The world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition, Gulfood, will this year focus on shifting consumer preferences for healthy food options. Held in the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from February 18-20, the Gulfood Innovation Summit will set the scene for high-caliber industry discussions with the airing of a global social and economic outlook for the food and beverage industry.
Ranging from sector disruptors such as Beyond Meat, to major global entities including The UN World Food Programme, the summit will feature in-depth discussions and Q&A sessions with chefs, influencers and industry leaders on the challenges of introducing breakthrough concepts to local markets.
Visitors can view 120 country pavilions over 1,000,000 square feet, vying for business with the latest food and beverage produce and showcases across primary market sectors: Beverages; Dairy; Fats & Oils; Pulses, Grains & Cereals; Health, Wellness & Free-from; Meat & Poultry; Power Brands; and World Foods.
Being held under a new theme – “The World of Good, The World of Food” – Gulfood 2019 (February 17-21, 2019) will showcase the global diversity of food via its international exhibitor base and a significant pool of Michelin-starred chefs participating in the all-new Tastes of the World competition. This includes concepts from France, Germany, Spain, Japan and Brazil.
New experiential zones raise the bar
Also new for Gulfood 2019 is a range of immersive features designed to enhance the visitor experience and facilitate greater business opportunities, including CxO Club, Start-Up Program, the Meat-Me competition, Tea House and a dedicated Health Lab.
“The new features are designed to reflect the trends the industry is currently undergoing and will bring new dynamics to a show that is already well known for its vibrancy in product and service innovation,” says Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events, DWTC.
• Meat Me
The two-day competition will see US-style barbeque pit masters from UAE-based restaurants go head-to-head in ‘smoking’ and BBQ masterclasses and cook-offs. The contest has won early support from American Chef and Pitmaster Orelle Young of The Blacksmith Smokehouse Dubai, the emirate’s first real smokehouse, who believes the Gulfood spotlight can give the segment a much-deserved boost.
“We are thrilled to contribute to a uniquely delicious culinary practice at one of the largest F&B conventions in the world,” notes Chef Orelle. “We are on a mission to share our knowledge and passion for American Barbecue with the world and intend to showcase the daily production routine of our signature smoked meats. We are in the business of butchering, seasoning and smoking meats low and slow for many hours.
• Tea House
This on-trend experience will enliven the Beverages Hall. Sponsored and organized by Tea Valley, part of India’s innovative DJ Group, the program will feature performances by Assamese and Moroccan dance professionals, a Chinese tea ceremony, as well as workshops and seminars probing the health attributes of tea and the basics of the drink and tea art.
• Health Lab
Health Lab is a core component of the show’s “good” proposition and will address rising consumer demand for healthy ingredients and overall products, a movement identified as a key global growth driver by French syrups and drinks producer Monin, which is returning to Gulfood for its twelfth showing.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for healthy choices in their food and drinks. They are counting calories and reading labels in search of all-natural ingredients and low- or zero-sugar content,” explains Olga Cassidy, Trade Marketing Manager, Monin.
Monin plans to use Gulfood 2019 to launch its new La Flavour de Monin range, which comprises natural and authentic concentrated fruit, herbal and spicy flavors without any added sugar or sweeteners.
• Start-Up Program
The show’s new Start-up Program will see entrepreneurs from around the world demonstrate their penetration of the international F&B segment and will feature a conference series focused on topics concerning F&B start-ups and a pitch platform.
• CxO Club
The CxO Club offers a closed business breakfast club for the industry’s proven risk-takers to explore and set new industry pathways.
“Gulfood continues to underline its status as a global industry pioneer and the 2019 show will raise the bar even higher,” LohMirmand says.
“The diversity of the content on offer and new immersive experiences, in addition to increased potential for new market opportunities, will enable visitors to get the most out of their Gulfood stay while ensuring exhibitors continue to get access to the audience they most wish to meet – buyers with specific interests in their sectors,” concludes LohMirmand.
