Gulfood 2012, the largest annual food and hospitality trade event, kicked off in Dubai on Sunday showcasing products and services of more than 1,080 new exhibitors from all over the world.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance inaugurated the major event in the presence of Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister for Foreign Trade and other dignitaries from around the world.

Tens of thousands of international trade visitors thronged the halls on its first day at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), where 3,800 companies from over 88 countries began brisk trading from the moment the show opened.

“The phenomenal response we have received from both exhibitors and visitors confirms the success of Gulfood in consistently delivering contracts and customers across the entire spectrum of the industry,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, the event organisers.

Running until February 22, this year’s edition is the most international in the show’s history, with a record 110 national pavillions hosting companies from their respective countries, all of which consider the event an essential platform from which to enter a very lucrative market.

Commenting on Chile’s participation, Felix de Vicente, director of Pro Chile said: 'The number of Chilean companies participating at Gulfood has grown consistently year on year, from six  in 2008 to our current 17 exhibitors at the Chilean Pavillion this year.'

'This is testament to our commitment to the region and the importance we place in it,' he remarked.

Chile’s exports to the UAE over the past five years have grown 4.4 per cent annually; in 2011 the food sector accounted for 50 per cent of our total exports to this market.

'The role that Gulfood has played in facilitating this result is unquestionable,' he added. 

In addition to new pavillions, more than 1,080 new exhibitors will also take part in Gulfood this year ensuring that visitors can be assured of new products and services from both multinational organisations and smaller independent suppliers from every corner of the world to the show, said Almarri.

Leading global brands exhibiting include Barry Callebaut, Bon Café, Britvic, DelMonte, Dilmah, Electrolux, Foster Clark, General Mills, Hershey’s, Knorr, Lipton, Masafi, Nestle, Sadia,  Snyders, Unilever and Valrhona.

On the importance of Gulfood, Richard Jones, managing director of Coffee Planet said, “This is our sixth year at Gulfood and Coffee Planet is launching a new range of Grade 1 Single Origin coffees from around the world, roasted by hand in our roaster, here in Dubai.'

'In addition we are showcasing a brand new automated vending system from Germany that delivers fresh bean-to-cup coffee with fresh milk - a revolution in coffee vending for this market,' he added.

Dedicated to providing unique networking opportunities for senior industry professionals, Gulfood features a host of industry interactive events that facilitate new business opportunities including the Gulfood Majlis, a commercial forum that offers a discreet but focused environment for business decision makers to associate with other industry professionals.

In addition, the Business Match Making Session organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is scheduled for Monday (February 20) and will connect more than 300 delegates from 20 countries through a dynamic  networking session.

The Gulfood conference has been expanded to four specialised programmes that reflect the latest international industry trends, said the organisers.

Food Leaders Summit sponsored by Global Food Industries, Pro Chile and Unilever will highlight keys to leadership success. Foodpreneur Forum will offer practical guidance for professionals in the planning, research and test phases of new market development or product launch.

Food Processing & Packaging Forum will discuss the key challenges facing manufacturing, processing and packaging industry professionals in today’s economy, with a combination of case studies, keynote sessions and interactive discussions. 

The Gulfood Workshop on Franchising offers a complete session on food franchising by an industry expert and will familiarise delegates with franchising options, feasibility issues, financial and legal criteria, and differentiation between local and international markets, they added.-TradeArabia News Service