For the first time, there was an Irish presence at Gulfood Manufacturing, the only dedicated food ingredients show held in the Middle East. The three-day event was held in Dubai and brought together 1,500 exhibitors from the food and beverage industry and more than 30,000 attendees.

According to Bord Bia manager in Dubai Michael Hussey, the Gulfood trade show offers a chance to present Ireland’s unique message of sustainable food production to an audience in a growth market.

“Participating at Gulfood Manufacturing proves our confidence in the region to deliver for Irish producers and exporters and offers an ideal opportunity for Bord Bia to engage directly with buyers from near Asia, the Middle East and north Africa,” added Hussey.

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From an export perspective, the Middle East and north African markets have performed very well in recent years, with Irish food and beverage exports to the region valued at €364m last year. This represented a 20% increase on the previous year, driven mainly by dairy-based exports.

Seafex

At the same time, Irish seafood companies Gallagher Bros and Harty Oysters were participating at the Middle East’s biggest showcase and trade fair for the seafood industry, Seafex 2015. The event, which was also held in Dubai, allowed both companies the chance to meet a highly targeted audience of hotels, restaurants, catering buyers, wholesalers and distributors.