The most significant representation of leading food and drink brands the MENA region has ever seen will soon be converging in Dubai, as more than 140 major international food and drink producers come together at the new Power Brands segment at Gulfood 2017.
Represented by a contingent of major food industry heavyweights including Unilever, Nestle, Del Monte and IFFCO, the throng of leading food and drink brands will go on display at the 22nd edition of the world’s largest food and hospitality show, which runs at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 26 February to 2 March 2017.
Commenting on the influx of world-class food producers and distributors at the show, James George, Analyst at Euromonitor International, said: “Manufacturers and distributors alike are looking at the Middle East and North Africa as one of the key growth regions. This is mainly fuelled by a handful of markets particularly the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.”
With recent Euromonitor data highlighting that the global packaged food market is expected to reach USD2.2 trillion by 2020, George revealed that Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa are prevailing as the key growth drivers of packaged food globally.
“Through new entrants or brand expansion, many brands will look to capitalise on the growth potential that these regions offer with significant investments across the region. The need for quality products and services will continue to rise as a growing population drive increased demand in the food and drink sector,” added George.
Capitalising on this growth curve, the new Power Brands segment at Gulfood will connect regional buyers with international producers and distributors of both high-end and household name food and beverage brands in one place.
“2017 is a special year for Del Monte as we are celebrating our 125th anniversary. We have come a long way, focusing always on quality, product innovation and freshness. During these years, Del Monte kept its promise by serving a meaningful cause, the health of its consumers, and providing nutritious, convenient and affordable fresh products,” said Heloise Buzet, Head of Marketing MENA, Del Monte (UAE).
“For us, Gulfood and the new Power Brands segment in particular is an amazing opportunity to do business. As a truly global event, we are able to examine trends while increasing our trade networks to export on an even more significant scale,” she added.
Furthermore, Fonterra, the world’s largest exporter of dairy products, is set to debut at Gulfood with its eyes firmly set on MENA region growth.
“Built on the expertise and heritage of New Zealand dairy farming, Fonterra is behind brands known and loved by millions of people in more than 140 countries,” said Santiago Aon, General Manager Fonterra Middle East. “We’ve supported the growth in dairy consumption across the Middle East and Africa for more than 40 years and we are focused on future investment and growth in this important region.
“Gulfood is a great opportunity for us to showcase our high-quality NZMP ingredients and Anchor Food Professionals products. We are keen to engage with customers to better understand and meet their evolving needs,” added Aon.
Products being featured in the Power Brands segment at Gulfood 2017 include elite brands distributed regionally by La Marquise International, a specialist department of regional sector heavyweight Buhaleeba Group’s Foodservice Division, and Spanish food and beverage leader MVF Select.
La Marquise, who recorded a 25 percent increase in sales in 2016, will use Gulfood 2017 to promote a range of specialist products including Saffron Syrup by 1883 Maison Routin.
“Our Gulfood stand will be interactive and engaging because we want our visitors to feel like they’re not at an exhibition, but in a bar with 1883 Maison Routin, or in a coffee shop with Pellini or a gourmet store with IRCA, Palais du Chef and MEC3.”
MVF Select, which markets its products as perfect for the most discerning palates, is looking to its fifth Gulfood showing to introduce Spherification Products, a natural health product of fruit and honey, as well as its star performers, original Organic Caviar and Halal Meats and Pâté (deer and ostrich).
“The region is a very important market for us,” explained Yamila Tawfik, MVF Select’s International Business Manager. “It’s the connection between Europe and Asia and offers great potential as a fast-growing market in high gastronomic products.”
The food and drink purveyors are among 140 headline names lining up for Gulfood’s first Power Brands feature.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC said: “With more than 5,000 exhibitors, Gulfood is the perfect springboard for major distribution players who are looking to demonstrate their innovative products and solutions to international retailers. The show will provide a unique experience for buyers sourcing a full spectrum of boutique and household name brands.
“Following unprecedented demand for space, the new Power Brands platform will read like a Who’s Who of the food and drink world, reflecting the growing need for quality products and services in this region.”
Power Brands is one of eight dedicated segments now housed within Gulfood to ensure buyers can navigate the expansive show more effectively. The other sectors are: Beverages, Dairy, Fats and Oils, Health, Wellness and Free-From, Pulses, Grains and Cereals, Meat and Poultry, and World Food.
Gulfood 2017 is a trade event open strictly to business and trade visitors. The show is open 11am-7pm from February 26 to March 1 2017 and 11am-5pm on March 2 2017. Visitors can pre-register at www.gulfood.com to save AED150 (US$ 40) on the on-site entry fee of AED350 (US$ 95).
