Bord Bia is participated at Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai this week for the first time. The event ran from 27th to 29th October and is the only dedicated food ingredients show in the Middle East. The trade show was opened by Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance and Industry Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The three-day event brought together 1,500 exhibitors from the food and beverage industries, including manufacturers, suppliers and distributors with over 30,000 attendees including international government minsters, top level trade delegations and global industry leaders. The International pavilions included representation from more than 26 countries and trade visitors are expected to exceed 30,000. The Bord Bia stand was themed Origin Green and targeted dairy and dairy ingredients buyers from the Middle East, North Africa and near Asia.
Speaking at the trade event Michael Hussey, Bord Bia's manager in Dubai said, "Participating at Gulfood Manufacturing proves our confidence in the region to deliver for Irish producers and exporters and offers an ideal opportunity for Bord Bia to engage directly with buyers from near Asia, the Middle East and North Africa and to present Ireland's unique message on sustainable food production through our Origin Green programme. In addition the recent announcement by Minister Coveney on opening market access for Irish beef and sheep meat to Oman with no age limit gives a renewed boost to our efforts in that region".
Seafex 2015 also took place in the Dubai World Trade Centre from 27-29 October. Seafex is the Middle East region’s biggest showcase and international trade fair for the seafood industry with more than 110 exhibitors from over 26 countries. During this event, Irish companies, Gallagher Bros and Harty Oysters met a highly targeted audience of hotels, restaurants, catering buyers, wholesalers and distributors.
Exports to MENA
The Middle East and North African (MENA) markets have performed very well in recent years with Irish food and beverage exports to the region valued at €364 million in 2014, an increase of 20% on the previous year, driven mainly by the dairy sector.