World's biggest food and hospitality show attracts over 80,000 visitors

Gulfood (23-27 February) was extended this year to five days in order to incorporate 4,500 local, regional and international exhibitors who welcomed over 80,000 global visitors.

It is probably the biggest annual food and hospitality trade show in the world, and in its 19th year the sold-out show covered every aspect of the foodservice industry, including food, drink, equipment, high-ranking ministerial summits and conferences on world food security and international Halal.

With the Muslim population expected to account for 30% of the global population by 2025, Halal food products already account for more than 12% of the global food market, generating an estimated US$640b a year.

The Gulfood Awards held on the first day of the show at the five-star Conrad Dubai recognised food, drink and equipment manufacturers and suppliers for their innovation and design.

Among the winners were: MKN, for its FlexiCombi MagicPilot combi, which won the award in the Best Heavy Equipment Innovation category.

Stuart Long, UK sales and marketing director for MKN, said: "This new piece of equipment with its robust, ‘tablet-style' touch and slide operating concept really is the bee's knees, and it was great to see it recognised by one of the most respected food and drink industries in the world".

Other winners included Rochester Ginger from the Original Food & Drink Co in the Best New Non Alcoholic Beverage category; Genius Foods won two categories: the Best New Functional Food & Drink and the Best Newcomer Awards for its white gluten-free sandwich loaf, and Groix & Nature, a French manufacturer based in Brittany, seized the Best New Foodservice Innovation award with their Blue Lobster Oil.

For full details on the show and the awards, visit www.gulfood.com