Gulfood@25 attracts the largest crowd in the recent history despite the fear of Coronavirus and regional issues … writes Kaliph Anaz
Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the food security is top on the priority of the country.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed made the statements as he toured Gulfood 2020, the 25th edition of the world largest annual F&B trade show at Dubai World Trade Centre. The five-day exhibition, running on February 16-20, attracts over 5,000 local and international exhibitors from 160 countries.
Touring the 1,000,000 sq feet mega exhibition, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the industry’s latest products, equipment and modern food and storing beverage storage systems.
HH Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE will continue hosting such specialised events which will benefit local markets and help trade growth.
“Such events will contribute to diversifying national economy and boosting UAE’s position as global trade hub,” he added.
His Highness affirmed the importance of the exhibition, which, he says, stems from the fact it pertains to food security, an issue which “lies at the heart of the country’s national strategy.”
“Food security is a central issue the country has directed a paramount importance to during the latest government formation, which included an entire portfolio dedicated to food security,” Sheikh Mohamed added.
HH Sheikh Mohammed, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has underlined the central importance the UAE government is attaching to food security, citing the establishment of a food security portfolio in the latest government formation as reflective of the country’s determination to keep food security at the heart of its strategies.
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied during the tour by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Mariam Hareb Almheiri, Minister of State for Food Security, and a number of high-ranking and senior officials.
UK participation
Britain sends one of the largest contingent to the 25th edition of Gulfood. Several prominent British FMCG forms displayed their products at the event. London based Sun Mark showcases their new and popular brands at the event.
“Demand for healthy British products are on the rise in the region and we are focussing on Dubai to expand our footprint in the Middle East,” said Harmeet Ahuja, CEO, Sun Mark.
Sun Mark products are now available in major super markets across the UAE and neighbouring countries.
The five-day mega exhibition, which runs until Thursday 20 February, has attracted high-calibre interest from government ministers, trade delegations and national organisations who are showcasing the latest F&B innovations and exploring exhaustive business opportunities as the global F&B sector seeks to keep pace with changing consumer habits and spiralling spending, which now stands at more than USD 7.2 trillion annually, according to the Gulfood 2020 Industry Outlook Report.
The Gulfood Innovation Summit has attracted a power-packed line-up of speakers including high-ranking ministers, thought-leaders and industry stalwarts. Speakers taking to the Summit stage include HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Mehairi, Minister of State for Food Security of the UAE; HH Prince Waleed Al Saud, President – Saudi Arabia Restaurant and Cafés Association, and Darine Al Khatib, Goodwill Ambassador, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.