Gulfood 2024
GULFOOD 2024 – THE LARGEST ANNUAL F & B SOURCING EVENT IN THE WORLD
The 29th edition of Gulfood 2024 was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre during 19 – 23 February 2024. The event showcased the latest trends and innovations in the food and beverage industry, spanning 8 distinct sectors: Health & Wellness, Beverage, Fats & Oils, Pulses & Grains, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands, and World Food unveiling new business opportunities and providing solutions to new and evolving global challenges.
Inauguration:His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, toured the 29th edition of Gulfood, the world’s largest annual global food and beverage (F&B) sourcing event, which commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on Monday. Sheikh Mohammed said that Gulfood 2024 highlights the UAE’s growing role in facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering partnerships to advance excellence in vital global sectors.
India Pavilion: India made a remarkable presence at Gulfood 2024 in Dubai, UAE, as over 350 Indian companies gathered to showcase their diverse array of products. This unprecedented turnout underscores India’s burgeoning role as a global leader in the food supply industry. For years, India has been a trusted supplier of various food items to the United Arab Emirates, including grains, cereals, pulses, and more. Now, with such a massive presence at Gulfood this year, India is not just showcasing its culinary prowess but also exploring new avenues for trade in the UAE and beyond.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority pavilion featured over 70 exhibitors, from startups to MSMEs, offering a glimpse into India’s diverse culinary landscape. UAE has become India’s third-largest trading partner, thanks to the surge in food exports fueled by recent agreements like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has boosted trade by 16% in just one year. From fragrant spices to grains, India caters to a wide range of tastes in the UAE.
AIREA at Gulfood 2024:AIREA booked astand space of 24sqm at Zabeel Hall 5. AIREA’s participation was organized by Mr. Alok Bisaria, Executive Director AIREA, coordinated by Ms. Priyanka Marwah, Office Executive and Ms. Neelam Sharma, Office Executive.
AIREA’s stall and wet sampling area for biryani taste sampling was inaugurated by Mr. Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDAon 19th February 2024.Dr. Sudhanshu,Secretary, APEDADr. Tarun Bajaj, Director BEDFand Dr. C.B.Singh, Deputy General Manager APEDA were also present during the inauguration. APEDA team liked the biryani preparation and appreciated efforts of AIREA in promotion of Indian rice through such tasting of Biryani. The stand was designed including a meeting chamber, a store, a reception counter, shelf space for display of products, a biryani serving counter and assisted by two promoters.
Our booth saw a steady stream of visitors and was graced by the august presence of H.E. Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to UAE, Shri Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai accompanied by Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman APEDA and senior officials from APEDA & BEDF.
Basmati Biryani Taste Sampling exercise at AIREA stall: AIREA had tied up arrangements for Biryani taste sampling with an Indian caterer based in Dubai, throughout the show. The basmati rice was procured from the following AIREA members as per scheduled slots for sampling:
- M/s Sunfood Overseas
- M/s Dunar Foods Ltd.
- M/s Bharat Industrial Enterprises Pvt Ltd
- M/s Aroma Agrotech
- M/s Shree Jagdamba Agrico Exports
- M/s H.R. Exports
- M/s Janki Dass Rice Mills
- M/s Supple Tek Industries Pvt Ltd
The preparation was most appreciated and there were large queues of visitors keenly waiting to taste the veg Biryani as well as chicken Biryani.Everyday two sessions were conducted – one in the forenoon and other in the afternoon. Each session sampled non-veg biryani prepared from 35 Kg Basmati rice and veg Biryani prepared from 35 Kg Basmati rice.
Business Meet: On 21st February, 2024, the third day of the exhibition, a General Body Meeting of AIREA was conducted in the serene environment of Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, which was vastly attended by members. Firstly, a General Body meeting of AIREA members was hosted and this meeting was followed bya Business Promotion Meet on Rice, chaired by Mr. Abhishek Dev, Chairman APEDA. Key officials from APEDA & BEDF (Dr. Tarun Bajaj, Director BEDF, Dr. Sudhanshu,Secretary APEDA and Dr. C.B.Singh, Deputy General Manager APEDA) were also present in the meeting.The session focussed on the present marketing situation in export of Basmati rice and to evolve a strategy to grow market presence &strengthen Indian Basmati rice in global markets. Members were overwhelming in offering their views particularly the youngsters, which was very much appreciated by all.
Summary: During theshow, the AIREA team had catered to a large number of visitors to the stand seeking various kindly of information about functioning of AIREA, the role it plays, how to become a member and how to advertise in AIREA periodical ‘Rice India’ etc. AIREA team was able to provide appropriate information to visitors. An estimated large number of people sought membership of AIREA and showed inclination to advertise in RICE INDIA Magazine. A large number of enquiries were also received which are in the process of circulation to members.
The participation of AIREA was useful and several leads and prospective new members were found during the event. This year’s event was a much larger event and accordingly the number of visitors was also much larger.
The basmati rice is an integral part of the Middle Eastern cooking and is used to cook lavish dishes which contain layers of rice, meats, and dried fruits. It also forms a part of the staple diet of many cultures, thus, further aiding the industry growth. The increasing export demand from the Middle Eastern countries is also propelling the global basmati rice market forward.
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