More than 140 international food and beverage producers will come together at the new Power Brands segment at Gulfood 2017, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 26 February to 2 March.
The Power Brands Segment will connect regional buyers with international producers and distributors of F&B brands, represented by heavyweights including Unilever, Nestle, Del Monte and IFFCO.
Trixie LohMirmand, SVP exhibitions and events management, DWTC said: “Following unprecedented demand for space, the new Power Brands platform will read like a Who’s Who of the F&B world, reflecting the growing need for quality products and services in this region.”
Del Monte (UAE) head of marketing, Heloise Buzet, said: “2017 is a special year for Del Monte as we are celebrating our 125-year anniversary. We have come a long way, focusing always on quality, product innovation and freshness. During these years, Del Monte kept its promise by serving a meaningful cause – the health of its consumers – and providing nutritious, convenient and affordable fresh products.
“For us, Gulfood and the new Power Brands segment in particular is an amazing opportunity to do business. As a truly global event, we are able to examine trends while increasing our trade networks to export on an even more significant scale.”
Fonterra, an exporter of dairy products is set to debut this year at Gulfood with the aim of growing its presence in the MENA region.
Santiago Aon, general manager Fonterra Middle East commented: “Built on the expertise and heritage of New Zealand dairy farming, Fonterra is behind brands known and loved by millions of people in more than 140 countries.
“We’ve supported the growth in dairy consumption across the Middle East and Africa for more than 40 years and we are focused on future investment and growth in this important region. Gulfood is a great opportunity for us to showcase our high-quality NZMP ingredients and Anchor Food Professionals products. We are keen to engage with customers to better understand and meet their evolving need.”
Products being featured in the Power Brands segment at Gulfood 2017 include elite brands distributed regionally by La Marquise International, a specialist department of Buhaleeba Group’s Foodservice Division, and Spanish food and beverage company MVF Select.
La Marquise, which recorded a 25% increase in sales in 2016, will use Gulfood 2017 to promote a range of speciality products including Saffron Syrup by 1883 Maison Routin.
MVF Select, which markets its products as perfect for “the most discerning palates”, is looking to its fifth Gulfood showing to introduce ‘Spherification Products’, a natural health product of fruit and honey.
In addition, it will exhibit its best-sellers, original Organic Caviar and Halal Meats and Pâté (deer and ostrich).
Yamila Tawfik, MVF Select’s international business manager said: “The region is a very important market for us. It’s the connection between Europe and Asia and offers great potential as a fast-growing market in high gastronomic products.”
The F&B purveyors are among 140 headline names lining up for Gulfood’s first Power Brands feature.
Power Brands is one of eight dedicated segments now housed within Gulfood to ensure buyers can navigate the expansive show more effectively.
The other sectors are: Beverages; Dairy; Fats & Oils; Health, Wellness & Free-From; Pulses, Grains & Cereals; Meat & Poultry; and World Food.
Gulfood 2017 is a trade event open strictly to business and trade visitors.
