French pavilion getting stronger at Gulfood

The 22^nd edition of Gulfood, taking place from February 26 to March 2 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is all set to see a stronger French Pavilion comprising 70 companies divided in four key sectors as follows.

• The food specialties section representing 32 companies at the Hall World Food, Sheikh Saeed Hall.
• The dairy section representing 16 companies will showcase their range of products at Dairy Products Hall – Hall 1.
• The beverages section will include a group of 8 select companies displaying fresh and frozen products at Zaa’beel new halls.
• The meat & poultry section displaying French culinary specialties by 6 handpicked meat/poultry specialists on the Hall Meat and Poultry – Hall 3.

With its focus on food security and building sustainable sources, the French Pavilion promises to unveil unusual and innovative new products, new flavours, trendy ingredients and healthy food variants in addition to latest technologies and packaging ideas.

For the first time at Gulfood, France will be represented under the label ‘Made In France Made With Love’ highlighting the French food industry’s values around quality know-how, coupled with passion and commitment.

In addition, there will be ‘Made in France’ baby products, white and brown sugar, eggs and cheese, sauces and condiments, baked goods and desserts pastry, meat and ready meals, processed fruits and soft drinks, among others.

“For France, recognised for its technical expertise and high quality products, especially in the food sector, the Middle East is an important market, with its booming hospitality and retail sectors,” says Marc Cagnard, Business France director in the Middle East. “With the UAE as a regional hub and a key economic partner for us, this is a step towards boosting our trade and economic relations. It is also interesting to note that the Middle East is one of the largest importers of French dairy products.”

Internationally, French F&B exports increased by 207% between 2010 and 2015. French exports have grown not only in the UAE, but also across the Middle East with the region representing over 3% of French food exports.

Saudi Arabia is considered as the largest export market for French companies in the F&B sector accounting for about $1 billion in 2015. The Middle East’s share in the $8 billion French dairy produce exported around the world is about $400 million.