On day two, Gulfood 2024 (February 19-23) continued to record a strong footfall with more than 5,500 exhibitors, including 125 country pavilions, striking business connections and concluding multimillion dollar commercial deals and partnerships across the 24 halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Bryony Hilless, Australian Consul-General Dubai, and General Manager Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, said: “Australia exports almost $3.2 billion to the UAE and close to $1.3 billion of that is actually comprised of food and agricultural exports.

“So, it's a really significant component of the two-way trade that we had between Australia and the UAE. Australia has been at Gulfood since the beginning, and have seen it grow from being a regional trade show into this global phenomenon.

“It is absolutely a global event when it comes to the food and beverage industry and it is where you have to be if you've got an amazing product.”

Greg Tyler, President & CEO of USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, said: “Last year during the show we recorded $2.6 million in sales on the spot, with an additional $7.5 million after the show, and made 160 new contacts.

“2024 is going to be a much bigger show – I expect that we're going to have some very good foot traffic for the remainder of the show.”

Rizwan Ahmed, Executive Director at IFFCO Group, said: “Gulfood serves as a pivotal showcase, offering us a pioneering platform to engage with industry peers, unveil cutting-edge innovations and seize new business opportunities.

“Aligned with our core values, the exhibition's global prominence fortifies our standing within the F&B industry, facilitating strategic partnerships and extending our footprint across varied markets.”

Abdul Karim Al-Hamdawi, General Manager of the promotional programme for Tunisian canned olive oil, said that participation in Gulfood is among their priorities due to its significant importance in the global food and beverage sector.

“Tunisia's participation in Gulfood 2024 aims to support exports of Tunisian canned olive oil to the Arab Gulf markets, which are considered promising markets.

“Gulfood 2024 will enhance the presence of Tunisian olive oil in global markets in general, and enable Tunisian olive oil companies to develop commercial relationships and enhance international cooperation in this field to gain access to new markets,” he said.

The Gulfood Innovation Awards celebrates excellence in new product development, and champion ground-breaking new products launched within the past calendar year, with winners now announced across 10 categories:

 • Best Beverage Product – Corporate Trade House for Di Sana Pianta Organic Drinks

• Best Dairy Product – Do Me A Flavour for Do Me A Flavour Butter

• Best Frozen/Chilled Product – KYnext LLC for Frozen Emperor Oysters

• Best Health and Wellness Product – YOOK Production AS for Organic Oat Drink

• Best Heritage Food – Argiolas Formaggi S.r.l for Nurè Cheese

• Best Meat/Poultry Product – MHP Food Trading LLC for MENA Protein Chicken Snack

• Best Packaging Design – The Fine Cheese Co. for Miss American Pie Biscuits Pouch

• Best Ready-to-Eat Product – Freshcourt for Avocado Salads

• Best Sauce, Condiment or Preserve – Maison Goubet for Vine Jelly

• Best Snacks/Baked Product – The Fine Cheese Co.  for Miller’s Elements – Seaweed Crackers

Gulfood, one of the largest annual global food and beverage sourcing events in the world, has brought together food and beverage communities from over 190 countries in Dubai for the 29th year. 

It is creating a platform for companies in the food industry to present their products, services, and solutions to influential buyers from across the globe, facilitating intercontinental business deals and serving as the ultimate focal point for the world of food and beverage sourcing, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service