More than 23,500 visit from 126 countries in first three days alone; Gulfood announces plans to go annual

Dubai, February 23 - The 10th edition of Gulfood, the Gulf Food, Hotel and Equipment  Exhibition ended on a high note today, with organisers Dubai World Trade Centre  announcing that the region's biggest food hospitality exhibition will become an  annual event. Visitor numbers also surpassed all expectations this year, with  more than 23,500 visitors from 126 countries crossing the threshold on the third  of the exhibition's four days.

 "Almost every exhibitor and pavilion organiser surveyed said they were very satisfied with  their success at the 10th Gulfood, and praised the trade show's  high-quality visitor structure", said Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre. "The  continuing success of the event and constant requests from industry  professionals has driven the decision to make the biennial event an annual one. 

"With every edition, Gulfood has expanded exponentially across all sectors, drawing  international manufacturers and regional and local buyers from both established  and new markets across the Middle East, Africa, India and  Eastern Europe," Al Marri said. "This year has been our best, we crossed our target of 20,000 by the third day."

 Mr. Al Marri said the two-year gap between exhibitions had been restricting the potential of the fast-growing hospitality sector in the Middle  East. "This market is growing so fast that there needs to be a show every year to keep the region abreast sourcing possibilities, and to bring  the best of the world to the Middle East," he  said, announcing that the next Gulfood would be held from February 19 to 22,  2006.

The exhibition, which featured the latest innovations in a cross-section of hospitality-related industries from food and beverage to catering equipment, processing and packaging and hotel supplies achieved the desired objectives of strengthening Dubai's reputation as a hub for the global  food, beverage and foodservice trade.  Much of the exhibitor feedback praised the exhibition's unique visitor structure - which included the leading international suppliers and buyers from the trade and catering markets - and its professionalism.

South African company Orley Foods, who have been active in the Gulf  market for the last decade, were among the trade show's most vocal proponents.  "Following Gulfood 2003, our business increased by 100 percent in the region,  and based on the response we have received at Gulfood 2005, we expect the same  kind of growth if not more," said Saul Abrahams, Marketing Manager for Orley  Foods. "This has proven to be the ideal venue for us to access not only the  Middle East market, but also the growing markets for customized food ingredients  in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka." 

"Our decision to participate in Gulfood was based largely on the show's  incredible 73% growth since 2003," said Sreejith Narendran, Sales Supervisor for  the PLET branch. "Having our principals alongside us and the opportunity to talk  with the important investment decision-makers directly and quickly was vital to  our success. Even for those established in the region, Gulfood provides an  unmissable opportunity to establish valuable contacts quickly and efficiently  over just four days."

From Central Asia to Africa, dozens of countries who had never before participated in Gulfood made an appearance this  year. Norbert M. Koeningstein, Marketing Manager for Sadia International,  commented on the significant increase in the number of visitors and the global  reach of the exhibition.

"Gulfood 2005 is noticeably larger than Gulfood 2003, and we have had substantial interest and enquiries from countries like Jordan, Syria and Iraq," he said.  "This is certainly the preferred platform for the hospitality industry even for  providers like us, as it provides the opportunity to assess our competitive  position by making a direct market comparison."

Mr. Steensen of the Denmark Consulate in Saudi Arabia said, "From a Danish point of view, we have certainly appreciated the professionalism and standard of Gulfood. In view of the success of the show, Denmark will  organise a national pavilion at Gulfood 2006."

Kiki Galanopoulou of the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board, Greece said, "It is a perfect show because all the Greek exhibitors have reached their targets meeting away traders throughout the 4 days. Of course, HEPO are planning to return in 2006. We are happy with the organization as the set-up was excellent. Everyone has complimented on the quality of visitorship at Gulfood this year."

-Ends- 

For more information, visit www.gulfood.com and contact: 
Ashok Thomas
Dubai World Trade Centre
Tel: +971 4 308 6083
Fax: +971 4 331 4853
E-mail: Ashok.Thomas@dwtc.com

Elizabeth Sen
Bates PanGulf PR
Tel: +971 4  295 3456 ext:309
Fax: +971 4 295 1027
E-mail:  liz@batespangulf.com

© Press Release 2005