19 February 2007

LARGEST GULFOOD IN HISTORY OPENS TO INDUSTRY APPLAUSE


HH Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum, Director General of Dubai Information Department, Inaugurates Number One Food Trade Exhibition in the Region

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Gulfood 2007 – the largest food, foodservice and hospitality exhibition ever held in the region – was formally inaugurated today by HH Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum, Director General of Dubai Information Department.

His Highness toured the exhibition which spreads over a total of 50,000sqm at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), including the new Zabeel Hall.

Recording more than 40 percent growth in exhibition space, Gulfood 2007 exhibitors at this year’s show include Al Wazzan Group, Cargill, Emirates Kitchen, GIGA Grande, IFFCO, and Kerry Gold. Also featuring are Friboi from Brazil, Kibsons of South Africa, the Tea Board of India, as well as the biggest country pavilions from Germany, USA and Egypt.

Following the opening ceremony, Gulfood 2007 also acknowledged its main sponsoring companies, who have also played a major role in developing the food industries of the region.

Platinum sponsor Etihad Salehia, a leading producers of Arabic sweets, dates and chocolates in the world, and Gold sponsor Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone were each presented with an award by Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Gulfood.

"We are honoured by the presence of HH Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum and are delighted to acknowledge our main sponsors on the first day of this magnificent event," said Helal Saeed Al Marri.

"As well as fulfilling the demands of the region, the food industries provide employment opportunities, generate revenue and help attract tourism and new business. The awards we present today recognise the major role that our sponsors have played in these areas, as well as thanking them for their ongoing support for the Gulfood exhibition," he added.

This trade-only show has become a cornerstone event for the food and hospitality industries, with visitors attending from food and beverage, hotel, retail, catering, as well as the equipment and technology sectors.

Fadi Amoudi, General Manager, American Fine Food Corporation, said: "We have never missed an edition of Gulfood, because of the continuous growth in sales, profits and increasing number of potential customers it delivers. This year’s event looks bigger and better than ever before."

Within the first few hours of opening, the exhibition has welcomed thousands of key buyers and trade visitors from all over the world, marking one of the busiest first days ever. Organisers are confident that a number of multi-million dollar deals will be closed at Gulfood 2007, given the high volume of business meetings and networking sessions already scheduled at the event.

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 (DICEC) from 19 - 22 February 2007. The opening hours are 11:00 to 19:00 on 19 – 21 February, and 11:00 to 17:00 on 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.