Eight companies from Wales will be showcasing their products at Gulfood 2022, one of the world’s largest annual food and drink trade exhibitions.
Gulfood is a five-day event held on Februay 13-17, at the World Trade Centre in Dubai.
The exhibition attracts over 5,000 suppliers from 198 countries around the world keen to discover new market opportunities, meet with suppliers, sample new foods and learn about the latest culinary trends.
Supported by the Welsh government, the eight companies attending are Dairy Partners; Rachel’s Dairy; Mario’s Ice Cream; Calon Wen; Hilltop Honey; Old Coach House Distillery; Morning Foods; and Ty Nant.
Old Coach House Distillery, a Monmouthshire-based company and the world’s first alcohol-free distillery, is hoping that Gulfood will open new opportunities for them in the Middle East.
Cameron Mackay, sales and marketing director at Old Coach House Distillery said:
“We are excited to showcase our two unique distilled, botanical, alcohol-free brands to the UAE market. We believe the attendees at Gulfood will be very receptive to our brand and hope we can meet many potential customers.
“We are looking to broaden our horizons on what market potential there is in the No/Low alcohol drinks category in GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] and beyond. We are also optimistic that our brand will be well received by our target audience.”
Newtown-based company Hilltop Honey, is also hoping to break into the UAE market. Its managing director Scott Davies said:
“We have decided to attend the Gulfood event as we are building a presence in the UAE and Saudi.
“Not only that, it’s a fantastic middle ground to meet prospective customers on varying sides of the world. We are hoping to increase brand exposure, increase distribution in current countries but also gain access to new markets.”
“Gulfood provides a strong platform to sell Welsh produce around the world,” said Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths, reiterating Davies’ sentiment.
“The Welsh food and drink sector is one we can rightly be proud of and we need to ensure everybody knows about it.
“It is important we maintain our visibility and showcase the innovative products made here in Wales at key global trade events.”
