29th Edition of Gulfood Kicks Off at Dubai World Trade Centre with Focus on Sustainability

Gulfood 2024, the premier global event for food and beverage sourcing, commenced today at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), marking its 29th edition. Scheduled from 19th to 23rd February 2024, the event is set to be the largest in its history, with over 5,500 exhibitors, nearly half of whom are participating for the first time. The UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, inaugurated this year's Inspire Conference, highlighting the critical intersection of climate change, geopolitics, and technology in the food sector.

Dr. Al Shamsi emphasized the urgency of bolstering food security through local produce promotion against the backdrop of rising global temperatures. She underscored the significance of agri-tech in enhancing local food production in alignment with the UAE's climate conditions. The minister's address underscored a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, including organic and vertical farming.

In a notable keynote session, Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, President of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), discussed the organization's role in supporting food sustainability by financing small-scale farmers. Gulfood 2024 serves as a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders to transition discussions into actionable outcomes, fostering collaboration and agility within the F&B sector.

The event boasts an international showcase with 127 country pavilions, welcoming newcomers Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Venezuela, alongside returning participants like France. Axel Baroux, French Trade & Invest Commissioner, highlighted the deep-rooted partnership between France and the UAE within the food sector, emphasizing shared goals of quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Under the theme 'Real Food, Real Business', Gulfood 2024 aims to facilitate over USD 12 billion in business deals. The event provides a unique opportunity for global brands such as Saudi Made, Apical, Americana, and many others to present their authentic products and services to a worldwide audience. This year's edition underscores Gulfood's role as a critical hub for international business opportunities in the food and beverage industry.

With inputs from WAM