Increasing regional food production and the need for sustainable, flexible and cost-effective packaging solutions catered to regional consumers tastes will see a host of leading global packaging technology providers converge on next months inaugural Gulfood Manufacturing - the regions only dedicated F&B processing exhibition.

With the food and beverage (F&B) sector contributing 59 per cent of a MENA packaging industry predicted to be worth US$41.1 billion in 2014 according Smithers Pira, major players from across the international packaging industry will display the latest packaging technologies in a variety of F&B-related sectors at ProPack Middle East a core component of Gulfood Manufacturing, which runs 9-11 November at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Packaging industry companies will leverage Gulfood Manufacturing to highlight an array of innovative solutions to production challenges across the entire value chain from raw material suppliers, through convertors, right to finished products as they seek to gain a greater share of a MENA packaging industry forecast to grow at a CAGR of five per cent to US$52.4 billion by 2019 (Source: Smithers Pira).

The way foodstuffs and processed foods and beverages are packaged serves as a vital factor in consumers purchasing decisions. Local and regional food companies are actively exploring best available packaging solutions to address consumers growing expectations in food packaging - from freshness, health, visual appeal and branding, said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice-President, Events & Exhibitions Department, DWTC. Gulfood Manufacturing is a dedicated platform for food producers and service operators to meet with world-class packaging sector suppliers, as well as those in the processing, logistics and manufacturing sectors.

With a raft of major global packaging providers exhibiting at Gulfood Manufacturing, European companies will among the largest contingent. Serac, a French leader in the design and manufacture of packaging solutions for dairy, oils and sauces & HPC, will showcase a new technology which blows bottles from a plastic sheet and a Nova dosing systems for packaging complex products. With more than 40 years experience in filling and capping technology, Serac is just one international packaging giant launching new-to-region technologies at the show.

The Middle East, Africa and South Asia already contribute more than 30 per cent of Seracs annual turnover and these territories represent important potential growth avenues in the coming years. With regional companies such as IFFCO, Nadec, Asian Paints, Afia Savola and Unilever among others already on our books, we are reinforcing our presence in the region through Gulfood Manufacturing, said Olivier Chevreteau, Sales Director, Serac SAS EMEA.

Meanwhile, GEA Group, one of the worlds largest food processing industry suppliers, will highlight its packaging prowess with a demonstration of the GEA PowerPak RT a cutting-edge thermoformer which sets new standards in performance for medium-sized production capabilities. The machine will be used to pack dates on the GEA Group stand.

Another European packaging solutions provider at Gulfood Manufacturing is Pattyn Packing Lines. The Belgium-based manufacturer of bulk packaging equipment will demonstrate the super compact and convenient poly bag inserter ZIM-11 a machine which automatically makes and inserts bags into boxes, crates or trays, offering substantial savings on packaging materials.

The Middle East and Africa are important markets for Pattyn and we are aiming to explore further food packaging opportunities in the region. The majority of our current customers are from oils and fats companies in South Asia but the niche, segmented nature of Gulfood Manufacturing will allow us to meet with new customers and potential agents from different food industries across the Middle East and Africa, said Gregory Van Dijck, International Sales Manager, Pattyn Packing Lines.

As the Middle Easts largest-ever trade show debut, Gulfood Manufacturing will feature more 1,100 global food manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, including a world-class line-up of international brands including IFFCO, Cargill Europe BVBA, Markel Bakery Group, Multivac, TNA Packing Solutions, Ishida Europe Ltd., Dhler Middle East and CSM Deutschland GmbH. The industry heavyweights will participate in themed sectors in more than 24 national pavilions including Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Switzerland, Taiwan, China, Thailand, India, Italy, Austria, France, the USA, the UK and Germany also the shows Official Country Partner.

Gulfood Manufacturing is open between 10am-6pm from 9-10 November and 10am-5pm on 11 November 2014 at DWTC. Visitor attendance is free of charge. For more information, please visit www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com