FOOD BUSINESS GULF & ME Jan-march 2018 | Page 41

G U L F O O D M A N U FA C T U R I N G R E V I E W solutions now impacting a manufacturing sector that is striving to meet sweeping changes in consumer preferences. “Consumer tastes and preferences are rapidly changing with experience, sustainability and affordability now more of a focus than ever, turning Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 into the platform for reinvention of the global food manufacturing and processing sector,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC. From manufacturing, processing and packaging and supply chain solutions, this year's show lifts the lid on an extensive range of new products and concepts that will enable industry leaders to keep pace with the ever- changing consumer demands. More than 1,600 exhibitors from 60 plus countries showcased their products and services, including 30 national pavilions, with first-time participation from countries including Poland and across the CIS. “The continued growth in the show's participation highlights how the world's leading equipment, ingredients, logistics and chain suppliers view Gulfood Manufacturing as the preferred platform to leverage an operational foothold in the regional market. Dubai continues to offer a supremely stable base in which to do business, backed by a visionary leadership and a government that is committed to investment and diversification of the economy as part of its long-term future growth strategy,” added LohMirmand. The international influence of Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 is evidenced with the show hosting the biggest Italian participation in its history, with 3,800 square metres dedicated to companies spanning all sections of the country's food manufacturing and equipment industry supply chain. All the major manufacturing players are present, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, USA and the UK. China, meanwhile, has also brought its biggest participation to date as the Far East giant challenges the status quo across the industry. Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 show featured five dedicated sectors: Ingredients, Processing, Packaging, Supply Chain Solutions, and for the first time, a focused Automation & Controls sector, which highlighted how automation and robotics are revolutionizing the industry. In addition to the exhibition, Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 is hosted the Business Talks Conference and featured three keynote addresses and four symposiums. The show also featured a Big Buyers Programme, hosted more than 2,000 pre-qualified serious buyers - one of the region's biggest hosted buyer programmes - with a pre- determined budget to spend with exhibitors. COLOUR HARVESTED FROM NATURE Get colours harvested from nature at DDWcolour.com JANUARY - MARCH 2018 39 Distributed by