@HH_ShkHamdan @gulfood HH SHEIKH HAMDAN BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM OPENS GULFOOD 2014

-World’s largest annual food and hospitality show welcomes record numbers of exhibitors, trade officials and industry leaders from 120 countries-

-Inaugural World Food Security Summit opens-

Gulfood 2014 was inaugurated this morning (Sunday) by H.H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, in the presence of H.E Helal AlMarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Director General, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), country ministers, ambassadors and dignitaries from around the world, highlighting the importance and stature of the world’s biggest annual food and hospitality industry trade show.

Gulfood welcomed tens of thousands of trade visitors from around the world on its opening day at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). With a record 113,398m² in exhibition space and 4,500 companies from 120 countries participating, Gulfood 2014 is the largest and most international edition in the event’s history.

“This year’s record participation at Gulfood comes as Dubai’s position as the regional hub for hospitality, trade and tourism is accelerated by the emirate’s confirmed hosting of the World Expo in 2020, which is fuelling further market growth opportunities for the global foodservices industry. Gulfood has grown consistently over the last 27 years to become a significant driver for global food and beverage markets and is a key enabler in Dubai’s status as an international events destination and trading hub”, said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, DWTC, organiser of Gulfood.

The inaugural World Food Security Summit - a Gulfood Leaders Event, welcomed over 300 high-ranking ministers, industry thought leaders, government representatives and sector-specific visionaries, to address the importance of securing a stable, cost-effective and safe supply of food for the world’s growing population.

Organised with the official support of the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Summit was opened by H.E. Engineer Saif Al-Shara, Assistant Undersecretary, Agricultural Affairs and Animal Sector, who delivered a keynote address on the state of food security in the UAE and the Middle East, as well as the challenges in securing the region’s future food supplies.

Welcoming the participants at the Summit, His Excellency said: “We are proud to be hosting this global summit in the UAE, and hope our discussion will enrich the ongoing global dialogue to improve the world’s food security situation. There is no doubt that this is a global priority and the contribution and commitment from all parties participating in this significant summit will help feed the world’s population in the future.”

Highlighting Dubai’s position as a primary global trading hub for the international halal food industry, Gulfood 2014 welcomed hundreds of the world’s leading halal manufacturers, processors and distributors from over 50 countries convening at the first Halal World Food, an exhibition that instantly establishes a market-leading position as the world’s biggest annual halal food sourcing trade show.

A line-up of innovative features addressing the latest trends in the industry will take place during Gulfood including the fifth edition of the Gulfood Awards, the Innovation Gallery that showcases groundbreaking elements recognised by the Gulfood Awards, the Gulfood Franchising Conference, the first Barista Bonanza and Coffee Council, and the inaugural Tea House that celebrates Dubai’s position as the largest re-export hub for tea.

Leading local, regional and international companies and brands participating at Gulfood include Almarai, Nestle, PreGel, Sunbullah, Nadiya, Transmead, RAK Porcelain, Del Monte, Manitowic, Iffco, HSA, Agthia, Truebell, Chef Middle East, Choitrams and EMKE Group.

To assist the more than 80,000-plus trade visitors expected to attend, the show’s layout has been refined into geographic zones to ensure easy navigation and convenient access.  The extensive floor plan and exhibitor guide is also included on the Gulfood app (http://www.gulfood.com/Content/Gulfood-Mobile-App) which is free for download to both iPhone and Android devices. 

Gulfood is the first business event of the inaugural Dubai Food Festival, taking place across the Emirate from 21 February to 15 March, 2014. For more information on Dubai Food Festival, please visitwww.dubaifoodfestival.com.

Gulfood 2014 is strictly a trade-only event and is open to business and trade visitors from within the industry only. The show is open 11am-7pm from February 23-26 and 11am-5pm on February 27. The onsite entry fee is AED250 (US $ 66.65). For more information, please visit www.gulfood.com.