The world’s largest annual food and beverage (F&B) trade exhibition, Gulfood 2021 will kick start on February 21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), with global industry players set to shed light on various topics including food safety, innovation and sustainable dining.
The first in-person F&B event to be held in the past 12 months, Gulfood 2021 will be a five-day trade exhibition that will wind up on February 25. With 34-year experience in catalyzing trade deals and bringing industry innovation, the 26th edition of the event will run across 20 exhibition halls under DWTC’s strict health and safety protocols.
The event is expected to present more than 2,500 companies from 85 countries that will seek new collaborations and partnerships at the event, along with, 110 world-class culinary stars and industry leaders’ live talks, demos, and competitions.
Northern Ireland, which is being part of the event for the 14th consecutive year, highlights how consumers are becoming aware of their environmental impact and are looking to make changes in their diet as a result.
Scott Hanna, senior business development manager for Retail, Hospitality and Technology at Invest Northern Ireland, says that “Consumers are becoming ever more mindful of the environmental impact of commercial farming practices. Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector is characterized by a commitment to high ethical and environmental standards with food producers who are dedicated to quality and traceability. This has been key to our successful export growth to the Gulf and over 70 countries worldwide.”
Brazil, another country returning to the event, will be bringing 42 companies as part of its pavilion. The manager of Agribusiness at the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil), Marcio Rodrigues says that Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of Halal protein in the world and the second-largest exporter of agricultural products to the Middle East.
“The UAE is among the priority markets mapped by Apex-Brasil. Besides, the fair covers many buyers from other big and relevant markets also from that region such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Algeria, and Egypt. Dubai is a hub to the region, considered a trade and supply platform for exporters seeking new sales in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. Brazil’s business in the region has jumped to $1.4 billion in 2019 from $645 million in 2015.”
Brazil has a strong presence in meat and animal protein, sugar, soy and corn and good participation in the market including live animals, coffee, cotton and some others. The country expects juices, dairy products, honey, organic and functional foods, besides processed and packaged foods to expand along with the main sectors.
