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Gulfood 2016 promises more tastes, trends and trade

Its 1st Russian pavilion and the 3rd Halal World Food, an upscaled visitor experience and three new indoor halls will be among the features of Gulfood 2016, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Sunday February 21 to Thursday February 25.

Its 1st Russian pavilion and the 3rd Halal World Food, an upscaled visitor experience and three new indoor halls will be among the features of Gulfood 2016, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Sunday February 21 to Thursday February 25.

Billed as the world’s largest annual food and hospitality trade show, Gulfood is expected to draw more than 5,000 international companies from 120 countries, cementing its standing as a leading global food trading platform. And among the 85,000-plus visitors from more than 170 countries expected, it will host international heads of state, ministers, government officials and national trade associations from five continents.

‘More Tastes, More Trends and More Trade’ are promised for the 2016 edition of this specialist event, which will welcome tens of thousands of finished food suppliers, bulk commodity wholesalers and exporters. Its first Russian national pavilion will be one of 114 national pavilions. Another highlight will be the prize ceremony for the 2016 Gulfood awards – designed to celebrate excellence and innovation across every category of the global food industry – taking place at a gala dinner on the first day of the show.

“Gulfood is internationally renowned for providing a trusted and accessible platform for the world’s food industry to meet, transact and trade out of Dubai – one of the world’s most diverse, energetic and vibrant trading hubs,” said Trixie LohMirmand, DWTC’s senior vice president of exhibitions and events management.

“As global food producers and traders establish new supply routes to reach customers and monetise opportunities in emerging markets, the heightened visitor experience will enable industry heavyweights to make strategic purchasing decisions with trusted suppliers, all while consolidating the UAE’s key role as a major transshipment destination for food products and hospitality equipment,” she said.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Halal World Food, the world’s biggest annual Halal food sourcing trade event, will leverage Dubai’s mounting credentials as a global Islamic Economy capital and increase the emirate’s share of year-round trading in halal foods.

“This is now an essential prerequisite for any supplier looking to establish a foothold in the world’s fastest growing food industry sectors with the global Halal market expected to reach US$10 trillion by 2030,” LohMirmand said.

From specialty and fine food, to the widest range of organic food and drink, Gulfood is an opportunity to discover unique products from hundreds of specialist producers and over 110 international pavilions. Specialty areas covered are artisanal products, children’s products, ethnic food, fair trade, gift packs/hampers, gourmet & fine food, Halal products, health/wellness products, organic products, private label, ready meals and special diet products.

Image source: Gulfood

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Entries open for 2016 Gulfood awards

Gathering 5,000 food and beverage exhibitors from over 120 countries, the Gulfood show is billed as one of the world’s most important annual food and hospitality shows and an unrivalled chance to source and select from an incredible global product showcase.

Entries close on January 29 for the Gulfood Awards, which are designed to celebrate excellence and innovation across every category of the global food industry.
Now in their seventh successful year, the awards are being held as part of the Gulfood show, taking place at the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Sunday February 21 to Thursday February 25, 2016.
The finalists and winners in the 2016 awards will be announced during a special gala dinner in Dubai on the first day of the show February, February 21.
The 22 award categories include:

  • Best new functional food or drink
  • Best new Halal food
  • Best new fast food product or innovation
  • Best new frozen or chilled food
  • Best artisan or local food
  • Best health education initiative
  • Best new foodservice innovation
  • Best environmental sustainability initiative
  • Best consumer marketing campaign
  • Best trade stand
  • Gulfood Outstanding achievement
  • Best foods company, and
  • Best newcomer brand or business

Gulfood show a global product showcase and trade platform

Gathering 5,000 food and beverage exhibitors from over 120 countries, the Gulfood show is billed as one of the world’s most important annual food and hospitality shows and an unrivalled chance to source and select from an incredible global product showcase. As one of the largest fairs in the Middle-East, it is very popular among importers and exporters of agro products and a crucial trade and business platform in a region with ever increasing demand – exhibitors and visitors from almost every country in the world meet at Gulfood to conduct cross-border business and establish international contacts in the trade arena.
Last year Gulfood attracted 84,642 total trade attendees, 64% of whom came from non-United Arab Emirates (UAE) countries, with a total of 156 countries covered, and 83% of visitors were looking to purchase within the next 6 months.
From specialty and fine food, to the widest range of organic food and drink, it is the opportunity to discover unique products from hundreds of specialist producers and over 110 international pavilions. Specialty areas covered are artisanal products, children’s products, ethnic food, fair trade, gift packs/hampers, gourmet & fine food, Halal products, health/wellness products, organic products, private label, ready meals and special diet products.

