Gulfood continues to deliver the goods as it nears its decade milestone
Gulfood Manufacturing: pic: Neill Barston
Now in its ninth year, Gulfood Manufacturing has established itself as a major hub for trade right across the sector in wider Middle East and North African region.
From exploring the halls of the show on its opening day yesterday, it’s clear that innovation across equipment, systems and ingredients is very much alive and well, against a backdrop of major investment for the region.
As we have previously reported, the broader food market for the region has been put at well over $300 billion last year, with confectionery, snacks and bakery very much playing their part in that picture. In response, manufacturers have sought to hone in on bespoke solutions for the region, which in turn is generating greater levels of innovation for the market, which is offering up significant opportunities for businesses operating within the region, right across the full value chain of the industry.
Clearly, while global supply chain issues continue to remain a factor in terms of delivery times of machinery and availability of key ingredients, the MENA region has remained especially buoyant, dynamic market that has projected significant confidence.
One of the key tools that companies are now tapping into, is the potential power of AI, as demonstrated by Symrise, which is participating at the event’s Food Tech summit, majoring on its AI-driven tools to assist its diverse range of customers.
There are also plenty of specific regional tastes and consumer preferences, such as healthier options, and use of natural products that have found favour with the market, making for a fascinating show that continues to throw up plenty of surprises.
So please do get in touch with me personally if you have any specific show news for our live coverage, as well as for our review of the show.
Neill Barston, editor, Confectionery Production
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