Gulfood Manufacturing Powers Big Business And Sets Industry Roadmap On Its Return
Gulfood Manufacturing, the largest food and beverage processing and packaging show in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) reignited international trade and game-changing dialogue as the global industry reconvened in Dubai.
More than 1,250 exhibitors from over 55 countries leveraged Dubai’s capability to host major live events and the maximise the potential of Gulfood Manufacturing, introducing breakthrough products that will answer global supply chain challenges and shape the industry’s future.
France-based HTG Industry Group, designers and manufacturer of PET packaging production lines for products such as water, juice, oil, milk, chemicals, cosmetics and more,marked its sixth appearance at the event by signing a deal worth AED 30million onsite to supply bottling solutions.
“This deal is important as it is the first deal with this client post pandemic, and this is an extremely positive sign for us,” said Hubert KehZarzecki, CEO&President, HTG Industry Group. “It is symbolic of the trust that the client has with us, since it is an existing customer who originally placed an order with us two years ago.
“This is our sixth time at Gulfood Manufacturing and for us, it is an important industry event. We always look forward to attending, for business opportunities, networking and of course the latest industry trends. As always it is a well organised show, and we will definitely be back next year bigger and better.”
Meanwhile, FASA, a renowned manufacturer of dosing and packaging equipment for dairy products, from Lithuania, also revealed it has secured a lucrative deal onsite.
“Unlike business relations back home, we have found that companies here much prefer face-to-face meetings to help establish trust in us and our products and services. Although, this is not our first time at the exhibition, this is the first time we have secured a deal onsite with our customers. Needless to say, we are very pleased and hope to return next year as well,” said Jolanta Petkeviciene, Head of Sales and Marketing, FasaAB, without being drawn on the value.
“Gulfood Manufacturing is one of the most important exhibitions to us, as it is the biggest exhibition that provides us with the exposure to all countries within the MEASA region.
‘DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE WILLUNLEASH AFRICA’S FOOD MANUFACTURING POTENTIAL’
The much-anticipated Foodtech Summit, held on the sidelines of exhibition, brought together industry leaders to explore the key industry issues and chart the future. One key area of focus was the continent of Africa, with experts stressing that its huge food manufacturing potential is being hampered by poor infrastructure which, if addressed, could unlock major local supply and employment opportunities.
In a session titled ‘Africa is the future and is open for sustainable business’ a panel of sector specialists discussed the continent’s wealth of food sustainability opportunities, which remain largely untapped.
Anurag Shukla, Vice President at Al Ghurair Foods told delegates that while Africa is blessed with natural resources and local resourcing is an emerging trend, in-continent distribution is comprised by lack of infrastructure. “There are poor port conditions and inter-country challenges that are big issues which have to be addressed if they want to grow this potential,” he warned.
Shukla added that while investment is being made, more could be done “in the region, for the region” to transform Africa from an ingredients exporter to a local manufacturer and exporter of finished products. The answer, he said, lay in developing infrastructure which would “unleash the continent’s potential.”
Samir Moftah, Director Research and Innovation, Quality and Food Safety, at Danone Egypt, said his company is sourcing across Africa and helping to develop food safety standards. “The food industry has a big role to play in sourcing health products in Africa so it can leapfrog some of the issues and achieve sustainability,” he said.
Joachim Westerveld, Chairman, Bio Food Products, said the industry could be a well of job creation for the continent, noting: “Currently 1 million youngsters come onto the job market every year across Africa and only 100,000 of them find full-time employment. The food industry could provide many more permanent jobs we need optimism and resilience and work with nations to achieve these.”
FIRST TIMERS AT GULFOOD MANUFACTURING
The reconvening of the global F&B manufacturing industry for the first time in 12 months proved fruitful for show debutants. Triple Strand Global Solutions, based in Tampa, Florida, in the US, reported a successful debut.
The consulting, advisory, and development company works closely with US and foreign governments, public and private companies across a variety of industries and markets to identify and assess capability gaps, then develop customised, scalable, and sustainable solutions to meet specific needs of their clients, including cybersecurity software for manufacturing machinery.
“Being at Gulfood Manufacturing 2021 was extremely important to us as we not only met potential customers from within the MENA region but also got a chance to interact with potential buyers from other parts of the world since the show attracts a global audience,” said Charles Dalcourt, CEO, Triple Strand Global Solutions.
