Gulfood Manufacturing and its three, co-located events came to a conclusion yesterday, having experienced global participation from visitors over a period of three, busy days.
The UAE’s position as a global food manufacturing hub, supported by the government, is a common theme that run through all three days. A key session in the final morning focused on reasons why the International Islamic Food Processing Association (IFPA) is relocating its head office to Dubai and choosing Dubai as its partner, seeks to diversify and strengthen the food supply chain to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries which face an underveloped food processing sector.
“We must act immediately and transform our food systems to become resilient to challenges. This means adopting measures that meet the needs of all, from smallholder farmers to multinational agribusiness firms,” explained H.E. Eng Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Climate Change and environment. “These measures must factor in emerging trends in the food production sector to be effective in the long term. We also need to support the creation of sustainable food supply chains. To address the food security challenges we are facing, we must build effective international partnerships.”
Following on from the session was an MoU on cooperation in developing sustainable, innovative and common solutions for industry which was signed between the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and Food Tech Valley, foster relations between agricultural businesses across IOFS member states.
“The IFPA is a very special organisation that can help enable food security for the OIC countries. Through close collaboration with the private sector, IFPA will help OIC member countries build food manufacturing capacity and expand trade opportunities,” said H.E. Yerlan A Baidaulet, Director-General of the IOFS.
At Gulfhost’s Foodservice Excellence Summit, participants gained a better understanding of innovations from around the world on change in the hospitality sector and trends in sustainable design in the food and beverage sector. In the regional finals of Gulfood YouthX, teams from Burj Al Arab, Sofitel The Obelisk, Jumeirah Al Qasr, and Grosvenor House competed, as the team from Sofitel The Obelisk won and got AED 100,000 of prizes and a cash prize for each.
Across the three days, over 2500 exhibitors at Gulfood Manfuacturing and four co-located events showcased latest products and solutions to reach a global audience of prospective buyers and suppliers across the value chain.
“We are delighted at the resounding success of all five shows, with three days of engaging discussions tackling the most pressing global issues facing the industry, and redefining its future,” commented Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Cente. “The UAE’s food manufacturing and foodservice sectors have a critical part to play not only in the UAE government’s strategic vision to diversify and grow the nation’s industrial base, but also in ensuring food security … This year’s events have been our best yet and we look forward to seeing the positive growth of businesses as a result of the networking and deals that took place between individuals and brands from around the world.”
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