From innovative water to meat-free alternatives and online purchasing platforms, industry mega fair in Dubai shines light on thousands of global launches and new-to-market products 

Dubai, UAE – 20th February, 2019: Gulfood 2019, the 24th edition of the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade show, has once again reinforced its reputation as the tailor-made trading platform for F&B specialists from around the world to display their latest innovations with thousands of global reveals and new-to-market launches rolled out across the 1,000,000 sq. ft exhibition at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

“For three decades now, Gulfood has continually raised the food industry forum bar, and this year is no different. The F&B landscape is continually evolving, consumer preferences and F&B producers are having to adapt and evolve, yet one thing remains constant, global food and beverage specialists see Gulfood as the ideal vehicle to launch their new products,” said Mark Napier, Show Director, Gulfood 2019. “This year we have witnessed thousands of global reveals and new-to-market product launches.”

As the mega F&B fair heads into its final day of a five-day run, here’s a selection of global reveals and regional launches at the show: 

Innovation at the heart for UAE’s Agthia

UAE F&B industry power brand Agthia demonstrated its commitment to advancing the regional industry and a commitment to growing demand for health and wellness with the launch of two new innovative products, the region’s first zero-bromate water and the first vitamin D fortified flour. 

The firm says its Al Ain Zero Bromate water “is one of the purest drinking solutions available, making it “suitable for pregnant women” and people with kidney disease. The new vitamin D multipurpose flour contains the daily requirement of vitamin D, created to address vitamin D deficiency in the UAE and the region.

A gateway to Chile

Highlighting the appeal of Gulfood as the ideal platform for global food exporters to make their mark on the industry and a gateway to new markets, ProChile, the Chilean Export Promotion Bureau, chose Gulfood 2019 to unveil its new ecommerce platform to the world. 

As digital transformation sweeps across industries, ProChile’s new platform shows how F&B exporters can use technology to their advantage. The website www.Chileb2b.cl has been designed to provide buyers with a comprehensive overview of all Chilean products, including its renowned fresh grapes and blueberries, salmon fillets, dried plums and dried apples - and walnuts. In 2018, Chilean exports of nuts to the world reached USD425 million, with the Middle East accounting for USD50 million. USD26 million worth of Chilean walnuts were exported to the UAE.

Protein water from New Zealand
NZMP, the global the global dairy ingredients and solutions business of Fonterra, from New Zealand, showcased its innovation, unveiling its protein water concept, made with its NEW SureProtein™ Clear WPI, and designed to meet requirements of a growing sports and active lifestyle market in the region. 

“It’s an interesting and unique product in the region as it gives consumers the benefits of dairy protein and hydration in a clear, refreshing low-calorie drink, that tastes great,” says Simon Penfold, NZMP General Manager, Middle East and Africa. 

“The value in health and wellness products is rising rapidly across the Middle East and Africa and we expect this trend will continue. At the same time, demand grows for affordable nutrition and dairy ingredients that can meet the varied needs of consumers in the Middle East and Africa,” 

Meat-free alternative from the UK

With health, wellness and free-from front and centre of more consumers worldwide, the UK’s Meatless Farm Co. chose Gulfood 2019 to bring its range of plant-based meat alternative products to the regional market. The British company’s burgers are made with plant-based ingredients from pea protein to chicory root and are convenient offering that are high and protein and a good source of fibre.
 
Gulfood is an opportunity to do business outside of the EU and grow our business in a very important region. We’re using Gulfood to tap into the Middle East and Asia-Pacific,” said Roger Woodall, CEO Meatless Farm Co.
Notions in the know with new snack
Demonstrating how it is keeping pace with consumer trends, UAE-based Notions Global unveiled its new premium chocolate range Rouge. With each piece containing 10g of chocolate, Rouge is a bite-sized snack that is the right side of “indulgence”.
  
“This is the only product in the market based on pure, high-quality chocolate, with a very good percentage of roasted nuts, almonds and hazelnuts or fruits. It is premium chocolate. At just 10g it’s a snack that is not too much indulgence,” said founder Fawaz Masri, who added that the company is finalising partnerships with leading UAE supermarkets to bring the product to UAE consumers.

One more day to see latest F&B innovations on display
Gulfood 2019 is a trade event open strictly to business and trade visitors. The show enters its final day on 21 February and is open from 11am-5pm. For more information, visit www.gulfood.com