Another year, another list of shows

The UAE plays hosts to a number of events each year, and bills itself as a key destination for MICE events.

Last month was no exception, and was perhaps the busiest month in the calendar for food and beverage professionals. Firstly, there was Gulfood.

Billed as the largest event for the catering industry in the Middle East, the four-day event played host to more than 2000 exhibitors, as well as the annual Salon Culinaire.

Walking around the show, it was evident that Gulfood was just as busy as usual, with key buyers in attendance as well as a host of chefs and food and beverage managers. But does quantity guarantee a successful show?

It is all very well boasting record numbers, but the number of deals that were signed, and what industry figures thought of the show is the real proof in the pudding. Indeed, a number of exhibitors did sign major deals, while others used the show as a platform to showcase their latest products to the market. A number of restaurant mangers also returned each day, not just to catch up with peers that were at the show but also to educate staff members about the importance of shows like Gulfood.

On the other side of town though, there was a much more low-key event, the Dubai Wine & Beverage Fair (DWBF). Certainly not recording visitor numbers anywhere near Gulfood, as a strict, trade-only show, the quality of those that did attend was high.

Although the duopoly in the Dubai beverage market makes it hard for companies wanting to enter the market, you have to admire the determination of wine producers returning to the show, as it is no secret that the two major players; MMI and a+e, both have a bulging portfolio.

Talking to a number of exhibitors at DWBF, some saw it as a great opportunity to meet restaurant managers, while others struggled with the concept that the Dubai market is slightly different to Europe. There was a similar consensus at Gulfood, and so it seems that while exhibitors should perhaps do more research into a region before arriving, the show organisers should also be as transparent as possible, in order for it to be a successful show for everyone.

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