The 28th edition of Gulfood will see a show 30% larger than before, with sustainability at the forefront, as the global sustainability initiative Gulfood Green launches. Taking place from February 20 to 24, it is bound to kick off a pivotal year for UAE, the show’s organizers anticipate.
Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) announced that 1,500 of the 5,000+ confirmed exhibitors are new to the show. Gulfood 2023’s record scale is due in part to the introduction of Gulfood Plus, a brand-new bespoke hall, where first-time exhibitors will showcase product innovations across 10,000 sqm of newly-added floor space.
With the UAE preparing to host COP28 in 2023, Gulfood is an opportunity to highlight sustainability opportunities to the F&B industry at the start of the year, and how they can help mitigate current challenges, including inflation, energy supply issues and rising costs.
“With the ongoing food crisis, combined with climate shocks, and rising costs of food, 2023 will be an important year for turning the corner and getting back on track while elevating healthy and diversified diets that are sustainable for people and the planet. Gulfood and the UAE will be at the heart of many of these conversations and have a unique vantage point from which to lead the way” commented Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Center.
Among exhibitors, there will be 125 country pavilions with first-time participants including Armenia, Cambodia and Iraq. Returning pavilions include South Africa and Australia.
Gulfood Green
Gulfood Green launches this year, a new global sustainability initiative meant to “ignite and continue conversations within the wider F&B community to create a momentous shift towards more resilient and sustainable food production and consumption,” the organizers announced. The initiative aims to raise visibility and convince key market players of the value of making food systems more sustainable in the lead-up to COP28 and set a precedent for the future.
The theme of sustainability will be carried through multiple facets of the event. The following topics will be addressed: working towards zero food waste and making the dairy industry less carbon intensive, to building and securing viable, sustainable food businesses. Speakers include: Paul Newnham – Executive Director of SDG2 Advocacy Hub; Carlos Frunze Garza, advocate for sustainability and Executive Chef of Teible; Kylie Woodham – General Manager of Magners Farm; and Kamesh Ellajosyula – President and Chief Innovation & Quality Officer of Olam Food Ingredients.
The Gulfood Green Awards will also premier, with submissions open to the industry, in five categories: Green Foodservice Industry Award, Waste Management Award; Green Food Innovation Award; Sustainability Professional of the Year and Sustainability Company of the Year.
Photos: Dubai World Trade Center
