GLOBAL

Dubais standing as global food trade capital amplified as Gulfood 2019 kicks off

Reuters Images/Rula ElShekh
Reuters Images/Rula ElShekh
Reuters Images/Rula ElShekh
Global consumer spending on food and non-alcoholic beverages climbed $60bln to reach $7.2trln in 2018
PHOTO
DUBAI — Dubai’s agenda-setting position at the crossroads of global food and beverage trade will be further amplified when scores of government delegations, trade ministers and tens of thousands of food industry professionals descend on the 24th edition of Gulfood, which opens at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) today (Feb. 17).

Running until Feb. 21, Gulfood 2019 comes as global consumer spending on food and non-alcoholic beverages climbed $600 billion to reach $7.2 trillion in 2018 - equating to 8.6 percent of worldwide GDP - according to the Gulfood Global Industry Outlook Report 2019 produced by Euromonitor International, which will be released at the show.

And with the Outlook Report predicting Africa and the Middle East will drive global population growth from 7.6 billion in 2018 to 8.5 billion by 2030, the 24th edition of the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade show will welcome the world as Dubai solidifies its strategic position as a trade gateway linking established Western markets with core growth markets of the East.

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