key bakery solutions for new bakeries, as well as improving the overall performance of existing ones,” said Salman.

The topics to be explored at the summit will include bakery financials and strategy, hardware innovations and technology, and industry trends and marketing. It includes the ‘Power Of Wholegrains – Better Bakery Products For Consumer Well Being’, ‘Vacuum Cooling: The Golden Opportunity For Food Safety And Quality Improvement In Baked Goods’, ‘Why Book Keepers Should Not Make Business Decisions?’, ‘IT Solutions To Support International Safety And Traceability Regulations’, ‘Worldwide Trends In Food Industry’, and ‘Industrial Bakers & Artisan Bakers: A Profitable Partnership’.

Tribe LohMirmand, senior vice president, Exhibition and Events Management, DWTC, said: “The global make-up of the Bakery Innovations Summit reflects the international standing of our debut Gulfood Manufacturing event.

“The show will establish instant credentials as a leading international platform for prominent food processors and manufacturers the world over to make strategic business improvement investments that will elevate their businesses to the next level in terms of production efficiency.”

Meanwhile, Mecatherm Group, a French manufacturer of ovens, machines and automatic production lines for industrial bakeries, will will host a live demonstration of its innovative bakery equipment at the show.

The products to be showcased include the Combi Bloc Oven and the Double Action Oven – adaptable machines which can produce everything from tinned bread and crusty baguettes to white loaves and pastries. - TradeArabia New Service