Tourism & Hospitality | Tuesday 15 September, 2015 12:56 pm |

While increasing global populations and rising income levels deliver baseline success for companies in the food manufacturing industry, those looking for top-line growth will require proactive efforts at a number of levels.  These include new product development, harnessing emerging trends, increasing operational efficiencies, and adopting new technology.

 

Recognised as the largest and most influential trade exhibition in the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia (MEASA) for the food manufacturing, processing and packaging industry, Gulfood Manufacturing 2015 delivers solutions and opportunities across the supply chain to meet the business growth demands of manufacturers, suppliers and retailers operating in the region.

 

Taking place from 27 – 29 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the show will bring together more than 1,500 international companies showcasing the most advanced food manufacturing equipment, packaging, ingredients, distribution, logistics and technology solutions for the industry.  The three-day exhibition is expected to attract an estimated 30,000 targeted trade professionals from the region looking to drive growth for their businesses. 

 

“Because Gulfood Manufacturing offers a 360-degree platform for the food manufacturing and processing industry, the show is able to deliver the necessary elements to ensure future success for businesses in each sector,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President Events & Exhibitions Department, DWTC.  “From raw ingredients to the latest technological advances in packaging, and from logistics service providers to the latest processing equipment, visitors and exhibitors can be assured of connecting and transacting with the right and most relevant business partners.”

 

The latest trends being embraced by the food manufacturing industry and its peripheral sectors to increase revenues and market share include a focus on health and wellness, natural or organic foods, cross-cultural ethnic cuisines, sustainable sourcing and convenience. 

 

Döhler, the global producer, marketer and provider of technology-based natural ingredients confirms growing demand for natural food colourings and flavours derived from fruits and vegetables. According to the company, “Consumers today are looking for products that are as natural as possible. Our product portfolio ranges from flavours, colors, health & nutrition ingredients, cereal ingredients, dairy ingredients, specialty ingredients, to fruit & vegetable ingredients that deliver natural solutions for our customers.”

 

With the growing trend for food to be consumed on-the-go, convenience products have become a significant factor for manufacturing, processing and packaging.  Tetra Pak, the global leader in food processing and packaging continues to showcase its innovations in creating packaging that not only ensures food safety, but also offers resealable packages and ergonomically designed openings for convenient on-the-go consumption.  

 

Amar Zahid, President, Greater Middle East & Africa (GME&A) for Tetra Pak said:  “At Tetra Pak, our innovation agenda is not only focused on developing new processing and packaging solutions. Gulfood Manufacturing offers us an excellent opportunity to highlight the added value we bring to our customers – whether in formulating convenience food packages or improving operational performance. Tetra Pak is about making the difference and we’re doing that at every level.” 

 

With improved operational efficiencies a critical success factor for all sectors of the food manufacturing industry, specialist equipment manufacturers offer solutions that ensure increased production and reduced waste. One example is bakery equipment manufacturer for pita breads and flatbreads, SABITECH which returns to Gulfood Manufacturing this year to showcase its maintenance free products and minimized cooling conveyor system. Dory Afram, Production Manager for the company in Lebanon said:  “Reducing equipment downtime means increased production time, and using specialist equipment reduces waste. We look forward to presenting our quality range to the targeted industry professionals we expect at Gulfood Manufacturing.”

 

Aasted, market leading manufacturer of production equipment for the chocolate, bakery and confectionery sectors, combines tailor-made solutions with high technology equipment to improve efficiencies for their customers and deliver specialist innovations. Gulfood Manufacturing offers a platform this year for the presentation of Aasted’s SuperNova Energy tempering machine and the Nielsen Energy enrober.  “Not only do these two machines – ideally used in tandem – deliver between 50 and 80 percent in energy saving when compared to traditional tempering and enrobing units, but chocolate quality is improved and expressed by higher gloss and crispier break.  For this region, which enjoys a strong confectionery market, this is a compelling proposition,” said Aasted General Manager, Mr Manoharan K.

 

“Playing a proactive role for the food manufacturing, processing and packaging industries in identifying and connecting suppliers and service providers with customers from throughout the MEASA region, Gulfood Manufacturing 2015 is able to offer immediate opportunities to drive top-line business growth. In fact, the show itself could be considered a key success factor,” added Trixie LohMirmand.