Safeguarding the UAE’s food security

The show venue, the Dubai World Trade Centre, is within the business hub of Dubai, the city which is itself a hospitality, trade and tourism hub for the Middle East. A majority of UAE imports are traded through Dubai, its biggest city.
And according to UAE Minister of Economy Sultan Al Mansouri, food imports into the UAE – which buys in 85% of its food – are poised to rise from $100 billion (Dh367 billion) in 2014 to $400 billion in the next decade. Due to the lack of arable lands in the UAE, the government plans to develop farmland in other countries to help to secure food supplies amid increasing demand and it is also urging diversification of the sources of imported food so as to hedge against any crisis.
The UAE has already invested in agro-food initiatives in Namibia, South Africa and in several Arab countries including, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan and Egypt, Al Mansouri said.
Within the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – food consumption is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% between 2014-2019 to reach 51.9 million tons by 2019 and food retail in the GCC is forecast to be worth $155 billion by 2018.

Gulfood 2016

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‘Local Harvest’ supply chain on display at SIAL ME 2015

Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre (ADFSC) – through its retail brand Local Harvest - is using the international food industry event SIAL ME 2015 – being held December 7-9 in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, UAE – as a platform to reassure purchasers and other industry players about the quality and safety of ADFSC’s plant and animal products.

Food safety and quality are important subjects not just in the home, but also for retailers, wholesalers and suppliers alike, says the Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre (ADFSC).

The centre – through its retail brand Local Harvest – is using the international food industry event SIAL ME 2015 – being held December 7-9 in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, UAE – as a platform to reassure purchasers and other industry players about the quality and safety of ADFSC’s plant and animal products.

“This global B2B event is a perfect opportunity for Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre to demonstrate how the agriculture sector has developed over the past five years and how the centre has improved the effectiveness and efficiency of the production chain,” said ADFSC’s communications section manager Ahmed Al Suwaidi.

The event theme ‘Trust throughout the Local Harvest Supply Chain’ promises to give visitors an insight into the modern and innovative agricultural techniques that have been adopted to promote local produce in the emirate.    

Delivery of Local Harvest produce begins with the production planning stage where customer requirements are agreed and new crops introduced. The final approved production plan is distributed to farmers in Abu Dhabi, via the ADFSC’s team, which also provides technical assistance to ensure farmers are correctly using water, fertiliser and other farm inputs.

“Local Harvest sells only the highest quality, safe produce. Our team of technical and quality specialists constantly monitor and advise on all aspects of production, farm practices, selection and packing. These quality assurance measures ensure our produce meets or exceeds the expectations of UAE consumers,” Al Suwaidi said.

Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre produce is available at retail shops in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, through most major hypermarkets and supermarkets. The centre provides technical and operational support services to farmers, helping them grow and market their produce.

ADFSC was established in 2009 to bring strategic agricultural reform to Abu Dhabi, especially by introducing and encouraging the conservation of natural resources. The organization was formed under Law No. (4) 2009, issued by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to work in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Government in order to implement reform in farming practices.

Visit www.adfsc.ae for more information on Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre.

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Barakat Quality Plus adopts shift work to better serve hospitality sector

Part of Barakat Group, BQP produces cut vegetables and fruits, ice cream and fruit juice. It has 95 varieties of juices and 200 different ice creams flavours. It is also retailing soups and salads.

The newest development at UAE-based food and beverage company Barakat Quality Plus (BQP) is that the company has introduced shift work. This move reflects the company’s focus on hotels, which account for 75% of turnover received overnight, according to BQP managing director Michael Wunsch. Among the advantages of the change is that BQP’s fleet, which was previously only in operation for 8 hours, is now better used. Also, the long queues in receival areas and dense traffic in the city during day can be avoided at night, Wunsch said.

Growth in airlines business

BQP’s turnover is directly linked to the hospitality sector and 2015 has not been a year of growth. Summer tourism in the UAE declined about 20%, mainly because Ramadan is now in summer. Also the high value of the US dollar against the euro affected tourism from Europe.

However, BQP’s business with airlines is growing every year by about 5% and it has a new business with its own vending machines, starting with 25 machines, mainly in hospitals and government offices offering juices and salads. All the investment and operations are done by BQP itself.

Part of Barakat Group, BQP produces cut vegetables and fruits, ice cream and fruit juice. It has 95 varieties of juices and 200 different ice creams flavours. It is also retailing soups and salads.

