His Excellency Ludovic Pouille, the French Ambassador to the UAE, has praised Gulfood as a “strategic gateway” for French food and beverage producers exploring increased export potential across the rapidly emerging consumer markets of the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
More than 70 specialist food and beverage companies, led by Business France, are participating in Gulfood’s tailored segments for dairy, beverage, fine foods, and meat and poultry.
“Gulfood is not only a UAE event, it is a worldwide event. We’re expecting almost 100,000 visitors from every corner of the globe with a focus on guests from the Middle East, India and Africa – hopefully most of these visitors pass through the four French pavilions. It’s very important for our companies to discover new markets and Gulfood is the place to achieve this,” said Ambassador Pouille.
“The current total of French exports to the Middle East can only increase because when you speak about food, you speak about France. We already have established export markets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE but there are huge opportunities in other countries, specifically Egypt, the largest country in the region in terms of population, as well as Pakistan and India.”
He said these are all big growth markets and that France is looking forward to increasing its export presence in each of them.
According to Mark Napier, the Gulfood show director, the expansive French contingent is one of many record national participations at this year’s show.
“In an exhibition with more than 120 country pavilions, it is very telling that major global food producing nations such as France, Italy, Germany, the USA and many more are here with more companies and suppliers than ever before – this presence signifies the strength and robustness of the international food market,” said Napier.
“Vitally, the record exhibitor participation also aligns with our high-level ministerial delegations to further Gulfood’s status as a true power brand in the global food industry.”
