Held in Dubai, Gulfood is perhaps the best trade show available for those in the food and hospitality sector looking to invest in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

Held from 19th to 22nd February, Gulfood takes place in Dubai, at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre. One of the largest and most-awaited events that concerns the foodservice and hospitality sectors in the Middle East, it showcases products, equipment and an array of specialist services. Covering the whole food and drink gamut, it also features printing, packaging, baking and the raw materials sector too.

Around 3,800 exhibitors will be taking part in Gulfood, from around 83 countries of origin. This gives Gulfood not only a distinctly Eastern feel, but also an international one too. With over 62,000 buyers from 110 countries present, it is a vast place in which to do business. 81 international pavilions showcase each of the countries’ best food, flavours, foodservice and hospitality sectors in great detail, so you can be sure of leaving with the knowledge or deals you set out to acquire.

Also on the table is the Gulfood Conference, which takes the best the industry has to offer and invites key industry experts to speak on hot topics and international concerns. Speakers this year include Yousuff Ali, Managing Director of Emke Group Lulu International, Eelco Camminga, the Vice President for South Africa, Middle East and Pakistan for Unilever and Sanjeev Chadha, the President for the Middle East and Africa for Pepsico.

Gulfood also aims to celebrate the success of those within the industry, the Gulfood Awards recognise excellence, so are a great indicator for the areas of taste and interest in the world of food and drink. The enormously popular Emirates International Salon Culinaire returns to demonstrate the skills of more than 1,300 young chefs as they compete to become stars of the future. Competitors are evaluated by a panel of 25 experts, mandated by the World Association of Chefs Societies to judge events across the globe, ensuring high competition standards. In another competitive element to Gulfood, the Pastry and Baking Salon is a platform for showcasing professional Pastry Chefs across the UAE and GCC region. The competition is open to all pastry chefs and bakers working in the UAE/GCC, to compete in static display and live baking across twelve categories. Ingredients Middle East runs concurrently with the show, creating a 360-degree industry offering for buyers and vendors. Ingredients Middle East is the only event in the region to address the manufacturing and processing sector.

This year’s exhibition should be one to remember, with four days to explore the delights on offer, you should leave having gained a real insight into not only the way business is done in the East, but also what other countries have to offer.

via Food and Drink International.