Gulfood Exhibition 2010 opens in Dubai

DUBAI: Gulfood 2010 was inaugurated Sunday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid AlـMaktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Finance, with the global food industry looking to one of the world''s largest and most influential food, drink, foodservice, and hospitality exhibitions to deliver four powerـpacked days of business generation and networking.

According to news sources, tens of thousands of trade visitors from countries
throughout the Middle East, the Levant, North Africa, and the
subـcontinent already thronged the halls on its first day at the Dubai
International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), where a record
3,500 companies from more than 80 countries are participating.

"We are delighted that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid AlـMaktoum has given his support to Gulfood 2010," said Helal Saeed Almarri, Chief
Executive Officer (CEO), Dubai World Trade Centre, organizer of the
exhibition.

Gulfood welcomes industry leaders showcasing more products and services than ever before; including AlـGhurair, AlـIslami, Dohler, Foritech Europe, Nestle Professional, Puratos, Rational AG, Sadia, Symrise, Tyson and Platinum sponsor Etihad Salehia.

With more than 1,350 new exhibitors participating this year, visitors to the
show can be assured of new products and services from both multinational organizations and smaller independent suppliers from every corner of the world.

This year marks the introduction of a number of valueـadded initiatives for both exhibitors and visitors, including the inaugural Gulfood Conference. Taking place during the four day exhibition, the conference brings together international
experts to discuss future trends and critical issues in the food and beverage industry and the relevance of these for the regional markets.

The Gulfood Conference complements the Dubai International Food Safety
Conference which runs during the show and is organized by the Dubai
Municipality to address food safety systems, regulations and best practices, as authorities bring new regulations and health measures into force.

Also new this year is the launch of the Gulfood Majlis, a commercial forum for senior industry professionals to network and develop new business opportunities, and one that recognizes the importance of Gulfood as a serious trading platform for the global food and beverage industry in the region.

Excellence in all elements of the industry will be recognized during Gulfood 2010. The prestigious Emirates International Salon Culinaire, in association
with the Emirates Culinary Guild, continues to attract more than 1, 500
chefs to compete in front of a panel of 25 distinguished international
judges, while the recent announcement of the First Gulfood Awards will
be recognizing the achievements and innovations of the region''s food
and drink industry.