January 23, 2007

MIDDLE EAST OFFERS MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIAN FOOD PRODUCERS AND DISTRIBUTORS


Gulfood, the Internationally Acclaimed Trade Show Provides Platform for Multi-Billion Dollar Industry; Indian Participation at Highest-Ever Level

New Delhi, India

At the Gulfood press conference in New Delhi, India today, it was announced that Gulfood 2007, one of the most important food and hospitality trade shows in the world, will witness India's largest ever representation from 19 – 22 February this year in Dubai.

Highlighting the major trading opportunities in the region for Indian companies, the Gulfood event organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) will host more than 20 major exhibitors, including the Tea Board of India, Spices Board of India, Coffee Board of India and India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

As a region, the Gulf has historically been reliant on imported foodstuffs. In recent years - driven by the buoyant economy, growing populations, increasing numbers of travellers to the region and a major expansion of retail outlets – the market has reached an all-time high in terms of volume of imports.

Food exports to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is worth an estimated US$3 billion a year, with agricultural and processed food exports from India to the United Arab Emirates alone accounting for more than US$273 million in 2004-5. Total annual trade between India and the GCC currently exceeds US$15 billion – representing 15% of India's total foreign trade.

Dubai plays a key role in the distribution of food in the region, with over 70% of total UAE food imports re-exported to more than 160 countries including the Gulf, North and East Africa, and, increasingly, the Central Asian Republics.

As one of the leading event organisers in the Middle East, DWTC has been actively working to facilitate growth within this dynamic market. Gulfood provides the strategic business and sourcing platform for buyers and sellers from around the world across the extensive food, drinks, and hospitality equipment sectors to forge new trade links.

"Indo-GCC trade is vitally important to both regions for the continued prosperity of the market. Gulfood brings partners together to discuss future developments, showcase their products and services, and continue the growth of our historically strong relationship," said Joanne Cook, Exhibitions Manager, DWTC.

According to APEDA, the Middle East is already a target market for more than three-quarters of India's main export products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, various meats including sheep and goat, confectionary and dairy items.

"Participation in the Gulfood exhibition in Dubai is of special interest to APEDA, as this is an important event and one of the biggest food trade fairs in the Middle East. This exhibition not only enables exporters to export their products to the UAE but also to other Middle East countries as well," said A.S. Rawat, General Manager, APEDA.

"India is an important partner of the Middle East market both in terms of exports and imports. India exported agro products to Middle East market in the year 2005-06 to the extent of US$ 1,325 million out of its total export turnover of US$ 3,977 million, which is 33% of India's exports of APEDA products. This is a reflection of Middle East's strategic importance to India with regard to its agro exports," he added.

For Indian food exporters with well-established ties to the Middle East, the sector has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years.

"Relations between India and the Middle East have been forged over hundreds of years, and the region remains an extremely important market for us," said PSS Thampi, Deputy Director of India's Spices Board. "Increasing demand for high standards and high quality brands are constantly creating new business opportunities for our members, and we are confident that will be the case for the foreseeable future."

Organised since 1987, Gulfood is the region's largest and most important industry event. This year's event will host more than 2,000 companies from over 70 countries, making it the most important food and hospitality event for the Middle East, Africa and Indian subcontinent region. Exhibitors from countries including Bangladesh, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia and Latvia will be taking part in Gulfood for the first time, and national groups from Brazil, Chile, Ireland, Latvia, Montenegro and Syria will also be making their debut.

"Gulfood is delighted to be working closely with the industry in India as new opportunities continue to emerge across the Middle East and Africa markets, and to provide our stakeholders with the opportunity to discover new avenues for business development," added Cook.

In testament to its mark of world-class excellence, Gulfood has recently received the prestigious award of accreditation from UFI – the global association of the exhibition industry.

Other Indian companies participating in Gulfood 2007 include Little Bee Impex, Punjab; Sara Spices, Cochin; Arjan Impex, Delhi; and Parle Products, Mumbai.

Gulfood 2007 - The 12th Gulf Food, Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19 – 22 February 2007. The opening hours are 11.00 to 19.00 on the 19 – 21 February, and 11.00 to 17.00 on the 22 February.

Gulfood is strictly a trade-only event and is open for business and trade visitors only, proof of which must be provided at registration. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be allowed into the exhibition.