BQP going public

Another key development is that BQP is going public. Forty percent of its capital will be listed in an IPO (initial public offering.) Also, it is investing in a new logistic centre serving both its factories, one objective of which is to facilitate its night deliveries.

MM

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Jebal, the renowned quality from Morocco

This year, Jebal became the number one importer of Moroccan fresh fruit and vegetables into the GCC countries.

This year, Jebal became the number one importer of Moroccan fresh fruit and vegetables into the GCC countries.

“We have enjoyed a 70% jump in Moroccan produce this season, with a huge market awareness of it,” confirmed Driss Dehbi, co-founder and CEO of Jebal. “In the past few years Morocco was considered more as just a gap filler in the market.” But he said that now the country has become a major supplier, in particular for tomatoes and vegetables, with continuous and growing volumes over the full season. Other regions of origin are South America, North America, Europe and Australia.“Quality is more important than price, and the Middle Eastern distributors are giving more and more preference to Moroccan produce nowadays.”

Tomatoes are the main product imported in the UAE. They are appreciated for their good quality and affordable price. “We are supplying 100 to 120 tons per week of tomatoes from Morocco, imported by air.” Citrus fruit is the second top category imported, followed by mixed fruit and vegetables. Jebal supplies the different market segments of the Gulf, from wholesale markets to modern retailers (like Carrefour, Union, and Aswaq), as well as re-export channels and its own specialty stores in Abu Dhabi. 

 Hamad Al Art and Driss Dehbi

Developments in other food divisions

Jebal’s CEO confirmed the firm’s expansion in other areas of the perishable food business, as it boasts its own large cooling facilities. Jebal also distributes red meat, frozen chicken, seafood and processed fruit and vegetables, as well as other grocery items like juices and confectionery. “The food service sector in the UAE is indeed expanding, with food channels becoming more structured,” Dehbi said. He confirmed that the level of quality demanded by the market is gradually improving. Jebal is also investing in Morocco, in packing operations. “Our goal is to have direct relations with the growers and improve the efficiency of the supply chain,” he said. Jebal complies with the HACCP food security standard and is pushing hard for local authorities to establish import standards. “Currently there are no obligatory standards for fresh produce coming onto the market,” Hamad Al Art and Driss Dehbi Dehbi said. He believes produce not complying with such standards should not be allowed to enter the country.

PE

This interview first appeared on page 49 of edition 139 (Sept/Oct 2015) of Eurofresh Distribution magazine. Read more of that issue online by clicking on the image of it here:

 

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Elite Harvest brand performing strongly

SPECIAL middleeast ELITE AGRO Mr Saeed Al Bahri

Elite Agro is state-of-the-art fruit and vegetable production farm in the UAE since 2010.

Elite AgrElite Agro was set up as a corporate farming business in the UAE in 2010 with a vision of promoting self-reliance and food security in surrounding society and the wider region via new benchmarks in the production of high quality and safe agricultural products.
Its sustainable agriculture policy is designed to contribute towards environmental health, economic profitability and social equity. “Stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance to us,” said Saeed Al Bahri, Managing Director of Elite Agro LLC. “It’s crucial to realize that each small decision we take makes a big difference and helps move the whole system toward sustainable agriculture. Our key to moving forward is the will to take the next step and keep diversifying our products, which increases both our economic and ecological resilience. The efficient management of every product is our aim,” he said.
Food safety is a high priority on all Elite Agro Farms. Consumer and buyer confidence in, and perception of, Elite Agro products is further enhanced by its safety program for prevention of any kind of contamination risk. Proof of its investment in all the necessary steps to guarantee very high quality and safe products are its certifications with Global G.A.P., BRC, HACCP and ISO22000.

Water management – making the most of each drop
Mr Saeed stressed the importance of judicious usage of water not just for Elite Agro but for the UAE’s agriculture sector as a whole. “We allocate our water resources via a smart mix of agricultural production systems to ensure water is used strategically and sustainably. More crop-per-drop: that’s our philosophy in optimizing the ratio of a crop’s yield to the water required to produce it. Our sophisticated water management, sensing and distribution systems are applied to achieve maximum efficiency. Indeed, this year we are converting all our vegetable and fruit production to soilless culture in a closed system where we will recycle a large amount of our water and nutrients and use a media that can hold more water than sand. Thus, converting to soilless will reduce groundwater contamination and make our methodology even more environmentally-friendly.”

