Gulfood 2005 is poised to become one of the world’s most influential industrial food events with an unprecedented number of companies and organisations registered to showcase their new and established products and the latest advances in various food-related sectors.

The organisers, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), had to deal with an unprecedented waiting list of 140 companies less than two months before the start of the exhibition which will be held from February 20 to 23 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
In a final effort, extra space was secured at the venue to fit 3,000 more sq m of business into what was already an event that had grown by 52 per cent on the 2003 show. Now at a staggering 71 per cent increase, the region’s leading industry event is fast becoming a leading global event.
 The 10th Gulfood has expanded in all sectors and will continue to be the main business platform for the food and drink, hotel and catering equipment,  and food packaging and processing industries. More than 2,000 participating companies from 43 countries will fill eight halls and 35 national pavilions will support Gulfood, an increase of 10 from the last show.
“Gulfood has long been the definitive event for the Middle East, North Africa and India. The tremendous commitment made by the industry for 2005 has raised the show to world class” says Joanne Cook, exhibitions manager at DWTC.
“The level of growth proves that the show is all about business. The region is an emerging market that delivers real results; a presence is vital for any company planning to trade with the Middle East and Africa,” she says.
Buyers from 71 countries visited Gulfood 2003 and more than 20,000 are expected to trade with the leading manufacturers and suppliers in February.
IIR Middle East is adding value to Gulfood by aligning the 3rd Food Marketing Forum from February 21 to 23. The forum will bring international and regional debates to Dubai in a fast-developing industry.
The Emirates International Salon Culinaire, organised by The Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG) and sponsored by Nestle Foodservice, Sadia and Master Baker, has also increased its activities at Gulfood. The guild will host competing international teams for the first time and will use the four-day feature to celebrate the talent and imagination of top chefs through competitions, demonstrations and displays.
There will also be a Restaurant of Nations that will allow lucky visitors to sample magical creations from the region’s leading chefs.
  “The whole ethos of the Emirates Salon Culinaire is the creation of an event dedicated to the culinary arts and the celebration of food and its accoutrements displayed in a variety of pleasing forms,” DWTC said.
The ECG is a member of the World Association of Cooks Societies (WACS), the governing body of the 52-nation alliance of chef’s associations worldwide. All of the international judges at ESC2005 will be WACS approved.