Gulfood 2021, the first global in-person F&B industry event to be held in the past 12 months, opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The landmark five-day trade show, has drawn 2,500 companies from 85 countries, reinforcing its position as a major international F&B trade show.
After one of the most challenging years in the industry’s history, Dubai’s status as a pivotal hub for global trade and its capability to provide a safe business environment has generated tremendous interest in Gulfood 2021. Held from 21-25 February, the trade show will provide extensive opportunities for exhibitors to strike profitable business deals with buyers and showcase the latest product innovation and technology.
.@MaktoumMohammed opens @Gulfood , the first live, in-person F&B international industry event of 2021 hosting 2,500 companies from 85 countries. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/3M8KVLNvY4
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 21, 2021
Food producing powerhouses and Gulfood stalwarts including Italy, Germany, France, Turkey and Austria have returned in force, highlighting the event’s ability to ensure safety and provide exceptional sourcing prospects. The participation of manufacturers from Uzbekistan and Georgia, newcomers to the event, further validates the business potential of the trade show.
Demonstrating Gulfood’s importance to the sector, 110 leading lights in the F&B business will gather at the event. C-suite executives from supply chain leaders DHL and Emirates SkyCargo; CMOs of global powerhouses Microsoft, Pizza Hut and PepsiCo; CEOs of regional stars Majid Al Futtaim and Lulu International Group; world-renowned Michelin Star chefs and the UAE’s top culinary titans will deliver valuable insights and perspectives on the ‘new normal’.
Innovation Summit to foster dialogue on key issues
The Gulfood Innovation Summit, to be held from 22 – 24 February, will gather the world’s leading government leaders, food scientists, analysts, influential chefs, and industry pioneers to discuss and explore innovations that aim to revolutionise the future of food and discuss emerging themes and prospects that have arisen out of global efforts to combat COVID-19.
Other industry topics to be discussed during the three-day Summit include food security, adapting to healthier, sustainable lifestyles; supply chain opportunities; tourism and retail; and leveraging emerging and future food technologies.
Gulfood 2021 will be held under stringent safety and hygiene protocols. The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has put in place extensive measures to ensure the safety of all exhibitors and visitors. The measures are aligned with Dubai’s efforts to ensure the highest standards of preventive protocols in all economic sectors and its strategy to revitalise business activity and growth.
DWTC’s proven protocols have been further intensified for Gulfood 2021, under strict guidance and coordination with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Municipality, to ensure the safest possible business conditions. Wearing of masks is mandatory, and social distancing is in place to ensure the wellbeing of all participants.