Homegrown product: Elite Harvest
“We have gained the know-how to bring top-quality vegetables to the market through our well-known Elite Harvest brand, which has performed well for us in the last year,” said Sales and Marketing Manager James Varghese. “This season, our products ripened into a successful line that we will nurture and expand each year. We produce and sell Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Eggplants, Strawberries and Lettuces throughout winter and spring (November-June). Strict appearance standards are applied upon their inspection and they are packed to the highest standardsfor retail and wholesale chains. We are in the process of establishing another site so we can also produce in the hotter months and thus supply these products to our clients year-round,” he said.

Keys to success
Mr Saeed said a dedicated team had fuelled Elite Agro’s fast-paced growth in the last three years. “We provided the environment for innovation and productive hard work and they spared no effort in proving that everything is possible and that the sky’s the limit,” he said.
Elite Agro sees the following as keys to its continued success:
– to further strengthen its expertise and enrich its accumulated knowledge;
– to exceed consumer and customer expectations in terms of quality health products; and
– to increase its production efficiency in the use of limited natural resources by introducing state-of-the-art innovative technologies and methodologies.

Precision farming
Precision farming is the next generation of farming, Saeed said. “It will allow us to focus on achieving the highest possible quality yields with minimum input. So we are continuously investigating in how our products, tools, net house structures and greenhouses can be improved to achieve our goals without wasting our resources. We will keep collaborating with all our suppliers to achieve the most sustainable cultivation,” he said.

Targeting foreign markets
Mr Saeed said Elite Agro has what it takes to enter existing and emerging foreign markets, namely sufficient land, resources, water usage efficiency, growing structure and systems, and specialized equipment for growing, harvesting and packing, and cold rooms. Similarly, it has reliable infrastructure, efficient commercial and financial services, different production intervals, and high standard global certifications.

From farm to fork – Elite Agro’s produce tracking
“We use a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) to provide traceability for all our products, with another lot or batch number specifically identifying where the produce came from and the harvest and packing dates. Delivering safe food products is our primary focus,” Mr Varghese said.

Reducing its carbon footprint
Among Elite Agro’s key initiatives for reducing its carbon footprint are to reduce and recycle waste; ensure most of its lighting, equipment and motors are energy efficient; and to use better logistics for all deliveries that calculate the most efficient truck routes and combine customer orders where practical.

PE

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Emirates also investing in advanced production

SPECIAL me HYDROPONICS

Successful growers of hydroponic lettuces and herbs are developping in the UAE.

The Emirates Hydroponics Farms produce more than 25 varieties of leaf vegetables specializing in lettuces and herbs over 20,000m2 of advanced growing systems. “Our major issue here in the Middle East is climate control during summer, when we face temperatures of 50ºC” explained manager Rudi Azzato, who was involved in the first installation. Founded in 2005, the company has invested in all the advanced technology necessary to succeed. Three types of production units have been created. These include a 9.5 meter high greenhouse with an area of 1000m2 for continuous production during the 12 months. This is equivalent to over 8,000 m2 of traditional farming. There are two separate areas of 9000m2 and 8000m2 using both NFT and Flood & Drain hydroponic systems, for production from October-May. The greenhouse is equipped with an Australian growing system called the Rotating Growing System that is 6m-high, has 16 crop layers and rotates every 45 minutes. It is fully air conditioned, with two large chillers. The walls are double thickness polycarbonate panels of 10 mm. The NFT and Flood & Drain systems suit the various types of crops grown at EHF. These units are “more productive, more reliable and cost effective in the long run for investment in a lifetime hydroponic system,” advised Azzato. Water and nutrients are the only elements used to grow lettuces and herbs. The productivity achieved for lettuces is 68 kg per m2 for Boston type butterhead lettuces of 300 grams a piece. “Our production cost is between a local field crop and an airfreight import. It took us three years to educate the clients as well as finding right customers who appreciate European quality produce, that is grown locally. EHF produce achieves a premium price within the local market place, however considerably lower than imported as no duty or long haul freight is required. EHF produce, is all sold locally to Dubai and Abu Dhabi wholesalers and supermarkets. “Hydroponics is becoming a more popular system of production as water is the most valuable and limited element in the area”. Rudi Azzato together with Emirates Hydroponics Farms are the pioneers in the hydroponics agriculture industry of UAE, names that are well respected within the industry. “We are seeing more and more local Emiratis investigating the possibility of converting their traditional farm businesses over to hydroponics, through the government support system,” said Mr Azzato.