Enterprise Singapore – the trade and enterprise development government agency, together with the Singapore Food Manufacturers’ Association (SFMA) – is participating in Gulfood for the 10th consecutive year in 2019. It is leading 46 Singaporean food and beverage companies exhibiting at Gulfood 2019. Nearly half of the companies are launching food products that are new to either the UAE or the Middle East region.
“Singapore’s food products are gaining international acceptance because of their innovativeness, quality and compliance with food safety standards,” states Png Cheong Boon, CEO, Enterprise Singapore. “In particular, the Middle East region is a fast-growing food and beverage market and a key food export destination for Singapore companies. Gulfood, as a leading trade show in Dubai, is an excellent platform for companies to understand the latest market trends, connect with food traders and distributors not just from the Middle East but worldwide, and to forge meaningful business partnerships.”
In 2018, the Middle East accounted for almost AED758 million of Singapore’s manufactured food exports, of which 75% were for the GCC. The UAE ranked among the top three food export destinations in region last year. Enterprise Singapore successfully facilitated 28 partnerships between local food companies with franchisees and distributors in the Middle East in 2018 alone. Currently, more than 30 Singapore food companies are doing business in the region.
In celebration of a decade of Singapore’s participation at Gulfood, the Singapore Pavilion features the ‘innovation and technology zone’ where smart food products and concepts are exhibited. In addition, there is ‘supermarket aisle’ concept, which displays the full variety of Singapore food brands exhibiting at Gulfood 2019, including products that are new to the market.
Enterprise Singapore supports Singapore companies in their efforts to expand their businesses by connecting them to networks and opportunities overseas. It has offices in Dubai, UAE, and Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Gulfood – running from February 17-21) – is one of the largest food and beverage trade shows globally.