UAE: Quality Standard Mark Lamb and speciality cheeses will be in the spotlight this week at a major international trade show in Dubai. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has joined more than 5,000 companies from 90 countries at Gulfood – the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade show. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 22nd edition of the show runs from 26 February to 2 March and showcases thousands of finished food and beverage products to reflect the latest taste trends. AHDB is showcasing a selection of lamb products on its export meat stand and, for the first time, AHDB Dairy is also present – showcasing a selection of speciality cheeses. Lucy Randolph, AHDB Senior Export Manager for Dairy, said: “Gulfood is a major event for the British dairy industry and we are here to help match dairy companies with potential overseas customers, with a strong focus on cheese. By attending Gulfood, it is our aim to help producers promote their products on a world-wide platform and ultimately increase their sales.” The show has a well-deserved reputation for exporters looking to enhance current sales in the region and attract new business from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
AHDB experts say the show provides businesses and producers with a trade and sourcing platform without equal in the region. Jean-Pierre Garnier, AHDB Head of Exports said: “Gulfood does not only involve trade with the United Arab Emirates but is the meeting point for the wider region meaning Africa, the Near East, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. “The show provides a valuable platform for trading in addition to the opportunity to showcase products such as lamb, processed lamb dishes and speciality cheeses for the Emirati market. “For the first time, AHDB will be present with two stands in the new meat and dairy halls. We have highlighted the UAE as a priority market for dairy exports and are aiming to grow our market share of the large Emirati cheese market. The UAE economy is growing rapidly providing expanding markets for imported lamb and dairy products.” This year, Gulfood will play host to Halal World Food, a specialist show that covers all halal-related aspects of global foodservice, retail and hospitality sectors to highlight the depth and variety of international halal products. The show is also set to attract hundreds of government officials, international heads of state and ministers – including the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, George Eustice.
