Gulfood to reunite F&B industry in Dubai

 

The return of Gulfood has grabbed the attention of the global F&B professionals as an unmissable opportunity to reconnect following the lack of face-to-face business opportunities in 2020. With a 34-year history of catalysing trade deals and sparking industry innovation, Gulfood 2021 will run across 20 exhibition halls under DWTC’s stringent health and safety protocols.

 

About 2,500 companies from 85 countries will seek new collaborations and partnerships at the event.

 

As the international food sector navigates evolving consumer behaviours in a multitude of global markets, Gulfood participants will discover an event gripped by product innovation and technology across a range of energetic and engaging on-show experiences.

 

Amongst the industry innovations on display, the 26th edition of Gulfood will host the show’s first blockchain-based dairy exhibitor courtesy of French technology innovator Ingredia, while Amul, the world’s eighth largest dairy company is in Dubai after recently making sector history by launching 33 products in one quarter.

 

To quench the industry’s appetite for industry leading content, the Gulfood Innovation Summit returns from February 22 to 24, uniting the world’s most influential chefs, food scientists, government officials and industry leaders. The three-day Summit will see marquee delegates at the forefront of industry innovation discuss and shape the future of food and gastronomy across topics including Governments’ role in shaping the future of food; Adapting to healthier, sustainable lifestyles; F&B Marketing, Tourism and Retail; and Leveraging emerging and future food technologies.

 

“As the most competitive global sourcing platform and the first live F&B event for almost 12 months, the return of Gulfood marks the only platform for F&B professionals to reconnect with partners, explore big business opportunities and start the year with confidence,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Events Management, DWTC.

 

“The show’s popular interactive features have been adapted for the times and are complemented by a series of new experiences and knowledge-exchange platforms which underline Gulfood’s capacity to the global agenda for a transformative industry responding to evolving market needs and post-pandemic market realignment.”

 

Gulfood 2021 visitors will get the chance to meet and be inspired by culinary stars, as leading chefs, authors and F&B decision-makers reveal their experiences, projects, and creativity at the show’s ‘Chef Talks Stage’ in Hall 8 from February 21-24.

 

Insights and First in Food Workshops

 

Insights into the future of F&B will emerge at Gulfood’s First in Food Workshops learning sessions on February 21, 23 and 24 in Hall 2. Hosted by leading experts and success-makers, this year’s programme features live sessions on topics ranging from food safety and innovation to sustainable dining, food safety and F&B design.

 

Greg Ohannessian, founding partner of Soma Mater, a consultancy firm focusing on building sustainability in the GCC’s food, water and energy nexus, will deliver a 60-minute session on sustainable dining alongside Roha Daud, a food and wellness brand consultant and the founder of Cause’ Kitchn.

 

“In the face of a global pandemic, regional leaders have taken swift and decisive actions that allow society, and the food industry in particular, to look toward 2021 with a strong sense of optimism. Gulfood 2021 represents the perfect opportunity for leaders across government and food sectors to gather and discuss how to embrace the challenges we face together and to join hands in embarking on a new path towards sustainable growth, more resilient food systems, and to greater cooperation for our environment, our health, and our happiness,” said Ohannessian.

 

The programme will also include workshops devoted to Kosher Certification, taking professionals through the varying levels of certification for the food production and service sectors, and processes and opportunities in the international Kosher industry with Rabbi Joel Weinberger, Head of India, South Asia Operation at the US-based Star-K Kosher certification agency.

 

Masterclasses with celebrities

 

Some 31 renowned culinary creators, including five Michelin Star chefs from Germany, Italy and Portugal will take part in activations including, masterclasses, acrobatic pizza, pastry art, and the secrets of the flour kitchen at Gulfood’s popular ‘Tastes of the World’, which will take place in Hall 8 across five-days.

 

Gulfood Innovation Awards

 

The 250 global entries received from 44 countries for this year’s Gulfood Innovation Awards testify to the pace of innovation currently underway in the industry. The annual awards celebrate and reward excellence across brands and products, with judging conducted by a panel of prestigious industry leaders. The winners of this year’s 10 competing categories will be awarded during the show, and will feature on the show’s website once announced.

 

Gulfood 2021 will be held under stringent safety and hygiene protocols. DWTC has proved its capability to curate the safest face-to-face business environment and deliver world-class events with the highest safety protocols, as evidenced by the recent Gitex Technology Week - the only live in-person tech event in 2020.

 

Held in December, the event welcomed tens of thousands of visitors with 96% of local and international attendees recording a ‘safe’ or ‘very safe’ experience.-TradeArabia News Service