3,500 firms from 80 nations take part in four-day Gulfood

Gulfood 2010 was inaugurated yesterday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, with the global food industry looking to one of the world's largest and most influential food, drink, foodservice and hospitality exhibitions to deliver four power-packed days of business generation and networking.

Tens of thousands of visitors from countries throughout the Middle East, the Levant, North Africa, and the Subcontinent thronged the halls on its first day at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, where a record 3,500 companies from more than 80 countries are participating.

"We are delighted that Sheikh Hamdan has given his support to Gulfood 2010," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the exhibition. "The phenomenal response the industry has accorded the event is testament of Gulfood's indisputable standing as one of the world's best food events for business generation and industry networking. This year's show indicates market growth for all sectors of the food and beverage industry."

Running until February 24, Gulfood 2010 is the biggest event in the show's history, occupying more than one million sq ft of exhibition space, with more than 3,500 exhibiting companies from 81 countries. Ingredients Middle East and Restaurant & Café run concurrently with the show, creating a full-service industry showcase of the latest trends, innovations, products and services.

Industry leaders including Al Ghurair, Al Islami, Dohler, Foritech Europe, Nestle Professional, Puratos, Rational AG, Sadia, Symrise, Tyson and Platinum sponsor Etihad Salehia are all showcasing more products and services than before.

Fahed Al Saleh, CEO, Etihad Salehia Company, said: "Gulfood enables us to meet our most important business objectives: reinforcing our leadership position in the market; expanding our network of distributors; educating the market in terms of nutritional wealth of dates; and launching a series of innovative new products."

This year marks the introduction of a number of value-added initiatives, including the inaugural Gulfood Conference, which brings together global experts to discuss future trends and critical issues in the food and beverage industry and the relevance of these for the regional markets.

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