Food Turkey Magazine October 2017

Gulfood Manufacturing to
underline Dubai’s status as
global food supply chain hub
1,600-plus exhibitors
bound for MENA’s
largest specialist food
manufacturing and
processing event
as geographical
location, stability
and government
investment affirm
Dubai’s critical role
in the future of food
Dubai, UAE – As the world’s population
figures continue to soar,
so does demand for food with a
United Nations Department of
Social and Economic Affairs study
revealing the global figure is growing
annually by 83 million people
and estimated to reach 9.7 billion
people by 2050. Consequently, the
need for food is set to increase by
at least 60 per cent.
In the GCC alone, population
growth is forecasted to maintain a
Compound Annual Growth Rate
(CAGR) of 2.4 per cent to reach
57.6 million by 2019, according to
Alpen Capital. As a result, regional
food consumption will rise by a
CAGR of 3.5 per cent to hit 51.9
million tons annually.
Identifying an urgent need to address
growing food demand in the
region, fueled by a growing population
with an increasing disposable
income per capita, Dubai, boosted
by its strategic geographical location,
modern infrastructure, sociopolitical
stability and commitment
to economic investment has moved
to the forefront of the international
food supply chain industry.
And Gulfood Manufacturing 2017,
which takes place from 31 October
to 2 November at Dubai World
Trade Centre (DWTC) - will reinforce
the emirate’s strategic objective
to become a global hub for the
food processing and supply chain
industries.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice
President, Exhibitions & Events
Management, DWTC, said: “Dubai’s
geographical location, political stability
and world-class infrastructure
support the food processing sector
and food export trade. The contin-
74 FOOD TURKEY October 2017