DUBAI, UAE, 2 October 2023: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced that the annual F&B manufacturing event, Gulfood Manufacturing, will take place from November 7 to 9. Making the announcement through a Press release, DWTC said this year’s edition will bring together more than 2,000 exhibitors, including the biggest global brands in F&B production, to fill 15 halls. DWTC further said that over 100 of the F&B industry’s decision-makers and the world’s leading experts will explore the latest trends in the industry and set out strategies to capture business opportunities and address the challenges in the industry. 

According to DWTC, the industry-leading trade event, approaching its milestone 10th anniversary next year, continues to garner interest from top production players across sectors in processing, packaging, ingredients, supply chain solutions and control and automation to chart a course towards a more sustainable, resilient, agile and efficient future. 

With COP28 taking place just weeks after the show, DWTC said Gulfood Manufacturing is set to redouble its longstanding focus on how the F&B manufacturing industry is integrating sustainable practices and processes (such as sustainable packaging), reducing food waste, introducing energy-efficient machinery with a smaller carbon footprint, and driving traceable, ethical and transparent food production.

DWTC further said that Gulfood Manufacturing 2023 will deep dive into themes examining how artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation are spurring an evolution in efficiency, the digitalisation of the F&B manufacturing sector, stimulating revolutionary innovation, and raising the benchmark of excellence across the industry. 

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, DWTC, said: “Gulfood Manufacturing is the leading industry event in the MENA region, sitting firmly in the top tier of global industry events, and the only annual event of its kind in the world. The event comes at a critical point for the global F&B industry, as it tries to balance rising inflation and input costs against downward price pressure from retailers and consumers – whilst meeting the imperative to make food production more sustainable. By leveraging innovative technologies and driving efficiencies, the industry can strike this balance and continue to evolve and reach new heights.” 

Reflecting Gulfood Manufacturing’s position at the pinnacle of the food production industry, DWTC said many of the ingredients brands have already confirmed participation for this year’s edition, including Apical (Gulfood Manufacturing 2023 Platinum Sponsor), Cargill, Givaudan, Wilmar, Kerry, Dohler, Orkila, Fanar, Takasago and many more. Meanwhile, from the packaging and processing segment, the organisers said Tetra Pak, GEA, Krones, Husky, Sidel, Ishida, TNA, SIG, and Rieckermann will also attend.

Niels Hougaard, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Arabia, said: “At Tetra Pak, we are committed to revolutionising the packaging industry through our distinctive products. We take pride in offering innovative, eco-friendly solutions that address not only the needs of contemporary consumers but also pave the way for a sustainable future. Our participation in the region’s premier food and beverage manufacturing show in Dubai is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the industry. This platform allows us to present our most recent advancements and innovations. As we continue to grow, our aim remains steadfast: to be the preferred choice for customers seeking sustainable solutions. We are here to protect people, food, and our planet”. 

Furthermore, the organisers said Gulfood Manufacturing 2023 will be a platform to present their products, services, and solutions to prominent buyers from across the globe, with countless opportunities to build new professional relationships, strengthen existing ones, and execute high-value business deals over the three days. This year’s edition, DWTC added, will see a bigger presence from European manufacturers from Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain, and the show will also see the Chinese Pavilion in a dedicated bespoke hall.

 A focus area of this year’s event, DWTC said, will be Dubai’s Green and Sustainable Manufacturing initiative, part of the Dubai Economic Agenda. As the plant-based F&B industry grows and innovates, DWTC said, there is a corresponding need for new plant-based food manufacturing facilities. Moreover, according to DWTC, the initiative will bring together leading businesses in the plant-based F&B industry with co-manufacturers, equipment, and solution providers to explore challenges and opportunities in effectively scaling up plant-based production and manufacturing in Dubai. DWTC further said that the Dubai Economic Agenda, or D33, aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade, consolidate its position among the top three global cities, and includes 100 transformational projects, including the Green and Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative.

At the heart of this year’s event once again, DWTC added, the FoodTech Summit will convene the global industry’s most dynamic and engaging experts, decision-makers and thought leaders to offer fresh new perspectives, insights and inspiring strategies on topics ranging from cost hikes, through to innovation economics, green solutions and smarter manufacturing, to alternative products, functional foods, food safety and much more.

DWTC said the industry leaders due to speak at the Summit are Samuel Sigrist, Group CEO, SIG; Adolfo Orive, President & CEO, Tetra Pak; Alavaro Martinez, CEO – Western Europe, Middle East, Africa & Latin America, GEA; Adam Adamek, Innovation Director, EIT Food; and Olga Bezukladova, Regional Head of Innovation – SAMEA – Taste & Wellbeing, Givaudan.

In addition, DWTC said three other DWTC food and beverage events will be co-located with Gulfood Manufacturing from November 7 to 9. The Speciality Food Festival, DWTC said, is the MENA region’s only dedicated gourmet and fine food trade show, offering buyers a platform to network and find the right premium or niche product and visitors the opportunity to uncover the latest news and emerging trends in the market. ISM Middle East, DWTC said, is the region’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks, connecting visitors with the most influential brands in the industry and giving them the opportunity to discover the latest products and innovations. Private Label Licensing ME, DWTC further said, is MENA’s only event where buyers can source cost-effective, customisable products, branding and packaging solutions, bringing together food and nonfood suppliers, private label and contract manufacturers under one roof. The organisers added that attendance is free and gives registrants access to the entire ecosystem of four events with a single pass. To learn more information and to register, visit Gulfood Manufacturing, The Speciality Food Festival, ISM Middle East, and Private Label Licensing Middle East.