Spain is releasing its biggest-ever Gulfood campaign the 21st edition of the world's largest annual food and hospitality exhibition, which runs from 21-25 February at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Under the umbrella of ICEX, the Spanish Trade and Investment body, and the Spanish Exporting Manufacturers Association for the Hospitality Industry (AFEHC), the Spanish Pavilion will have 218 companies getting involved across 2,196 square metres of exhibition space at Gulfood 2016.

This is the 12th consecutive Gulfood outing for both AFEHC in hospitality and catering devices and ICEX in food and beverages. The Spaniards will roll out a vast array of hospitality and catering devices-- from ice makers, fire-proof doors, food storage equipment and containers, to combi ovens, blast chillers, kitchenware, commercial washers and juicers-- as they seek to capitalise on the UAE's track record as a major re-export center and Dubai's broadening transhipment outreach.

"We have items and options for the whole hotel and restaurant operations chain consisting of cooking, service and screen, food handling, transportation and cleaning," stated Rafael Olmos, President of AFEHC. "Under the umbrella brand Horeca Equipment from Spain, we will exhibit our newest innovations in equipment for the hotel, restaurant and catering market that offer innovative technical options, top-notch, reliability, maximum efficiency and energy effectiveness.".

The UAE food market is going through consistent growth with annual development prospects of around 4-5 % generally. With 30 % of all food and food service imports to the UAE being re-exported, the nation - and Dubai in particular - is the entrance to other markets across the Gulf and the Middle East. This makes trading here an extremely attractive recommendation, as it opens up access to 40 million inhabitants in the Gulf location.
Gulfood has actually ended up being a strategic and obligatory date to keep for the food sector, not only with a view to recognizing market specific niches and taking company chances in a region with high financial development rates and a high demand for quality food, but likewise for networking with business partners from a vast array of locations.

Spain is also viewed as vital magnet for food and drink market investment partnerships as it aims to benefit its domestic sector through its Vision 2020 Science, Technology and Development Method. Additionally, the Spanish structure will display products in more than 19 crucial sectors, consisting of halal, dairy, gourmet, organic, meat, and coffee to name a few.

"Spain is purchasing its Research and Development capabilities and aims to invest 2 % of GDP on research study by 2020. Its new method bodes well for international food and drink collaborations focussing as it does on increasing worldwide partnership, promoting more private participation in R&D and putting more focus on innovation and knowledge transfer. Gulfood, which promotes more trade and patterns, can be an incubator of collaborations which fall well within the remit of this technique," stated Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC.

Some 5,000 exhibitors from 120 nations are due at Gulfood 2016, including a record 117 national and trade association structures-- 5 more than last year-- with newbie involvement from Russia, Costa Rica, Belarus, Mauritius and New Zealand returning after a six-year break.

"With the regional market remaining highly buoyant given Dubai's re-export reach, especially to the high growth areas of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, we anticipate our record exhibitor turnout will be matched by an equally high visitor turnout," included LohMirmand.

With more than 85,000 visitors from over 170 countries anticipated at Gulfood 2016, the program will also host international heads of state, ministers, government officials and nationwide trade associations from 5 continents.

Gulfood 2016 is a strictly trade-only occasion for business and trade visitors. The program is open 11am-7pm from February 21-24 and 11am-5pm on February 25. Visitors can pre-register at www.gulfood.com to save AED100 (US$ 27) on the AED300 (US$ 81.70) on-site entry fee.