Regional Farming Operations in Gulfood 2016 Spotlight

Health Conscious Products are Biggest F&B Trend, says USA Food Production & Distribution Giant

Jeddah, KSA 23 January, 2016: North American food production and distribution giant, Del Monte, is looking to begin operations on farms in Jordan and Saudi Arabia to expand its vertically integrated model aimed at established quality process control for its expanding overseas markets.

The news comes as Del Monte, which already operates farms in Turkey and the UAE, is planning a major promotion at next months Gulfood exhibition at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) the 21st edition of the worlds largest annual food and hospitality trade show runs from February 21-25 with over 5,000 international food industry companies from 120 countries.

More than a specific product or service, we are excited to showcase our increasing involvement in regional farming operations, growing fresh produce on off-soil technologies as well as from the ground, said Mohammed Abbas, Del Monte, Vice President Fresh MENA. We want to grow awareness of the fact that we are not only producers and distributors but also growers.

Del Monte, which operates a regional headquarters in Dubai, says its future regional strategy remains fixed on product diversification and geographic expansion to meets it aim of growing, producing and distributing premium quality products. The company says its local-growing strategy is meeting rising demand within the food and beverage sector.

The biggest trend in the global F&B industry would probably be the rise of health consciousness among consumers, said Abbas. Del Monte is continuously launching new product categories and line extensions to match this growing demand. Our fresh-cut fruits and vegetable ranges satisfy todays health and wellness-conscious consumers with a level of convenience that fits perfectly into their increasingly active lifestyles. We aim to stay ahead of this growing demand by launching new and innovative products.

Abbas says that 2016 will be a key expansion year for the company with the launch of new B2B and B2C product categories and services - a selection of which will be in the Gulfood spotlight.

Some of our new products will be showcased at Gulfood 2016 for visitors to experience and taste first-hand. These products are our response to making it easy for consumers to meet their five-a-day intake of fruits and vegetables a simple, healthy-eating principle that can be challenging in todays society.

Healthy food is an emerging focus for Gulfood exhibitors with the show living up to its more taste, more trends, more trade mantle. A sizeable spread of the shows multi-national exhibitor base say they are ready to launch new products and services into a market where trends continue to evolve.

Product trending knowledge and new business opportunities are being cited as key drivers in attracting the anticipated show turnout of 85,000-plus visitors from more than 170 countries, including international heads of state, ministers, government officials and national trade associations from five continents.

Charlie Antoun, Brand Manager of Eathos Dubai - the regional restaurant operating platform which recently introduced Lebanons leading F&B chain Kababji to the UAE and is planning to bring additional international names to the MENA market - says he has already diarised his Gulfood visit.

We will be at Gulfood because we have to be. As the leading F&B platform in the GCC with expansion plans to bring new brands to the region, we need to keep up-to-date with emerging trends, look into new and additional suppliers and theres no better place to do this, said Antoun.

Gulfood 2016 is a strictly trade-only event for business and trade visitors. The show is open 11am-7pm from February 21-24 and 11am-5pm on February 25. Visitors can pre-register at www.gulfood.com to save AED100 (US$ 27) on the AED300 (US$ 81.70) on-site entry fee.

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About Gulfood
www.gulfood.com 
Ahead of its 21st edition in 2016, Gulfood has established a position as the worlds largest annual food and hospitality show.  The trade-only show is professionally managed and hosted by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which provides more than three decades of experience in delivering world-class events in the Middle East, featuring local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. The extensive portfolio of leading trade and consumer brand events include The Speciality Food Festival, Sweets & Snacks Middle East, SEAFEX, Gulfood Manufacturing, GITEX Technology Week, Dubai International Boat Show and Dubai International Motor Show.

About Gulfood Manufacturing
www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com  
Gulfood Manufacturing is the new home for ingredients, processing, packaging and food logistics providers who service the rapidly growing food and beverage production industries established in the Middle East, Africa, Far East and Sub-Continent. The event provides food manufacturers with the ingredients, equipment and business improvement tools that enable more efficient production and distribution.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
www.dwtc.com 
As the organiser of Gulfood 2016, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 35 years experience delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 20 of the regions largest and most successful international and regional shows, providing an ideal platform for business development across the Middle East.

Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

For more information or to arrange exclusive interview and content opportunities, please contact:
Halima Kamal
Action Arabia
M: +966557253982
E: halima.k@actionprgroup.com

Press Release 2016