Record British showing at Gulfood 2008

Classic British traditions met British innovation as Food from Britain showcased a record number of exhibitors on its British pavilion at the Gulfood show in Dubai on 24-27 February 2008.

The 42 companies – the largest ever British pavilion at Gulfood – ranged from major British brands to premium niche products, and will be showcasing added-value products alongside new product launches. Big names on the pavilion include Weetabix, Aunt Bessie’s and A G Barr, producers of Irn-Bru.

The record 42 exhibitors testify to the acclaim that British food and drink producers are winning across the Gulf region. Figures provided by FFB show a continued increase in exports to the region, which rose again to £202m in 2006. Product sectors showing particular increases were biscuits and other baked goods, tea, coffee and condiments. There was an extraordinary increase in UK Fish and Seafood exports to the GCC countries, UK Fresh Fish exports having almost doubled from £0.17 million in 2005 to £0.30 million in 2006 and Smoked/Dried Fish rising from £0.59 to £0.99 million.

Ruth O’Connor, Development Markets Executive at Food from Britain, commented: “British products are a great fit for the markets within the Gulf region. The classic premium products such as smoked salmon, cheeses and teas do well in the hotels and top-end retail outlets, while the big British brands appeal strongly to the ex-pat community. The Gulf region’s appetite for British fare shows no signs of diminishing!”

ENDS

Notes for editors
Food from Britain (FFB), the international market development network which works in over 30 international markets, helps some 700 British food and drink companies each year to build their international business.  For further information visit: www.foodfrombritain.com.        

24 February 2008