As the world population continues to soar, so does demand for food with a United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs’ study revealing that the global figure is growing annually by 83 million and is estimated to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050; consequently, the need for food is set to increase by at least 60 percent.

In the GCC alone, population growth is forecast to maintain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4 percent to reach 57.6 million by 2019, according to Alpen Capital. As a result, regional food consumption will rise by a CAGR of 3.5 percent to hit 51.9 million tonnes annually.

Identifying an urgent need to address growing food demand in the region, fuelled by a growing population with an increasing disposable income per capita, Dubai, boosted by its strategic geographical location, modern infrastructure, socio-political stability and commitment to economic investment has moved to the forefront of the international food supply chain industry.

Gulfood Manufacturing 2017, which takes place between 31st October and 2nd November at the Dubai World Trade Centre, DWTC, will reinforce the emirate’s strategic objective of becoming a global hub for food processing and supply chain industries.

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC, said, "Dubai’s geographical location, political stability and world-class infrastructure support the food processing sector and food export trade. The continued growth of Gulfood Manufacturing is further evidence of how the world’s leading food industry providers view the show as a must-attend and Dubai as a preferred destination to both house and grow their global business."

Backed by a visionary leadership committed to diversifying the country’s economy the food trade currently accounts for 11 percent of the UAE’s GDP Dubai has assumed a crucial role in manufacturing and processing to packaging and re-exports. The UAE is already the world’s biggest re-exporter of rice, accounting for 81 percent of global trade.

Innovative government-backed initiatives such as Dubai Wholesale City and Dubai Food Park and private sector investment, highlighted by halal food producer Al Islami’s US$27.2-million facility at Dubai Investment Park, Brazil’s BRF SA’s $150-million plant and Abu Dhabi's National Food Products Company’s $411-million facility at the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi have further cemented the UAE’s increasingly influential role in the food supply chain industry.

"Government and private sector investment in the industry complement Gulfood Manufacturing as all major stakeholders continue to work together in Dubai’s quest to become the primary hub in the global food production value chain," LohMirmand added.