The second edition of Gulfood Manufacturing 2015, the largest and one of the most influential F&B manufacturing trade event in the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia (MEASA) region drew to a close in Dubai on 29th October, having delivered exceptional order books, confirmed deals and new market opportunities for its 1,500 international exhibitors. The key platform for the manufacturing, processing, packaging, logistics and service sectors of the F&B industry, the show generated millions of dollars in sales, with a number of exhibitors reporting complete sellout of their stands – a largely unreported occurrence for a trade event of this kind.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and organiser of Gulfood Manufacturing said: “From all perspectives Gulfood Manufacturing 2015 can be considered a success. Having launched the show in 2014 to deliver everything a growing region-wide F&B manufacturing industry needed, it is clear from the immediate increase in exhibitors, launches and business deals, as well as the enormously successful 2,000-strong hosted buyers programme that drove record sales this year, that we are meeting our objective.
“The F&B manufacturing industry is critical for each market in the MEASA region to be able to service and supply their growing populations with a sustainable, safe and secure food supply, and to positively contribute to their respective economies currently under strain from the weight of imports. It is clear from our exhibitors’ results that businesses in this region are serious about developing the sector – investing, learning and expanding.”
One of the largest suppliers of technology for the global food processing industry, German giant GEA reported exceptional results as a result of their participation this year. Robert Schmiehusen, Head of Sales for CIA and MEA at GEA said: “Not only were a number of significant orders signed, but we had an overwhelming level of interest from new markets – in particular this year from Pakistan. What was also interesting for us was that not only did we conclude sales with our known customers, but also with brand new and unknown customers who purchased on the spot. This show is not about coming to look, visitors here were coming to buy. We’re already planning a bigger presence for next year. For GEA this show is essential.”
With ingredients a core element for manufacturing, Gulfood Manufacturing proved a valuable marketplace for sourcing, as well as accessing the latest innovations in the industry. Döhler, the global producer, marketer and provider of technology-based natural ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the F&B industry, launched more than 80 new products at the show this year. According to Shashank Vengasarkar, Managing Director, Döhler Middle East said: “We have participated at Gulfood for many years, and when the DWTC approached us in 2013 about creating a dedicated show for Gulfood Manufacturing we weren’t confident in its standalone success. How wrong we were – this show is a runaway success. Not only have we introduced more than 80 new products to the market, we’ve conducted more than 100 productive customer meetings each day. What we need now is for the show to be a day longer – three days is too short!”
With packaging a critical component in maintaining the safety and integrity of food and beverage products, particularly in markets such as the MEASA region where harsh climates and a still developing infrastructure are factors, Gulfood Manufacturing played an important role in facilitating trade and connections with local, regional and international manufacturers and suppliers.
Ishida Europe, a leading supplier of automated solutions for the food industry, showcased their market-leading ranges of weighing, quality control and packing line technology at Gulfood Manufacturing. Torsten Giese, Exhibition & PR Manager for the company said: “This year we generated 10 confirmed orders and around 250 strong leads – our best show in the Middle East yet – with business from many countries and regions such as UAE, KSA and Egypt, as well as emerging markets such as Iran and Iraq. The establishment of this separate manufacturing show from the main Gulfood exhibition in February has been achieved seamlessly and is particularly appropriate for us.”
Adding significant value in the form of knowledge exchange, the Gulfood Manufacturing Conferences enjoyed strong attendance at all three summits – Next Generation Manufacturing, F&B Innovations and the Food Logistics Forum. Offering insights on industry developments, critical business factors and best practice in the industry, the three day agenda included keynote addresses from senior representatives of government and private sector.
Gulfood Manufacturing 2016 will take place from 7 – 9 November 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.