Indian participation at this year’s Gulfood is set to be the biggest yet, with more than 20 major exhibitors coming from the booming country. Including the Tea Board of India, Spices Board of India, Coffee Board of India and India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Middle East is an important region for Indian imports.
Food exports to the GCC from India is worth an estimated US $3 billion a year, with agricultural and processed food exports from India to the UAE alone, accounting for more than $273 million.
“Indo-GCC trade is vitally important to both regions for the continued prosperity of the market. Gulfood brings partners together to discuss future developments, showcase their products and services, and continue the growth of our historically strong relationship,” said Joanne Cook, exhibitions manager, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
And, according to APEDA, the Middle East is already a target market for more than three-quarters of India’s main export products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, confectionary and dairy items.
“Participation at Gulfood is vital as this is an important event and one of the biggest food trade fairs in the Middle East. This exhibition not only enables exporters to export their products to the UAE, but also to other Middle East countries as well,” said A.S. Rawat, general manager, APEDA.
“India is an important partner of the Middle East market both in terms of exports and imports. From 2005-2006 India exported agro products to the Middle East market to the extent of $1325 million, which is 33% of India’s exports of APEDA products, so this clearly shows the strategic importance of the Middle East to India,” added Rawat.
Other Indian companies participating at the show include Little Bee Impex from Punjab, Sara Spices from Cochin, Arjan Impex from Delhi and Parle Products from Mumbai.
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