Afghanistan re-enters food supply sector with dedicated national pavilion
The silver anniversary edition of Gulfood will herald a new era of sector transformation and build on the Dubai event’s 25-year legacy as an on-point trend tracker and robust business facilitator, according to its exhibitor line-up ahead of the five-day show, which runs from 16 – 20 February at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Leading Brazilian Food Company JBS, the largest animal protein producer in the world, says Gulfood continues to be an important access platform in developing flourishing relations with partners and distributors, as well as serving as a springboard to introduce new products and food solutions into the MENA region.
“It is a very relevant fair for JBS due to its ability to serve a strategic region for our business. Visitors to our stand can expect very interesting product launches in line with the latest industry trends and the changing needs of regional consumers,” remarked Marcos Delorenzo, director of Marketing & New Business, Seara MENA.
Saudi Arabia potential top of mind
Gulf-based food industry heavyweight Truebell, a leading importer, wholesaler, distributor and exporter with more than 60 brands in its portfolio, is leveraging Gulfood 2020 as part of a strategy to tap into an expanding food industry in Saudi Arabia.
With the GCC’s largest country expected to benefit from approximately US$ 59bn of investment by 2021, according to the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), Truebell plans to expand its exclusive distribution of key brands within the Kingdom.
“Trends have evolved in line with Saudi Arabia’s changing demographics, increased disposable incomes and maturing food preferences with demand for varied food stuff, organic ingredients and healthy food products expanding well beyond the most popular and recognisable local brands,” said Bhushant J. Gandhi, Divisional Manager, Retail & Food Service, Truebell.
With growing consumer preferences for healthy food products, the total consumption of organic, gourmet and health products within Saudi Arabia topped US$ 27bn in 2019, according to SAGIA.
With 29 million residents, 50 per cent of which are under the age of 25, Saudi Arabia has the largest population in the GCC and arguably the population most susceptible to Western consumer food trends,” observed Gandhi.
As more operators look to expand their footprint within the Kingdom, local Saudi producers are also looking to build their export potential. Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning food industry will be out in force at Gulfood 2020 with a national pavilion mounted by the Saudi Export Development Authority (SEDA).
Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co., one of Saudi Arabia’s largest beverage producers, is aiming to grow its regional market share by promoting its constant consumer-led initiative: healthy and tasty beverages in consumer-friendly, handy and environmental-friendly Tetra Pak packs that come in different sizes and formats for everyone.
“The focus on no-sugar-added beverages in our unique flavors is part of our continuous pursuit of innovation and product development with the aim of meeting consumer needs and the latest market developments,” Ghassan Majdali, Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, Marketing, Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co.
Afghan food producers return to the fore
More than 25 Afghani agribusiness producers are exhibiting in a dedicated national pavilion promoting products including saffron, dried fruits, nuts, grains and wild harvested herbs, spices and medicinal crops including liquorice, cumin, basil, caraway and fennel seeds.
“Our Gulfood 2020 pavilion will re-introduce Afghanistan to all markets and remind the industry that prior to decades of conflict, Afghani almonds, pomegranates, pistachios, raisins, and apricots were high-demand products across Central and South Asia,” stated Andrew Philip, Technical Advisor for the Afghanistan Pavilion.
‘Rethinking Food’ at the Gulfood Innovation Summit
For its silver edition, Gulfood’s knowledge forum will also tackle pressing issues and imminent industry opportunities under the show theme ‘Rethinking Food.’
“We are engaging the industry’s leading experts to assess what needs to be done differently in the F&B industry across five core pillars: technological advancements, government and policy-making, marketing practices, lifestyle and markets including developing economies,” explained Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Exhibitions & Events, DWTC.
